Justice for Our Neighbors (JFON) is a faith-driven ministry, welcoming immigrants into our churches and communities by providing free, high-quality immigration legal services, education and advocacy.
Volunteer Spotlight – Maya Barak
Every few months, we at JFON-SEMI like to honor one of our volunteers as our Volunteer Spotlight. This month we are honoring Maya Barak. As the volunteer spotlight Maya has been ask to write about her experiences with JFON-SEMI. Maya writes:
“I became involved with JFON through my experience as a community organizer focusing on worker and immigrant rights issues at the Washtenaw County Workers’ Center. Over my time with JFON I have done everything from welcome participants to perform bilingual intakes, all the while meeting dozens of wonderful community members, volunteers, and leaders. Though I moved to Washington to start my PhD in Justice, Law, and Society at American University this fall, I continue to provide occasional translation support via email because I believe in JFON.
JFON-SEMI is an amazing program that makes real differences in individuals’ lives. Working with JFON has taught me about both the intricacies of immigration law and the practical issues involved in adjusting one’s immigration status. More importantly, JFON-SEMI has reaffirmed my belief in the power of individuals to unite for positive change in the face of structural adversity. It is these lessons, among others learned from the social justice community, that have and will continue to serve as a grounding force in my academic and personal life”.
Intake Volunteer Opportunity
Do you have good people skills and an interest in meeting people from foreign lands? Can you provide a warm welcome while at the same time collecting very personal and confidential information?
Freq of service: 1 times per month/10 months per year
Length of time: 3 hours
Days of Service: Saturday mornings at Dearborn First UMC
Apply Today!
Fundraising Support Opportunity
Do you like to work behind the scenes to help maintain and grow project funding? Do you have technical writing skills to assist in grant applications of donor recruitment/management experience to build our support base?
Freq of service: 4-5 times per year
Length of time: 8 hours
Days of Service: Flexible; can work from home
Apply Today!
Advocacy Support Opportunity
Do you have a passion to educate and advocate in support of the immigrant – the second and equally important half of the JFON ministry? Can you help organize outreach events at local churches, university campuses and community organizations?
Freq of service: 3-4 times per year
Length of time: 4 hours
Days of Service:Flexible
Apply Today!
How Else Can I Help?
- Support JFON with a financial or in-kind gift
- Invite us to give a presentation at your religious or civic organization
- Reach out to a neighbor in need – share this resource
- Encourage your employer or group to make a “matching gift”
- Study immigration issues and be an advocate for justice
