Embedded Files
We are looking for a very part time volunteer to serve as administrative assistant to our Executive Director.
Blue Triangle Solidarity
Blue Triangle Solidarity
Witness at the Border has adopted the Blue Triangle as a symbol of resistance against policies that violate the human rights and safety of migrants. We plan to officially launch our campaign on Saturday, May 3rd. We invite you to join us in this effort.
Nazi concentration camp badges, primarily triangles, were part of the system used in camps to identify the reason prisoners had been placed there. The triangles were made of fabric and sewn onto the prisoners’ jackets and pants. Each color had a specific meaning. The Nazis forced immigrants to wear blue triangles to identify themselves.
Learning from the atrocities of the Holocaust, we seek ways to stop crimes against humanity and to create awareness of heightened and unchecked persecution of migrating people through racist, inhumane, harsh, and punitive immigration enforcement.
By wearing and displaying the Blue Triangle, we stand in solidarity with those who seek asylum and those who exercise their human right to migrate.
MORE INFORMATION
Why the Blue Triangle? Video explains the historical significance of the blue triangle.
Blue Triangle Kits; We have a limited number of kits (stickers, information cards and buttons) available to send to you asap for marches and rallies on April 19th.
Partner Form: join us as a partner in our effort to spread the word and the use of this symbol in our struggle. Please complete the sign-on form by COB April 15th to allow us time to create materials (buttons, stickers, signs, etc). We will follow up with you on how to order materials.
GoFundMe: Please consider a donation to the Witness Fund to cover the costs of the Blue Triangle Solidarity Campaign.
Published Mar 28, 2025
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
"A new documentary, called "The Arrivals," spotlights the work of volunteers to aid the new migrants arriving in New York City. Filmmaker Andrea Garbarini said she intended the documentary as both celebration of their work and a call to action for viewers to help, as the Trump administration is promising to crack down on immigration."
From Valerie Carlisle
Journey to the Southern Border with Witness at the Border
March 9-16, 2025
(Last) week I returned from a journey to our southern border with Witness at the Border. Muriel Wieser Horowitz , Taylor W. Holbrook and Antonio Mochilero from the Hudson Valley were there along with over 70 people from across our country to witness and learn and discuss our current terrible situation.
I can't lie, it was wonderful to spend time with my Witness friends, even as the conditions for immigrants in our community has become frightening. It was so great to be among people passionate about justice. That cloud of horror hovers over us. I wake up at 2 am thinking of the Venezuelan men who Trump "disappeared" into that hellhole in El Salvador. I met many Venezuelan young men while I was at the Red Roof Inn who showed me the photos of their wives and children who they loved so dearly and were trying to support. Maybe they had tattoos. Doesn't everyone younger than me have tattoos? I know in my heart that those poor men who Trump used as pawns in his horrible and pathetic game are not gang members. They have been betrayed by lack of due process. We must get them out of there.
Yes, I rant. We must all rant, constantly and insistently. One outcome from our conference is the Blue Triangle campaign. I'll post more about that and I hope you will join us.
Here (are) my photos of our journey. San Antonio to Eagle Pass and Piedras Negras to El Paso and Ciudad Juarez to Ajo, AZ. We visited shelters, mostly empty. We lstened to experts from Las Americas, local activists, reporters, and the Mexican consulate. We met with a search and rescue org that has rescued over 1000 people from the desert. And, I hiked a beautiful desert canyon.
Our volunteer, Maxine Bookbinder, sat down with an immigration lawyer to learn more about the current situation for asylum seekers.
INTERVIEW WITH SANDRA STIMPSON
by Pixie Holbrook
"Today I had the pleasure of interviewing Sandra Stimpson, a lifelong political activist who has been busy at the New Orleans (NOLA) bus station, providing Grannies Respond support."
Team TLC-NYC Volunteer Interviews: Spring/Summer 2024
Ivan Helfan Barbara Lakin Valerie Coleman
INTERVIEW WITH IVAN HELFAND by MAXINE BOOKBINDER –
INTERVIEW WITH IVAN HELFAND by MAXINE BOOKBINDER –
June 2024
June 2024
The Little Shop of Kindness, Team TLC/NYC’s all-volunteer store that serves New York City’s growing migrant population, has helped thousands of these asylum-seekers adjust to their new lives. It has also impacted the lives of its volunteers.
The Little Shop of Kindness, Team TLC/NYC’s all-volunteer store that serves New York City’s growing migrant population, has helped thousands of these asylum-seekers adjust to their new lives. It has also impacted the lives of its volunteers.
One such volunteer is Ivan Helfand, who spent his professional life as an executive director, chief fundraiser, and grant writer for several non-profit organizations. “You can’t help but be impressed (by asylum-seekers). Their resilience, strength, their leaving home, making a better life for themselves.”
One such volunteer is Ivan Helfand, who spent his professional life as an executive director, chief fundraiser, and grant writer for several non-profit organizations. “You can’t help but be impressed (by asylum-seekers). Their resilience, strength, their leaving home, making a better life for themselves.”
Ivan brings decades of non-profit experience to the Shop. He wrote grants for off-Broadway theaters and for the North Shore Animal League, the world’s largest no-kill animal rescue and adoption organization. “I did work for organizations I loved and felt a connection and commitment to volunteering for the Shop is a wonderful opportunity.”
