Legal Aid Initiative for Immigration Justice
A report issued November 20, 2025 by the American Immigration Council indicated that without the benefit of an attorney at immigration court proceedings, people in our Presbytery have a 70% chance of being deported, often erroneously.
In response to this, the Presbytery’s Peace and Justice Working Group has worked with EP Neal Presa to establish a free will offering initiative to support crucial legal counsel for people facing the threat of deportation. The Working Group and Presbytery staff have identified Peacemaking Offering and other related special funds that can provide up to $15,000 in matching funds. This initiative will run through Pentecost Sunday, May 24, 2026.
We invite you to give generously to two organizations in urgent need:
- Amigos Center Rapid Response Network of Santa Clara County
- Santa Cruz Community Action Board
- Your support helps ensure access to legal counsel and a fair day in court for our immigrant neighbors.
How To Contribute:
-Click in the drop-down menu underneath “My donation is for*” and select “Presbytery of San José Donor – RRN Legal Services/ Family Support”
- Community Action Board of Santa Cruz County (cabinc.org) Please check “SCCIP-IMMIGRATION LEGAL SERVICES—Presbytery of San José Donor”. Or:
- Cash dropped off at 406 Main Street to 2nd floor reception
- Checks sent to 406 Main Street Ste 207, Watsonville, CA 95016
- Stock Donation: Please email CFO directly lorettaz@cabinc.org
If you have questions about this initiative, please contact EP Neal Presa, Westhope Presbyterian Church pastor The Rev. Erik Swanson (esfishrev@gmail.com), Peace and Justice Working Group co-chairs The Rev. Julie Porras-Center (pastorjulie@somoswatsonville.com) and Beth Wylie (bethwylie21@gmail.com)