Strengthening Sanctuary Alliance

10/18/2024

JVP Olympia has connected with a family in Gaza, through the Narrow Bridge to Deir Al-Balah project. This relationship includes regular communication, trust-building, and financial support for Esraa, her husband Iyad, and their two young children, who attempted to evacuate but weren’t able to.

We are committing to support their family with a concrete, specific need: an urgent surgery for Iyad, who is in danger of losing his hearing because his eardrum jwas damaged in the ongoing bombing.

Esraa’s family lives near Al-Aqsa hospital in Deir al-Balah. On October 14, they witnessed the bombing of the compound's tent camp that caused a massive fire, killing 4 and injuring 40.

Iyad’s surgery costs $3000. Anything we raise beyond that will go toward their family’s survival, paying for food and water and other urgently necessities. Regular monthly donations are also a great option to help them know what they can count on each month.

All money raised goes directly to their family, nobody is getting paid for our organizing, we do this out of love. To help offset the cost of the financial platforms we have to use, please consider adding 5-20% to your gift.

Any amount helps, however large or small. It is a direct act of solidarity, a hand held out in care and witness. Please consider a one-time or ongoing donation to help a family directly impacted by this crisis.

06/02/2023

Last opportunity to see the powerful photographs of art work produced by migrant youth in detention:

Uncaged Art
Friday, June 2, 4:30-7:30pm
Olympia City Hall

05/15/2023

UNCAGED ART presents photographs of artwork made by youth, ages 13-17, from Honduras, Guatemala and El Salvador who were detained at the Tornillo Children's Detention Center in El Paso County, Texas. This Friday May 19th, Familia, an Evergreen State College organization of Latinx students, will discuss their aspirations for learning, providing resources for immigrant students, connections to their communities of origin, and building a community to support and empower each other. Exhibit viewing 4:30-6; presentation at 6pm. Hope to see you there! Please help spread the word!

05/10/2023

“When the Right to Stay is Disrupted: Unaccompanied Minors’ Pursuit for Dignity & Life” Friday, May 12th, 4:30-7:30pm, Olympia City Hall
Come see the Uncaged Art exhibit presenting photographs of the artwork of unaccompanied immigrant youth who were detained at Tornillo Detention Center in Texas, and hear from Dr. Maria Isabel Morales, Director, North Central Washington Educational Opportunity Center. Dr. Morales will focus on the stories of the children and youth who migrate from Mexico and Central America. She will unpack the sociopolitical conditions that force these unaccompanied refugees to leave their countries and migrate to the U.S. Morales will discuss the racialized and “adult-centered” contexts that deeply inform the criminalization of brown and black unaccompanied minors in “the land of opportunity.” Exhibit viewing 4:30-6; presentation at 6pm.
Link: https://www.strengtheningsanctuaryalliance.org/

05/10/2023

The Uncaged Art exhibit is now up at Olympia City Hall! Please join us this Friday to see the beautiful art work and hear Dr. Maria Isabel Morales talk about her work. Hope to see you there!

“When the Right to Stay is Disrupted: Unaccompanied Minors’ Pursuit for Dignity & Life” Friday, May 12th, 4:30-7:30pm, Olympia City Hall
Come see the Uncaged Art exhibit presenting photographs of the artwork of unaccompanied immigrant youth who were detained at Tornillo Detention Center in Texas, and hear from Dr. Maria Isabel Morales, Director, North Central Washington Educational Opportunity Center. Dr. Morales will focus on the stories of the children and youth who migrate from Mexico and Central America. She will unpack the sociopolitical conditions that force these unaccompanied refugees to leave their countries and migrate to the U.S. Morales will discuss the racialized and “adult-centered” contexts that deeply inform the criminalization of brown and black unaccompanied minors in “the land of opportunity.” Exhibit viewing 4:30-6; presentation at 6pm.
Link: https://www.strengtheningsanctuaryalliance.org/

05/09/2023

Great coverage by the Olympian of the Uncaged Art Exhibit that runs through June 2nd at Olympia City Hall with events occurring each Friday. Please help spread the word and be sure not to miss the powerful speakers. May Olympia strengthen it's committment to being a Sanctuary City!

There will be a series of presentations along with the exhibit throughout the month of May.

05/02/2023

Join us this Friday May 5th for the Uncaged Art Exhibit opening: “The Landscape of Immigrant Detention and Social Justice at the Border” from 4:30-7:30pm, at the Olympia City Hall. Uncaged Art presents photographs of the art work of unaccompanied immigrant youth who were detained at Tornillo Detention Center in Texas. In a brief 4-day workshop, the youth made beautiful and powerful artwork testifying to their longing for home and freedom. Join us for the opening Zoom welcome by Dr. Yolanda Chavez-Leyva, the original curator of Uncaged Art, and members of the Olympia Uncaged Art planning group. Dr. Chavez-Leyva teaches at the University of Texas/El Paso and is Co-Director of the Museo Urbano. She will share the history of the Uncaged Art exhibit and efforts in El Paso to care for immigrants who continue to cross the border. Exhibit viewing 4:30-6; presentation at 6pm.

04/18/2023

An 18-month investigation found that the H-2A visa program—derived from the infamous Bracero Program—is rife with wage theft and exploitation