Ivan brings decades of non-profit experience to the Shop. He wrote grants for off-Broadway theaters and for the North Shore Animal League, the world’s largest no-kill animal rescue and adoption organization. “I did work for organizations I loved and felt a connection and commitment to volunteering for the Shop is a wonderful opportunity.”
Today, as one of two assistant directors at the store, Ivan handles business and finance matters, such as budgeting, raising money, spending cash, receiving in-kind contributions of clothing from corporations and the community, and business. He spends about 30 hours week volunteering. “I like being in the shop. It’s a fun, uplifting environment. I like the way I feel when I walk into the shop. I like being with the other volunteers who have made a commitment to the mission. It is very inspiring. I like the feeling of accomplishment and being part of a team.”
Today, as one of two assistant directors at the store, Ivan handles business and finance matters, such as budgeting, raising money, spending cash, receiving in-kind contributions of clothing from corporations and the community, and business. He spends about 30 hours week volunteering. “I like being in the shop. It’s a fun, uplifting environment. I like the way I feel when I walk into the shop. I like being with the other volunteers who have made a commitment to the mission. It is very inspiring. I like the feeling of accomplishment and being part of a team.”
Ivan started volunteering with Team TLC in 2022, when the so-called “Abbott buses,” sent by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott started arriving from Texas. Ivan estimates that volunteers met about 1000 buses over six months at New York City’s Port Authority bus terminal.
Ivan started volunteering with Team TLC in 2022, when the so-called “Abbott buses,” sent by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott started arriving from Texas. Ivan estimates that volunteers met about 1000 buses over six months at New York City’s Port Authority bus terminal.
He can connect the plight facing these asylum-seekers today to his own family history. “My grandparents were immigrants from Russia and Poland. Along the way, someone probably helped them. I want to pay it forward.” Ivan put together a fundraising plan,” a must for any successful non-profit. It’s not easy to raise money.” Some methods he has incorporated include soliciting major donors for gifts, writing grants to major corporations and creating mailings and special events. He also helped recruit volunteers to fundraise and write grants as well help with social media, photography, and videography. “In my experience, it is astonishing that we achieved so much in 1 1/2 years. We helped more than 25,000 migrants with clothes, referrals to other non-profits, legal assistance, personal products, anything people might need. Last year, 15,000 people came through the Little Shop of Kindness. Pop-ups around the city helped even more people get clothing, referrals, and other help. Ivan says their 2024 goal is to help at least 18,000 people. Ivan says his friends “admire what I am doing” at the Little Shop of Kindness. But he adds that he is just one of several volunteers. “It is a huge effort.” In his spare time, Ivan likes traveling and golfing, taking care of his two cats, Etta and Ella, as well as music, theater, dance, and film. Ivan is reticent to talk about himself but eager to offer praise for his companion volunteers. “If you want to volunteer for an organization that brings the best out of you, volunteer for Team TLC.”
He can connect the plight facing these asylum-seekers today to his own family history. “My grandparents were immigrants from Russia and Poland. Along the way, someone probably helped them. I want to pay it forward.” Ivan put together a fundraising plan,” a must for any successful non-profit. It’s not easy to raise money.” Some methods he has incorporated include soliciting major donors for gifts, writing grants to major corporations and creating mailings and special events. He also helped recruit volunteers to fundraise and write grants as well help with social media, photography, and videography. “In my experience, it is astonishing that we achieved so much in 1 1/2 years. We helped more than 25,000 migrants with clothes, referrals to other non-profits, legal assistance, personal products, anything people might need. Last year, 15,000 people came through the Little Shop of Kindness. Pop-ups around the city helped even more people get clothing, referrals, and other help. Ivan says their 2024 goal is to help at least 18,000 people. Ivan says his friends “admire what I am doing” at the Little Shop of Kindness. But he adds that he is just one of several volunteers. “It is a huge effort.” In his spare time, Ivan likes traveling and golfing, taking care of his two cats, Etta and Ella, as well as music, theater, dance, and film. Ivan is reticent to talk about himself but eager to offer praise for his companion volunteers. “If you want to volunteer for an organization that brings the best out of you, volunteer for Team TLC.”
Interview with Barbara Lakin
Interview with Barbara Lakin
by Maxine Bookbinder
by Maxine Bookbinder
Our Team TLC volunteer Barbara Lakin uses her sewing and fashion expertise to transform battered and dirty Barbie dolls into smiles on little girls’ faces. “This whole thing started organically,” says Barbara. It started from one salvaged Barbie and blossomed from there. Barbara cleaned a naked, brown doll a volunteer pulled from the garbage, sewed a dress and underwear for it, and then gave it to a child at the Little Shop of Kindness. “The little girl who got it was so happy, she cradled it like a baby.” Another volunteer was about to throw out multiple disheveled Barbies. Barbara took these, washed them, brushed their hair, sewed more sundresses and underwear, and handed them out.
Our Team TLC volunteer Barbara Lakin uses her sewing and fashion expertise to transform battered and dirty Barbie dolls into smiles on little girls’ faces. “This whole thing started organically,” says Barbara. It started from one salvaged Barbie and blossomed from there. Barbara cleaned a naked, brown doll a volunteer pulled from the garbage, sewed a dress and underwear for it, and then gave it to a child at the Little Shop of Kindness. “The little girl who got it was so happy, she cradled it like a baby.” Another volunteer was about to throw out multiple disheveled Barbies. Barbara took these, washed them, brushed their hair, sewed more sundresses and underwear, and handed them out.
