Contribute to Immigrant Justice Work

Current SIJT News:

In addition to continuing to assist the Guatemalan and Honduran families with whom UUCC is connected, the latest endeavor of the Sanctuary and Immigrant Justice Team is the Rapid Response Fund.  This fund is managed by Rev. Molly and Rev. Dottie and will be used to address the urgent financial needs of our immigrant neighbors during this time of cruel and unjust actions of our government. For those interested, contributions can continue to be made by specifying “Rapid Response Fund” with any cash, checks, or online gifts.  

We are partnering with Como Comunidad to help them do their amazing work in the Hispanic community here in Columbia. We would like to highlight a few events and opportunities coming up during Hispanic Heritage Month:

            Free English classes: Many volunteers are needed from teachers to childcare providers to clerical. For more information and to sign up go here – https://forms.monday.com/forms/e65a95928bec391bde3b1a238401e1f3?r=use1

Hispanic Heritage Month: From September 15 to October 15. Here is a chance to get involved and to find ways you yourself can celebrate at home – https://comocomunidad.org/hispanic-heritage-month-2026/

            Care Packages: Like last year, Como Comunidad is preparing care packages for Hispanic families. Donations are welcome, and there will be a volunteer opportunity to put care packages together.

            Movie at Ragtag: with Q&A with Como Comunidad afterwards on October 14.

            First Annual Hispanic Heritage Festival: On October 3, 11:00am – 2:00pm – https://comocomunidad.org/hispanic-heritage-fest-2026/ for more information.

            Volunteer Signup: at https://forms.monday.com/forms/8bfb5e48cd46fc5421ed0958a1355659?r=use1

When you sign up, you will be asked to schedule a short interview so that Como Comunidad can learn more about you and your interests. You will find the interview delightful and inspirational!

We really hope to see some of you at one or more of these events! The whole idea is to get all of us together and to get to know each other, no matter what our background or immigration status is. Together we are strong! Si, se puede!

Please contact us if you would like to get involved or would like more information:

Allie Gassmann (alliegassmann@socket.net) and Dave Gibbons (dgibbons@mchsi.com)

SIJT Co-Chairs

Background Information

On April 9, 2017, members of our congregation voted overwhelmingly to join the growing movement of faith communities working to protect immigrants facing unfair deportation by offering sanctuary to people who are at risk of being deported.

Members of our Sanctuary and Immigrant Justice Team (SIJT) work with other community members and other faith groups in Columbia as well as with the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee’s immigration justice efforts, and in that work, we are finding many ways to offer care and support to immigrant friends and neighbors across Missouri.

In September 2018, we held a Ritual of Dedication for our newly-installed shower to better equip our building in the event we are called upon to provide shelter for someone as they pursue legal solutions to their immigration status.

Two years after UUCC’s declaration as a Sanctuary congregation, we joined in helping to sponsor an asylum-seeking family from Honduras. In 2021, our Team led the effort to sponsor a family from Guatemala. Both families are awaiting their court dates in the years to come.

The plight of our immigrant and refugee friends is an ever-more urgent concern, and we are exploring what accompaniment of immigrants entails in the current moment.

If you would like to join our efforts on their behalf, please let us know. Our team currently meets the second Sunday of every month at 1 p.m. via Zoom.

For further information, please email Allie Gassmann or Dave Gibbons, co-chairs of the SIJT.