Semi-finalist

As one of those individuals who rarely win anything, I was thrilled to learn that ADC had been selected as a semi-finalist for the Social Innovations Grants by the Tulsa Area United Way (TAUW). I hadn't written a grant or even a proposal before, so this was unexpected. Elissa, our board president-elect, and I had merely filled out a mini-application for our proposed project. Yet, despite warnings about the competitiveness of the TAUW Social Innovations Grant, we decided to apply. A few months prior, working with one of my U visa clients had sparked an idea. This client, a victim of a horrific crime, was initially reluctant to seek counselling. However, after insisting on its necessity for his U visa case, he agreed. It was challenging to secure a letter confirming that his anxiety was a direct result of the crime he experienced, due to privacy concerns. But, it was worth it. Based on these experiences, Elissa and I conceptualized a proposal for Holistic Immigration Services for Crime Victims. Our plan includes hiring a dedicated, trauma-informed DOJ Accredited Representative to work with U Visa, T Visa, and VAWA applicants. The representative will ensure they receive one-on-one, in-person therapy in their native language for as long as necessary. Our goal is to help victims navigate the often long and dark path towards stable immigration status, with the support of faith-based groups.

After all, wouldn’t Jesus walk along this path to healing and wholeness with them? He would. And so should we. #totheleastofthese #everybodywins