A Little Shop of Kindness volunteer for two years, Barbara started sewing clothes to dress unclothed, donated Barbie dolls. She bought fabric to make dresses and underwear; another volunteer bought Amazon Barbie shoes. “The reaction was amazing,” says Barbara. “It’s one thing to get a packaged doll, but when I say, ‘I made the clothes just for you,’ it makes it that much more special.”
A Little Shop of Kindness volunteer for two years, Barbara started sewing clothes to dress unclothed, donated Barbie dolls. She bought fabric to make dresses and underwear; another volunteer bought Amazon Barbie shoes. “The reaction was amazing,” says Barbara. “It’s one thing to get a packaged doll, but when I say, ‘I made the clothes just for you,’ it makes it that much more special.”
The shop had several donated long-sleeved men’s dress, button-down Polo, J. Crew preppy plaid and check shirts which no one wanted. Barbara cut and then hemmed the sleeves, transforming the previously-ignored long-sleeved shirts into more popular short-sleeved shirts, and used the cut material for matching Barbie clothes and girls’ hair scrunchies. So far, she has given out shirts and matching Barbies to eight fathers and daughters. Barbara also fixes jewelry, which she gives to mothers and children, and shops yard and garage sales for toys; recently, she bought 40 matchbox cars for $10.
The shop had several donated long-sleeved men’s dress, button-down Polo, J. Crew preppy plaid and check shirts which no one wanted. Barbara cut and then hemmed the sleeves, transforming the previously-ignored long-sleeved shirts into more popular short-sleeved shirts, and used the cut material for matching Barbie clothes and girls’ hair scrunchies. So far, she has given out shirts and matching Barbies to eight fathers and daughters. Barbara also fixes jewelry, which she gives to mothers and children, and shops yard and garage sales for toys; recently, she bought 40 matchbox cars for $10.
“These people (asylum-seekers) left home months before, are now living in a shelter or a hotel. At the shop, they are treated like human beings.” To date, Barbara has handed out about 15 Barbies, which she likes to personally hand to the girls when possible. However, there are exceptions. One woman donated a Teddy Bear made from her wedding dress. Barbara cleaned it (“it had New York dust on it”) and gave it back to the volunteer, who handed it to the child. “I’m sure that little girl was thrilled. It was made from her (volunteer’s) wedding dress. It’s not like someone bought it at Kmart.” While the shop volunteers are grateful for all donated items, a majority of donated Barbies are blonde which, says Barbara, “don’t relate to immigrants” especially since an increasing number of asylum-seekers, and shop visitors, are from African countries. Barbara was dressing abandoned Barbie before the Barbie movie reinvigorated the doll’spopularity. Now, she hopes Barbie’s resurgence will increase donations to the store. “It truly sparks joy for little girls when they get Barbies with home-made clothes.”
“These people (asylum-seekers) left home months before, are now living in a shelter or a hotel. At the shop, they are treated like human beings.” To date, Barbara has handed out about 15 Barbies, which she likes to personally hand to the girls when possible. However, there are exceptions. One woman donated a Teddy Bear made from her wedding dress. Barbara cleaned it (“it had New York dust on it”) and gave it back to the volunteer, who handed it to the child. “I’m sure that little girl was thrilled. It was made from her (volunteer’s) wedding dress. It’s not like someone bought it at Kmart.” While the shop volunteers are grateful for all donated items, a majority of donated Barbies are blonde which, says Barbara, “don’t relate to immigrants” especially since an increasing number of asylum-seekers, and shop visitors, are from African countries. Barbara was dressing abandoned Barbie before the Barbie movie reinvigorated the doll’spopularity. Now, she hopes Barbie’s resurgence will increase donations to the store. “It truly sparks joy for little girls when they get Barbies with home-made clothes.”
Born in England, Barbara became a fashion designer, worked in high-end fashion companies in Italy for five years before, in 1985, deciding to try her luck in New York City. She had an interview on New Year’s Day, landing a job and moving to the U.S.
Born in England, Barbara became a fashion designer, worked in high-end fashion companies in Italy for five years before, in 1985, deciding to try her luck in New York City. She had an interview on New Year’s Day, landing a job and moving to the U.S.
Barbara has worked with Team TLC for a year, when the “Abbott” busses started arriving in NYC. She originally set up a donation center in the basement of her apartment building, rescuing good clothes from the garbage, washing them, and then donating them. She asked for clothing and toiletry donations from her building neighbors and on Nextdoor. Two neighbors who also work in the fashion industry gave her new samples of casual clothing, socks, shoes, and old weather accessories. Barbara, who speaks French, Italian, and Spanish, says she “moved from greeting asylum-seekers to setting up the clothing donation tables and sorting clothing shoes and toiletries.” “I have a lot of axes to grind over this whole immigration thing. I’m an immigrant. I was lucky; I had a sponsor for a green card. I see how hard immigrants today work. All they want is a part of this American dream.” Barbara’s mother is Mexican and she has an adopted Mexican son. “He is a very well-spoken, well-dressed, handsome guy. But, he gets followed around in shops; shopkeepers watch him. He is acutely aware of how people look at him because of his skin color. He feels it.”
