[migrawatch-public] Community Information Center for Migrant Assistance Opens in Watsonville!

Please forward widely,
Ramiro

Press Release
September 27th, 2007

Grand Opening of the Community Information Center for Migrant Assistance
in Watsonville

On Sunday, October 7th, 2007, the new Community Information Center for
Migrant Assistance (CIMA) will open its doors to the general public in a
Grand Opening from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm.

Working in collaboration with other agencies in the Pajaro Valley that
advocate for immigrants, CIMA will provide free assistance to the
immigrant community concerning immigration law and documentation. The
center will also provide legal referrals to private attorneys and
agencies in Monterey and Santa Cruz counties.

CIMA will be open from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Wednesdays at Trinity
Lutheran Church, located at 175 Lawrence Ave. in Watsonville, and at
Lutheran Community Church, located at 95 Alta Vista Ave. in Watsonville,
from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Fridays and from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm on Sundays.

"The evening and weekend hours were strategically chosen to accommodate
a greater variety of working people," said Pastor Susan Birkelo.

Directed by Isaí Ambrosio Ramirez, Project Coordinator, and Ramiro
Medrano, Community Liaison, the Center will offer assistance by
providing pertinent information, making appropriate referrals after an
initial screening, interpreting legal immigration documents, and any
other questions or concerns related to immigration.

The initial funding comes from Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service
(LIRS) and three local Lutheran churches: Lutheran Community Church and
Trinity Lutheran Church in Watsonville, as well as Mt. Calvary Lutheran
Church in Soquel. Further funding was also provided by Thrivent
Financial for Lutherans.

"The Lutheran church has a long history of supporting immigrants and
refugees, and our national Lutheran church bodies have adopted
statements encouraging our congregations to find ways to serve immigrant
communities," said Pastor Stan Abraham.

The weekend celebration will begin with the 10th Annual Alta Vista
Festival on Saturday, October 6th, 2007, in the parking lot of the
church and continue with the Grand Opening on Sunday, October 7th, which
will feature a reception with food and a chance to meet CIMA's staff and
steering committee. It will be open to the general public and will take
place at Lutheran Community Church from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM.

For more information and interviews, contact Pastor Susan Birkelo
831-724-3460 or 831-345-6057, 95 Alta Vista Ave., Watsonville, CA.