Domestic Violence Victims

Our immigration specialist, Christina Leddin, submitted the following report:

“Since Amigos Center began its immigration program, we have assisted victims of domestic violence under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) passed by Congress in 1994. Under VAWA, the spouses and children of United States citizens or lawful permanent residents may self-petition for lawful permanent residency. These domestic violence victims are able to file for immigration relief without the abuser knowing and therefore able to live in the United States free from the abuser and free from fear of deportation. Amigos Center has filed five VAWA cases – three female and two male victims - and so far three of the cases have been approved. The other two cases are still pending. These are very difficult cases that take many hours to prepare and are very emotional for the client. Amigos Center has also assisted many other VAWA clients by filing to renew work permits, filing for lawful permanent residency, filing to bring in dependent children that are overseas, or giving general consultations on the VAWA requirements. Many times the client nominal fees charged by Amigos Center are waived for these victims due to their current predicament. All of the victims served by Amigos Center have been extremely grateful for our assistance.”

Spanish Newcomer’s Guide

We are in the process of distributing 10,000 copies of our 70-page Hispanic Newcomer’s Guide. This booklet is in high demand and provides necessary information for a Spanish speaking family newly arrived to Lee County. We hope to publish a Collier County version in 2005. The booklet is also available in electronic format, either through a CD that can be loaded into a computer or through our Spanish language website, here.

IBM Comes Through

IBM has once again responded to our growing needs by providing an IBM ThinkCentre PC, 17” monitor, Laser printer and Lotus Suite software. This computer will be used in our Bonita Springs office so our caseworker can keep track of our clients. Thank you IBM!

Hurricane Relief

During the past month we received additional funding for hurricane relief efforts from Thrivent Financial for Lutherans ($5,000), United Way of Lee County ($5,000) and Lutheran Services Florida ($1,000). We regularly have people contact our Amigos Center asking for help. We are also in the process of setting up an outreach effort with one of the Lutheran Churches in Punta Gorda. So far this year we have attended to 106 humanitarian cases and dispensed over $5,000.

Fund Raiser at LaPlaya Golf

Mark Saturday, November 6 on your calendar. There is still room for five more foursomes to play in our first annual Amigos Center Golf Tournament at La Playa Golf Course, 333 Palm River Blvd, Naples. Our planning committee is projecting a $12,000 net profit that will go toward funding the expansion of our ministry into Collier County. There is a buffet lunch at noon and tee off is at 1:00 PM. Cost is $800 per foursome. Call Pastor Selle (239) 437-6727.

Give thanks to God for . . .

Ø The support from volunteers, golfers and contributors that our Amigos ministry enjoys.

Pray for . . .

Ø Our Immigration Specialist Christina Leddin..

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