Barbara has worked with Team TLC for a year, when the “Abbott” busses started arriving in NYC. She originally set up a donation center in the basement of her apartment building, rescuing good clothes from the garbage, washing them, and then donating them. She asked for clothing and toiletry donations from her building neighbors and on Nextdoor. Two neighbors who also work in the fashion industry gave her new samples of casual clothing, socks, shoes, and old weather accessories. Barbara, who speaks French, Italian, and Spanish, says she “moved from greeting asylum-seekers to setting up the clothing donation tables and sorting clothing shoes and toiletries.” “I have a lot of axes to grind over this whole immigration thing. I’m an immigrant. I was lucky; I had a sponsor for a green card. I see how hard immigrants today work. All they want is a part of this American dream.” Barbara’s mother is Mexican and she has an adopted Mexican son. “He is a very well-spoken, well-dressed, handsome guy. But, he gets followed around in shops; shopkeepers watch him. He is acutely aware of how people look at him because of his skin color. He feels it.”
Little Shop of Kindness welcomes gently-used clothing and toys, toiletries, and monetary donations. Any Barbies, especially dark-haired, are welcomed.https://www.ttlcnyc.org
Little Shop of Kindness welcomes gently-used clothing and toys, toiletries, and monetary donations. Any Barbies, especially dark-haired, are welcomed.https://www.ttlcnyc.org
INTERVIEW WITH VALERIE COLEMAN
INTERVIEW WITH VALERIE COLEMAN
by PIXIE HOLBROOK - MAY 2024
by PIXIE HOLBROOK - MAY 2024
It’s time for an update about “The Little Shop of Kindness” run by Team TLC NYC, and what better way than by interviewing committed volunteer Valerie Coleman! It is a pleasure to hear how vibrant and active the shop continues to be in its new location, there since January. Valerie, one of two assistant directors, tells us that there are close to 30 volunteers a day, with as many as 55-66 appointments made, serving families and individuals between 10:00 and 3:00, Monday through Friday. Appointments for “customers” are made efficiently through Square technology, no longer forming lines outside, with migrant families, at times, sleeping in the streets before opening. They are welcomed and supported during their specific appointments, as they shop (for free!) for clothing, shoes and other miscellaneous items. Volunteers are abundant and committed, having heard about this rewarding opportunity to serve migrants who are eager to be in our country to work and have a better life. Volunteers guide the recipients several days a week and can also serve to be volunteer sorters and organizers on Wednesdays as goods get donated. Valerie was eager to share about the “Super Vols”, agroup of 20 key volunteers who can act as managers (or “El Jefe”) and shopping and sorting trainers. Volunteers often include corporate groups from throughout the city, as so many are eager to help our newly- arrived-potential-citizens. Goods are solicited through the media, with corporations donating such as Shiseido and American Eagle. (Psst... men’s clothing is always needed). When asked, Valerie reported that, in the past, most migrants coming to the shop were from Venezuela, then later Ecuador. Soon after, 60% were coming from African countries such as Chad, Senegal, Guinea and Morocco and they were often single men. Lately, however, the trend has returned to being a mixture of single men and families in need. The services that Team TLC NYC provide are advertised in local shelters by posted flyers and word-of-mouth.
It’s time for an update about “The Little Shop of Kindness” run by Team TLC NYC, and what better way than by interviewing committed volunteer Valerie Coleman! It is a pleasure to hear how vibrant and active the shop continues to be in its new location, there since January. Valerie, one of two assistant directors, tells us that there are close to 30 volunteers a day, with as many as 55-66 appointments made, serving families and individuals between 10:00 and 3:00, Monday through Friday. Appointments for “customers” are made efficiently through Square technology, no longer forming lines outside, with migrant families, at times, sleeping in the streets before opening. They are welcomed and supported during their specific appointments, as they shop (for free!) for clothing, shoes and other miscellaneous items. Volunteers are abundant and committed, having heard about this rewarding opportunity to serve migrants who are eager to be in our country to work and have a better life. Volunteers guide the recipients several days a week and can also serve to be volunteer sorters and organizers on Wednesdays as goods get donated. Valerie was eager to share about the “Super Vols”, agroup of 20 key volunteers who can act as managers (or “El Jefe”) and shopping and sorting trainers. Volunteers often include corporate groups from throughout the city, as so many are eager to help our newly- arrived-potential-citizens. Goods are solicited through the media, with corporations donating such as Shiseido and American Eagle. (Psst... men’s clothing is always needed). When asked, Valerie reported that, in the past, most migrants coming to the shop were from Venezuela, then later Ecuador. Soon after, 60% were coming from African countries such as Chad, Senegal, Guinea and Morocco and they were often single men. Lately, however, the trend has returned to being a mixture of single men and families in need. The services that Team TLC NYC provide are advertised in local shelters by posted flyers and word-of-mouth.
Historically, for Valerie, back in 2017, she heard of Team TLC NYC through a local coalition of synagogues who were working together to help migrants. Her synagogue sponsored 4 young Pakistanis. With the onset of Covid much of that effort shut down. Then two years ago, the wave of migrants to NYC grew intensely with Texas Governor Abbott directing buses to Port Authority at 6:00am and were dropped on the sidewalks with nothing. The mission of Team TLC NYC was renewed and expanded. As are many of us, Valerie is concerned about the future of these transitions into our country. One candidate has made it clear what he will do, and another feels the need to gain more voters’ support by creating stricter laws while still in power. Team TLC NYC will continue to be ready to adapt to the needs of those nearby and who are seeking our help.
