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THE SOUTHWEST SUBURBAN IMMIGRANT PROJECT

JOURNAL

SUMMER ISSUE 1 VOL.1

P2Day of the Immigrant 2012

IN THIS ISSUE

P3 Citizenship Workshop: Making the dream more accessible

P4What your time and support can do for SSIP

The Southwest Suburban Immigrant Project (SSIP) is a local nonprofit organization working toward immigrant reform and advocacy. Founded in 2010 the organization has been focused on the needs and concerns of the immigrant population living in Bolingbrook.

The organization has managed to meet these needs through education, civic engagement and personal support and care toward members of the communities affected by the current immigration policies. SSIP has addressed immigration policies through a variety of political actions including prayer vigil, canvassing, rallies and peaceful demonstrations. The group also prides itself of on special programs to educate and empower community members.

Some of the key programs of SSIP include the “Tools Program,” which offers computer and ESL (English as a second language) classes to give families practical communication skills for everyday tasks such as doctor visits and job applications. Another key program, the “Mariarchi Youth Outreach,” give immigrant and Latino children the opportunity to learn musical instruments as a positive outlet. The goal of this program is to ensure no child is left to turn to the streets for gain their acceptance and affirmation.

SSIP also hosts various workshops where lawyers, law enforcement and politicians address serious issues of the immigration policies and give out invaluable resources and information. SSIP now stands holding an upward number of 170 members ranging from a variety of ages, backgrounds

and lifestyles. These members have access to SSIP’s free resources and also gain much needed support from the organization.

“The members of the organization really do feel like an extended family,” said SSIP Director Sheena Kauzlarich. “I’ve been involved from the organization from the beginning, and I can confirm that the support and diligence of our group has helped us in realizing the dream for reform in our community.”

As for the future SSIP want to expand their membership with even more immigrant families and churches. The group also intends to have more roles and activities for the youth to partake of, in addition to answering the specific needs and concerns of the immigrant population living in the southwest Suburbs.

Soutwest Suburban Immigrant Project becomes the voice of the immigrant community

Bolingbrook Deputy Mayor, Leroy Brown stops by to see the SSIP staff and volunteers at work.

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CITIZENSHIP WORKSHOP

Saturday, July 28 Southwest Suburban Immigrant Project and Family Focus of Aurora assembled another citizenship workshop for the residents living in Bolingbrook. This was the second workshop hosted in Bolingbrook with about 100 green card holding residents applying for citizenship. The workshops were provided through the services of Family Focus who hosts workshops throughout the Chicago-land area. SSIP has been the Bolingbrook host organization for theses workshops starting first April. The citizenship workshops are designed to assist residents with the application process with free legal screenings, fee waivers and other resources to prepare them for the naturalization process. “Our focus has always been to provide essential resources to the immigrant community, and this workshop gives them not only resources and preparation, but hope,” said SSIP Director Sheena Kauzlarich. “We’re so happy to be working with Family Focus again on this project and to make a difference.”

Statistics also say that 97 percent of applicants that go through citizenship workshops achieve citizenship status afterward. This means these residents can access more essential resources such as driver’s licenses and government aid for college expenses. In addition to the workshop volunteers talked to different family members and children speak of the importance of the communities they live in. They had children draw pictures representing the positive nature of their community and collaged them on the wall.

“These people love their communities and are doing the best they can to make them better,” said Volunteer Karina Lopez. “They give so much for their communities and they are the voice that says ‘we are important too’.”Also visiting the progress of the citizenship workshop was Bolingbrook Deputy Mayor Leroy Brown. Deputy Mayor Brown was impressed by the progress of the workshop and gained

more insight on the circumstances many immigrant families are left to

deal with. “We were so honored to have Dep. Mayor Brown at the workshop,” said Kauzlarich. “Ultimately the goal is for the community empathize with their immigrant neighbors, and to make the situation better for everyone.”SSIP hopes to one day to allocate the resources and training to host their own workshops in the future. The organization truly believes events like the workshop are vital resources for the immigrant community.

Residents move closer toward citizenship

Green card carrying applicants got their paperwork checked at the workshop for free.

Volunteer, Lucy engages with families at the workshop.

Pictures from the workshop

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DAY OF THE IMMGRANT 2012

Bolingbrook residents and immigrant supporters attended the celebration known as “Day of the Immigrant” on Saturday June 30.

“Day of the Immigrant” first started in 2010 with the help of Naperville Mayor A. George Pradel. The event was designed to highlight the contributions, success stories and cultural influences of the immigrant community living in the southwest suburbs of DuPage and Will County. This year “Day of the Immigrant” showcased this message in the form of a cultural entertainment expo and resource fair.

The event kicked off with an opening ceremony including major political figures, immigrant entrepreneurs and other motivational speakers.

Among political figures attending included Bolingbrook Mayor Roger C. Claar, Congress Woman Judy Biggert, Romeoville Mayor John Noak and State Senator Pat Maguire. At the event Mayor Claar and Congresswoman Biggert both spoke at opening ceremony.

“It was such an honor to have them at the event,” said SSIP Director Sheena Kauzlarich. “Their presence was such an affirmation for our members and the community that we serve. We hope we can continue to work with them.”

Once the opening ceremony closed the cultural entertainment began. Various groups performed musical numbers including traditional African music, folkloric ballet and special tribute song performed by sitar player, Bob Cevic. Also performing was belly dance artist Shahina who taught community members a few of her signature moves.

While performances were going strong a host of vendors and resources were available to community members. In addition special

attractions included a train ride, a rock climbing wall and the Bolingbrook Library Truck.

“It was great seeing everyone enjoy themselves,” said SSIP Core Leader Jose Vera. “The point of this event was to celebrate how far we’ve come in terms of immigration reform. We know we have a lot of work to do, but this level of joy and enthusiasm gives up hope for tomorrow.”

The day ended with plenty of smiling faces and the embracing of new possibilities.

SSIP celebrates the greatness of Bolingbrook immigrants

Pictures from DOI 2012

Congresswoman, Judy Biggert poses at Bolingbrook village hall honoring SSIP members.

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THE SOUTHWEST SUBURBAN IMMIGRANT PROJECT

JOURNAL

The Southwest Suburban Immigrant Project is a non-profit organi-zation dedicated to empowering our immigrant neighbors with the tools necessary to become fully-engaged, contributing members of

the communities that we all call homewww.ssipchicago.org

From thevolunteers,members and staff fromSSIPwewantour readers andcontributors toknowthatyourtimeandeffortdoesmakeadifference.Overthesummerwhehavebeenableto

dothingsthatseemedimpossible.Weheldcountlessworkshops,specialevents,politicalactions,civicengagenmetandwearefarfromstopping.Weplantochangethestigmaofimmigrationandmakethelawsfairforeveryone.Withyoursupportwecancreateabetter

tomorrowforallofourcommunities.ThankYou.