Program areas at Immigrant Hope
Immigrant pathway institute: a 40-hour training based on the curriculum of the Immigrant legal resources center, but customized for the purposes of Immigrant Hope. Its purpose is to train volunteers and staff so that they are prepared to seek and receive department of justice (doj) accreditation. This ensures that volunteers and staff can be trained to effectively and legally provide services for immigrants and in so doing demonstrate and share the christian gospel. Three 40-hour trainings were conducted in 2022 with 90 participants trained. The goal is to offer training annually to volunteers and staff who will be able to staff future Immigrant Hope centers.
Immigrant pathway institute practical skills: an 8-week online course using curriculum developed by Immigrant Hope practitioners. It is available to volunteers and staff who have completed the Immigrant pathway institute 40-hour training program or to those who otherwise demonstrate general knowledge of immigration law and practice. Its purpose is to provide volunteers and staff with direct experience and feedback on the activities and skills required to effectively provide legal services for immigrants and in so demonstrating and sharing the christian gospel. Two practical skills trainings were conducted in 2022 with a total of 20 participants.
Immigrant Hope centers: licensing, supporting and monitoring the activity of licensed service centers that offer direct services to immigrants, which demonstrates and shares the christian gospel, thereby offering them the opportunity to find a home in church. The first center opened in brooklyn, ny in 2011. There are eleven additional centers that have opened since then in atlanta, ga, bloomington, mn, clifton, nj, jackson, wy, mesa, az, north little rock, ar, sandhills, nc, santa barbara, ca, san leandro, ca, gainesville, fl, and hummelstown, pa. The long-term goal is to open two additional Immigrant Hope centers per year in geographic locations with significant Immigrant populations.