Historically, for Valerie, back in 2017, she heard of Team TLC NYC through a local coalition of synagogues who were working together to help migrants. Her synagogue sponsored 4 young Pakistanis. With the onset of Covid much of that effort shut down. Then two years ago, the wave of migrants to NYC grew intensely with Texas Governor Abbott directing buses to Port Authority at 6:00am and were dropped on the sidewalks with nothing. The mission of Team TLC NYC was renewed and expanded. As are many of us, Valerie is concerned about the future of these transitions into our country. One candidate has made it clear what he will do, and another feels the need to gain more voters’ support by creating stricter laws while still in power. Team TLC NYC will continue to be ready to adapt to the needs of those nearby and who are seeking our help.
Lastly, Valerie shared a very positive contribution that Team TLC NYC offers that might be new to many, though it was reported recently in the New York Times. Being a licensed wedding officiant, Valerie has been able to offer her services in getting migrant couples married. Their legal clinic highly recommends this to families coming to NYC, and three weddings have already been provided! Wedding clothes are available at the Little Shop of Kindness, and the union is officiated in the park nearby with cake andflowers and hugs. Thank you, Valerie!
Lastly, Valerie shared a very positive contribution that Team TLC NYC offers that might be new to many, though it was reported recently in the New York Times. Being a licensed wedding officiant, Valerie has been able to offer her services in getting migrant couples married. Their legal clinic highly recommends this to families coming to NYC, and three weddings have already been provided! Wedding clothes are available at the Little Shop of Kindness, and the union is officiated in the park nearby with cake andflowers and hugs. Thank you, Valerie!
An event, highlighting Grannies Respond, took place Wednesday evening, July 17, 2024, at the Omega Institute in Rhinebeck, NY. The event was hosted by Dianna Zuckerman who held a week-long Spanish immersion program there. A lovely Spanish cuisine dinner was served, followed by a screening of our documentary, From Beacon to the Border. A lively Q&A, with a concerned audience, was held after the viewing, featuring Valerie Carlisle, Antonio Mochilero, and Catherine Cole.
Biden-Harris Administration Announces New Actions to Expand Opportunities for Latino Communities and Ensure Every Family Has a Fair Shot at the American Dream
Biden-Harris Administration Announces New Actions to Expand Opportunities for Latino Communities and Ensure Every Family Has a Fair Shot at the American Dream
* Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity through Hispanic-Serving Institutions
* Making America’s Immigration System more fair and more just
* Announcing key progress on actions to keep families together
* Helping thousands of Dreamers transition successfully to college
* Expanding access to legal representation
Excerpt: On June 18th, the President announced a new process to help U.S. citizens with noncitizen spouses and children who have been here for 10 years or more keep their families together. This new action – which will help certain noncitizen spouses and children apply for lawful permanent residence without leaving the country – is expected to apply to approximately half a million spouses of U.S. citizens, and 50,000 noncitizen children whose parent is married to a U.S. citizen. And today, the President is announcing that beginning on August 19, 2024, eligible spouses and children will be able to apply for this process to obtain legal status while remaining with their families.
June 2024
We ❤️ Dutchess County!
We Asked, You Delivered!
Reunite Migrant Families
Dutchess Welcoming
Yesterday we visited the Hope Border Mission.
It was immaculate and welcoming, with beds, meals, clothes, telephones, nurse's station, information and an outdoor place for children to play. I learned that that morning about 45 migrants had arrived so far. They most likely crossed just beyond the coils of razor wire and container wall and processed by CBP and brought here. One day in December the mission fed 3000 dinners, but at the moment there are far fewer. So many beautiful children are here. This baby was born just 4 days ago. I can't imagine that mother's journey. How desperate must one be for a better and safe life to take such a dangerous chance.
April 2024
Witness at the Border: Eagle Pass, Texas and Piedras Negras, Mexico
Report by Valerie Carlise
Today is Day 3 for Witness at the Border.
For three days, we have crossed the bridge and hung our banners for those in the US side to see. We look out across the river and see a container wall with coils and coils of razor wire and a dusty area that used to be a public park. It is now manned with armed military men from various states, who in opposition to our Federal government have taken over and denied access to the people of Eagle Pass, and kept migrants from seeking asylum.
The soldiers look at us and we watch them. It was a little freaky to have a drone zoom down and look us in the eye today. They run their boats up and down the river, and today took some people on tour, who may have arrived in the helicopters.
Not a migrant to be seen crossing. To some this may look like their tactics are working, but we know that these tactics just push the desperate to other places and leave stranded others who have traveled hundreds or thousands of miles.
We've heard the stories of migrants who finally were able to obtain appointments through the CBP One app only to be detained, harassed and exploited by police until they missed it, their only chance.
To come in legally just becomes more out of reach each day, and of course, they want to cross legally. We've made the pathway impossible.
Piedras Negras has a beautiful plaza and a beautiful Paseo del Rio, lined with grass, trees and benches along the river. Along the Eagle Pass side it looks like a war zone.
shared on Facebook by Joshua Rubin
Inside Team TLC NYC's Little Shop of Kindness
At this New York City Boutique, Migrants Shop for Free
Story by Alaa Elassar
Photographs by Laura Oliverio
Published March 24, 2024
CNN.com
(to open, click on title/link below)
The NYC Migrant Crisis Up Close
March 15, 2024
This article/video features the following groups:
by Jamie Larson
Hudson Valley Pilot
Jan 1, 2024
GRANNIES RETURN
TO THE TEXAS BORDER
OCTOBER 13th-19th 2023
(see Events for more information)
notes and photos from Catherine Cole
Thursday October 12th Grannies Respond’s border trip volunteers have started to arrive in Brownsville, Tx. More arriving tomorrow! We have a full itinerary beginning with a trip to La Posada Providencia shelter in San Benito It’s hot here!
