March 2020 Newsletter

You are​ ​not​ ​alone! In moments of uncertainty and fear, we find ​strength​ ​within​ ​ourselves​ ​and​ our communities. We can support one another to stay safe, keep informed, and move ​forward one step at a time.​ While our hearts are with all individuals affected by the COVID-19 virus, we are especially concerned about undocumented individuals, who are disproportionately impacted by this public health crisis. To help our community access the information and resources needed to thrive in this moment, our team is developing powerful new ways to engage with you virtually.

Here is what we are able to share right now:

Tangible Support for Immigrant Communities During COVID-19
We have compiled resources for undocumented communities during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. We are continuing to update this list of resources as the situation develops. Please contact us if there are additional resources that you would like to add. Learn More
Virtual Wellness Gatherings for Undocumented People
Our Virtual Wellness Gatherings help undocumented young people stay grounded and connected to one another. Led by our Mental Health Advocate Liliana Campos, these live gatherings take place on Wednesdays and Sundays 5-6 PT / 8-9 ET and convene experienced facilitators to guide undocumented young people through educational materials and interactive activities. Liliana also shares resources for participants to check out on their own throughout the week. Learn More
Mental Health Connector (for California Residents)
Our Mental Health Connector connects undocumented young people with 1:1 psychological support, allowing them to access their strengths and resiliency in order to achieve personal goals and healing. Our experienced and culturally responsive mental health therapists volunteer to provide free and completely confidential services, tailored to meet the needs of each individual. All undocumented young people who reside in California and are comfortable conversing in English are eligible for our service. Learn More

This Month’s Entrepreneurship Fund Kickstarter Grant Winners

Our Entrepreneurship Fund provides financial support for the entrepreneurial projects of undocumented young people working to create positive social change. Every month we award up to $2,000 short-term, non-renewable funding through our Entrepreneurship Fund Kickstarter Grants.

This month we selected two winners. Congratulations to Luis Antezana Alba and Maria Rangel Leon, co-founders of Juntos 2 College, an app that alleviates the workload on school counselors by helping seniors understand their options and select the best college pathway for them. Congratulations to Tamara, Shriani, Alondra, and Oscar of Monarch Community Partners (MCP), a LLC dedicated to supporting immigrant students to discover, develop and market their skills and passions. Learn More


Dreaming Higher: Investing in California’s Future by Investing in Undocu­mented Students

In this interview, Cal State University San Bernardino President, Tomás D. Morales, shares his perspectives on the importance of Undocumented Student Success Center in helping its students and their families navigate public higher education. CSUSB is one of 32 public colleges and universities that receive support from our California Campus Catalyst Fund. Learn More


Resource Highlight


Online Contracting Opportunities in High Demand
This worksheet helps you brainstorm the type of gig work and professional services you can provide as an independent contractor, regardless of your immigration status. Learn More


Community Stories


“My hope as the Mental Health Advocate is for our communities to receive the mental health support they need to go from surviving to thriving.”

Liliana Campos, Immigrants Rising’s Mental Health Advocate, talks about her hopes for the mental wellness of undocumented people. Learn More