Special Projects
Special Projects
In addition to our Working Groups, we have a catch all category called “Special Projects” to describe advocacy, funding or other work supported by our entire membership. These projects take a variety of forms and can be instigated by any member. When the project involves small amounts of money (under $5,000), the member may bring the idea to the board for approval. When a larger amount is needed, a proposal must be sent to the entire membership. When the project involves taking a position on a social justice issue or endorsing an action not covered by a Working Group, the member brings the suggestion to the board.
Below are some recent examples of “Special Projects.”
Casa de Paz
Loretto Link provided funding to help Casa de Paz, a nonprofit in Denver, CO, in their mission to reunite families separated by immigrant detention. Our contribution helped Casa de Paz clients with bonding and post-detention immigration assistance by helping provide safe places to stay while awaiting hearings during COVID. Casa de Paz is the only organization in Colorado offering post-release support to released immigrants. Many Loretto Link members have volunteered at Casa de Paz over the past several years.
Casa Arcoiris
Loretto Link provided funding to help Casa Arcoiris, an organization in Tijuana, Mexico that shelters LGBTQ+ migrants seeking asylum in the US or refuge in Mexico. A main pipe burst, damaging the structure and forcing 40+ residents to use one bathroom and bathe outdoors with a hose. Loretto Link’s funds helped to fix the bathroom. Casa Arcoiris offers comprehensive services, housing, health care services, mental care health, legal services, educational workshops and social insertion in coordination with international, local and binational organizations.
Espacio Migrante
Loretto Link has supported two shelters in Tijuana with general support donations, helping them work with migrants and also pivot to new work now that fewer people are seeking shelter. Loretto Link has supported Espacio Migrante, a cross-border organization based in Tijuana made up of an interdisciplinary and multicultural team led by women. Espacio Migrante works with migrant communities to promote access to their human rights, provide comprehensive care, and awareness in the local community about the vulnerable conditions of people in a context of mobility.
Loretto Justice Fellowship
In partnership with the Loretto Community, Loretto Link supports the Loretto Justice Fellowship program, an innovative, community-responsive evolution of traditional faith-based service. Loretto Justice Fellows are students studying towards degrees in social work, policy and law; and they serve for one year with one of our local, mission-aligned partner organizations, while engaging in intentional community life with each other and with Loretto. The work of Loretto Justice Fellows furthers the mission and values of the Loretto Community and Loretto Link; enhances the capacity of local social justice organizations in El Paso; and deepens the personal and professional development of Fellows, individually and collectively.