Our border trip team of volunteers here in Brownsville consists of:, Susan Hinely, Elisa O’Callaghan, Jo Schlesinger, Rosy Vogan, Sue-Ann Divito, Vielka Wombold, Gail Bunker, Toni Lawrence and Catherine Cole… a pretty good crew!
Friday, Oct. 13th (an auspicious day!): This morning we drove to La Posada Providencia in San Bonito. There, we met Sister Nora Ruiz, E.D. Ben Addiel, and a groundskeeper, Jorge, who is so happy and believes he has the best job ever at and with the folks at la Posada. Several buildings, respite pavilion, men’s and women and children’s dorms, some fortunate new construction, and a large vegetable garden. Pure love for asylum seekers here.
Today, we met the mothers of two of the eight victims of the tragedy in Brownsville that occurred on May 8th, when a man in an SUV careened into a group of asylum seekers standing across the street from a shelter. Eight died, many others suffered injuries including lost limbs. These two young men were among the fatalities. One was 24 years old, the other nearly 24. We listened to their mothers words of love, how close they were to their families, heard about their good natures and their smiles, heard their mothers’ anguish, and their tears for their boys.
The court case was this morning and the case went in favor of the prosecution, a good but small celebration for these grieving moms.
Friday evening, after meeting up with Team Brownsville today to organize our work day tomorrow, all our volunteers gathered for dinner at Terra’s Urban Mexican Kitchen, suggested by Sue-Ann, for a truly delicious dinner while celebrating Vielka’s birthday! Tomorrow we work at Team Brownsville making a ton of sandwiches starting at 8am and we’re all looking forward to it!
Saturday October 14th: We met at 8am to volunteer with Team Brownsville at their welcome center. We prepared plates for breakfast and made almost 500 PB&J sandwiches for asylum-seekers.We served people food, found them clothing, held babies while they tried on shoes… or ate their food, gave out shoelaces, diapers, water, and other necessities. Some of our group crossed into Matamoros to give our Elisa’s Calm dolls. It was a pleasure to serve with Team Brownsville.
Saturday evening: An incredibly moving and lovely evening visiting the survivors of the May SUV crash into a group of asylum seekers. Eight died and several were Injured. Tonight we talked to the survivors, heard their stories, met their wives and children, laughed, tested up, and hugged. Two wives of the men and one’s Mother made us the best empanadas ever! And Mario Saenz presented us with the most amazing cake ever!! That was a really fun surprise!
Tuesday October 17th: Notes and Photos from from Sue-Ann Leigh
On Tuesday, we reached Catholic Charities in San Antonio, a respite center rather than a shelter, where they process up to 500 individuals per day released by CBP. People typically stay for 24-48 hours, during which they receive preparation and guidance for their onward journey, with the ultimate goal of restoring their inherent human dignity. Established in 2018, this facility has assisted over 400,000 individuals in reaching their final destinations.
Walking into this organized chaos, the sight of families with small children overwhelmed me. What caught my eye were the missing shoelaces, a detail even more disconcerting when realizing that shoelaces had been removed from toddlers and young children.
We observed the arrival process from the detention center to the screening facility, where individuals arrived without any belongings. Subsequently, they entered the respite center, where they received essential necessities. They could visit a thrift shop for clothing, get assistance in arranging transportation to their sponsors, and utilize a phone charging station. For those with babies and toddlers, diapers, wipes, and formula were readily available. The center provided three meals a day, and those embarking on the next leg of their journey received bags containing sandwiches, snacks, and, if needed, diapers and wipes.
The way Catholic Charities welcomes people with dignity and respect, through both monetary donations and volunteer efforts, serves as a model that I wish our government would emulate.
While there, I witnessed two little girls, around 5 or 6 years old, who independently approached the altar and knelt to pray. I could only hope their prayers would be answered.
During my visit, a woman I had met in Matamoros recognized me. She recalled that we had given her son a "bear with me doll" from CALM: Creating A Loving Memory. Compassion To Action during their stay in the camp as they awaited their appointment to enter the US. She informed us that when they crossed the border, the doll had been confiscated and discarded, along with all their belongings. My anger surged as I remembered that the group of women I was with reentered the US with wagons full of these dolls, without any inspection. The unnecessary cruelty inflicted on a three-year-old by government officials is beyond comprehension.
As I looked around, I saw rooms filled with children playing and mothers nursing their babies, a palpable sense of safety within these walls. In the kitchen, I was joined by two little boys, aged 8 and 9, who, inspired by the examples set for them, wanted to help others. Working alongside them, I couldn't help but think of my own grandsons. I hoped that one day soon, my new friends would experience the same sense of safety and security.
We met a mother holding her 23-day-old baby alongside her 3-year-old. It was heart-wrenching to realize that she had undertaken this unimaginable and treacherous journey while pregnant, giving birth along the way. As we conversed with her, we learned that her 12-year-old niece, who had traveled with her, was separated from her at the border. Government officials had taken her as an unaccompanied minor, leaving the woman with no contact information or means to reconnect. For her niece to complete this harrowing journey alongside her aunt, only to be torn away from her only family and placed in a government facility, was an unimaginable and an entirely unnecessary cruelty inflicted by our government. Her despair and our inability to help will forever weigh on our souls.
