Immigrant Solidarity Team
The Immigrant Solidarity Team is concerned with helping immigrants and refugees to adjust to life in the United States. We work with local organizations to achieve this goal, including the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights (ICIRR) and RefugeeOne. We also engage in legislative advocacy and learning opportunities for the congregation. The IST welcomes all who are interested in working to build a better world for immigrants in the United States. We meet on the 3rd Saturday of the month at 4:00pm. At present we are meeting on ZOOM. Contact Maggie Wilson or Michelle Novak through REALM or at admin@ucevanston.org.
The Immigrant Solidarity Team (IST) works to establish and nurture long-term partnerships with local immigrant communities and organizations. UCE seeks to:
The IST has recently expanded its work to include the support of refugees as well. Here are some of our most recent projects:
Updates from Immigrant Solidarity Team
Dear Chalice House Supporters: May 21, 2021
Happy May! Last year at this time, the world was in the midst of a lockdown, and Chalice House was in the midst of a transformation from a rental property into a home for immigrants seeking asylum. Repairs were underway, flooring was being installed, walls were being painted and furnishings were being gathered. By July, we welcomed a family into the home.
Financial Update
One year in, we can confidently report that this community-based housing model is working. Our goal is to sustain this program for many years, but to do so requires continued financial support to replace the lost rental income that Countryside Church Unitarian Universalist (CCUU) sacrificed to make Chalice House a reality. We've created this short video that tells the Chalice House story. Please take a moment to watch and be reminded that your support made this story possible. Then, we invite you to share it with others who you think might also be inspired to support the program.
Learn more about our financial plan here.
You're Invited: Here Comes the Sun
The Countryside Church Unitarian Universalist is hosting an online Auction, Here Comes the Sun, THIS WEEK! This annual fundraiser traditionally raises thousands of dollars to support our three local service partners and, since 2019, Chalice House.
Participating in the Here Comes the Sun Auction makes it easy for you to support Chalice House. Just go to 32Auctions.com/CCUU2021 and search for the Chalice House Raise the Paddle. 100% of your donation will go directly to Chalice House – and you'll receive a coupon for a free ice cream cone!
From hand-painted magnets, glassware and art to a week in a Colorado vacation home, this year's Auction has lots of other items to tempt you. Proceeds from these sales are split among Chalice House and our service partners, ICDI, POC and Faith in Place.
It's online and easy:
- Learn all about how to bid and the categories on the home page.
- Click on View All Items
- Click on each item to learn more and make a bid. You'll be asked to set up an account with your email, and then you are ready to go.
Bidding continues through May 22nd at 4 pm.
New Community Partner
We are excited to welcome our newest Community Partner, Dr. William McNerny, DDS, and we extend our gratitude to him for the exceptional dental care that he generously donated to the family. Our other partners are listed here.
Questions? As always, feel free to contact us with any questions.
Christine Organ and Laura Mandell
Co-Chairs