The day ended on a positive note. We went to the bus station to replace Louis' doll, providing him with something to hold during his journey. It turned out that although the family were taking a bus to San Antonio, their final destination was Indianapolis, and they had only $50 and a bag of food from Catholic Charities. Thank goodness for Vielka’s ability to communicate with them. Determined to help, we worked on securing train tickets from San Antonio to St. Louis, MO, to get them closer to their destination, with Grannies Respond/Abuelas Responden generously covering the cost of the train tickets. At midnight, we arranged an Uber to take them from the bus station to the train station. I will follow up with a post on their story and the many compassionate individuals who touched their lives on their journey.
OCTOBER UPDATE: The Little Shop of Kindness is CLOSED UNTIL WE FIND A NEW SPACE, due to extreme flooding. Please spread the word that we are looking for a new store front for a permanent (and perhaps temporary) location
The Little Shop of Kindness in NYC
Christine Russo
June 12, 2023 4:54PM
updated June 13, 2023 5:44
Fox 5 NY
Migrant opens up about arduous
8-month journey to reach the U.S.
One of the newest arrivals in Poughkeepsie shares his story about coming to the U.S. with just the clothes on his back, in search of a better life.
(Spectrum News 1)
HUDSON VALLEY
PUBLISHED 6:42 PM ET JUN. 02, 2023
The New York Times, in print!
What a day yesterday in Newburgh!
May 12, 2023
Members of Reunite Migrant Families and Grannies Respond, Catherine Cole, the Workers Justice Center, For the Many, the NYCLU, and two Orange County legislators greeted two buses of asylum seekers with signs, smiles and shouts of “bienvenidos” (welcome) to Newburgh. More arrived last night,110 men in all, from countries as varied as Venezuela, Mozambique, Senegal, Mauritania, Bolivia, and Afghanistan.
Hotel staff, NYC facilitators, and the company responsible for managing their lodging, food, transportation and case workers efficiently checked them in. NYC is paying the bill for up to four months as they find jobs and sustain themselves. However, there are other current needs including clothing, shoes,and hygiene items, as well as leads to jobs in the area and legal counseling.
Here is where Reunite Migrant Families and our supporters come in.
First of all, a BIG thank you to all who have responded to our recent request for support!
Now if you are moved to help even more, we would like to collect a special “pot of money” to provide the items the men need. No donation is too small and every little bit helps.
We are in direct contact with the people working with the men at the hotel; so we can clearly target our donations. Grannies Respond, our parent group, is also contributing. If other asylum seekers come to our area, we aim to be prepared to welcome and to help them as well.
Gregg Vigliotti for The New York Times
AP Photo/John Minchillo
If you wish to contribute to this special initiative, please donate (tax-deductible) to:
(When it says “Where would you like this donation to be used?”, be sure to indicate “Hudson Valley, NY” and note it is for newly arrived asylum seekers.)
You may also send a check to:
Grannies Respond
℅ V. Carlisle
83 Mountain Rd.
Pleasant Valley,NY 12569.
If you would like to be on call to meet and greet people as they arrive, let us know and we will create a group email and chat group solely for this purpose.
Thank you all,
Muriel Horowitz
Steering Committee Member
Reunite Migrant Families
video
Tammy La Gorce
slides
May 2023
News from Team TLC NYC
More than 50,000 asylum seekers have moved through NYC’s intake system. Team TLC NYC was there to greet the first bus and has been on the ground ever since!
Our recently opened our Little Shop of Kindness at 12 W. 40th Street is open for VOLUNTEERS & DONATIONS on Mondays 2-6 pm & Tuesday-Friday 9 am to 3 pm.
We are also back greeting incoming buses at the Port Authority!
November 2023 Update: Team TLC NYC is currently not greating buses. Little Shop of Kindness has closed due to flooding
You can help by Donating and Volunteering
You can help by Donating and Volunteering
Volunteer shifts are available Monday-Friday.
Sign up to greet busses at the Port Authority here: https://bit.ly/PABusGreeters
Sign up to help out at our Little Shop of Kindness here: https://bit.ly/ShopKindness
Please click on this link to find out all the ways you can make donations: https://www.ttlcnyc.org/donate
Amnesty Mid-Hudson Fundraiser: Live Music, Film, Panel, Silent Auction
Amnesty Mid-Hudson Fundraiser: Live Music, Film, Panel, Silent Auction
Tuesday May 9th, 2023, at the Rosendale Theate, the Amnesty Mid-Hudson Fundraiser took place with Live African Music by Amadou Diallo & Family, the Film "From Beacon to the Border", Silent Auction, and Panel Discussion led by Ilgu Ozler. The Panel included Speakers from Grannies Respond, For the Many, Ulster Immigrant Defense Network, Worker Justice Center, and Amnesty International Mid-Hudson. Panelists included Valerie Carlisle, Diana Lopez, Father Frank Alagna, and Renan Salgado. Andrea Degeorge Garbarini was there to screen her film, From Beacon to the Border, which documents the Grannies origin story. Thanks to Diana Zuckerman for organizing this gem of an event! Several OGs (Original Grannies) were in attendance: Andrea Degeorge Garbarini, Claire M Nelson, Barry Nelson, Antonio Mochilero, Valerie Carlisle, and Catherine Cole.
Congratulations to Team TLC NYC Director Ilze Thielmann, winner of a Kindness is Cool award from the Luisa Diaz Foundation
Ilze was honored at the MAG Gala 2023 at the Plaza, 768 5th Avenue NYC, on May 18.
Team TLC NYC is an all-volunteer organization that has been greeting and assisting asylum seekers arriving in NYC since June 2019. Founded by Vinnie Elizabeth, who was inspired by Team Brownsville, and later led by Margaret Seiler, TTLC ramped up in 2022 under Ilze's leadership.
More than 25,000 asylum seekers have moved through the city's intake system in the last year alone. Team TLC NYC has been on the ground greeting them since day one.
Team TLC NYC is a Grannies Respond/Abuelas Responden, Inc. group. Grannies Respond is a national, all volunteer 501(c)3 organization that has been assisting asylum-seekers in over 14 states across the U.S. since August 2018.
Reunite Migrant Families Spring 2023 Newsletter!
Grannies Respond Hudson Valley Group
has so much to share!
Please take some time and read what they've been up to.
With a rented van full of donated items, and no firm idea where she was headed,
With a rented van full of donated items, and no firm idea where she was headed,
California Grannie Elisa O'Callaghan's first trip to the border was just the beginning
California Grannie Elisa O'Callaghan's first trip to the border was just the beginning
Profile from Grannies Respond Spring Newsletter, March 2023
Little Shop of Kindness
Little Shop of Kindness
Our NYC group, Team TLC NYC (Ilze Thielmann and volunteers) have moved out of Port Authority and through the generosity of the Seventh Day Adventist Church at 12 W. 40th St., NYC, have been gifted a wonderful space to open Team TLC NYC’s “Little Shop of Kindness.” Volunteers have worked very hard to make a mini-Bloomingdale’s… a charming store filled with donated goods where asylum seekers and those with children also, will be able to come and shop for free with a personal shopper to assist them! Civilized and dignified treatment of those with virtually nothing. Clothing, shoes, coats, toys, books, and more. And they will provide lunches. #kindless #teamtlcnyc
Volunteers like Joan DeWitt, a retired nurse, from Atlanta, Georgia can be a lifeline for asylum seekers helping them to connect with legal services or mental health support. Photo by Bita Honarvar for palabra
Overextended volunteers offer a warm welcome and friendly faces to asylum seekers after a long treacherous journey. At times, needs outstrip capacity.
Overextended volunteers offer a warm welcome and friendly faces to asylum seekers after a long treacherous journey. At times, needs outstrip capacity.
Words by Allison Salerno @allisonbsalerno Photos by Bita Honarvar @BitaHonarvar
for Palabra March 15, 2023
Jo Schlesinger in
Pittsburgh
Grannies Respond/Abuelas Responden
Grannies Respond/Abuelas Responden
Grannies Respond members Jo Schlesinger and Allan Willinger go the extra miles to assist asylum seekers
Allan Willinger in
El Paso
January 12 to March 12, 2023
"Breslin’s images focus their attention on migrants and immigrants from areas south of our country’s border. "
On March 5th, Grannies Respond, represented by Valerie Carlisle, our Hudson Valley lead, and board member, and Catherine Cole, Exec. Director, was honored to be invited to a panel discussion at Saint Patrick – Saint  Anthony in Hartford, Ct., along with Fr. Julian Jagudilla of The Migrant Center, at the Church of Saint Francis of Assissi, NYC.
An event was held at the Clare gallery at the Franciscan Urban Center where our friend an talented artist, Christine Breslin, exhibited her very moving photographs of migrants.
The religious studies students and many parents attended. The students worked very hard to get donations and purchase tons of clothing, socks, toys, crayons, and so much more to stuff into many, many backpacks for asylum children!
We could not be more impressed nor more grateful!
Volunteers from the Vassar community chose Grannies Respond/Abuelas Responden as a local nonprofit organization to receive financial support through the College’s Community Works program.
A tough new immigration measure could disqualify the vast majority of migrants from being able to seek asylum at the southern border.
COMMENT WINDOW IS OPEN UNTIL MARCH 27th
Please comment!!!
See the article below and see the actual rule below that. Very urgent!
New York Times Article 02/2123
comment here: Circumvention of Lawful Pathways document
Rachna Daryanani, of New York, prays to her mother asking her to watch over the migrant children she saw at the border.(Ana Ramirez/The San Diego Union-Tribune)
Joshua Rubin (left) talks to Venezuelan migrant Jefferson on the Mexican side of the Rio Grande on Friday.
by: Julian Resendiz
Posted: Dec 9, 2022 / 06:10 PM CST
“We are here to look at the border – the full border – because the border not only stops people from coming in, it also keeps us from seeing what this border is doing to people on the other side of the river.”
Biden is Still Separating Immigrant Kids from their Families.
Biden is Still Separating Immigrant Kids from their Families.
Texas Observer: John Washington and Anna-Catherine Brigida
Published: NOVEMBER 21, 2022, 8:00 AM, CST
"What I found was the most extraordinary volunteer operation I have seen in many decades of work. A group called Grannies Respond stepped in to take this on, operating at the terminal under the name TLC-NYC. They had people signing up for shifts throughout the day, starting at 6 am. They negotiated a space at Port Authority and their volunteers would greet arriving asylum seekers with an enthusiastic welcome."
Grannies Respond/Abuelas Responden Executive Director, Catherine Cole, networking in New York City for Team TLC-NYC during the influx of asylum seekers from Texas. October 2022
Volunteer Rachna Daryanani hands out goods to migrants at the border bus station. Photos courtesy of Grannies Respond/Abuelas Responden.
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