Mennonite Central Committee (MCC), a worldwide ministry of Anabaptist churches, shares God's love and compassion for all in the name of Christ by responding to basic human needs and working for peace and justice.
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“I was a stranger and you welcomed me…” (Matthew 25:35, NRSV)
From Old Testament exhortations to the words of Christ, the Bible calls us to reach out to strangers, loving and welcoming newcomers.
MCC in the U.S. helps to educate about immigration issues; advocates for sensible, humane immigration laws; works to build peace in communities along the U.S.-Mexico border; and provides documentation services to help immigrants navigate the complex immigration system.
Immigration Educational Program, Brownsville, TX.
Below are the organizations, that MCC Central States is in relationship and/or partnership with in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas, responding to the basic needs of families
MCC is a partner with The Angry Tias & Abuelas, whose mission is to advocate for dignity and justice for individuals released by Border Patrol or from ICE detention and delivered to bus depots or shelters in the Rio Grande Valley. In partnership with MCC our aim is to assure their basic health and safety needs are met.
Good Neighbor Settlement House (Brownsville, TX):
Good Neighbor offers respite care for refugees released locally by US immigration authorities to pursue their asylum cases in the United States. Refugees get help with travel logistics, local transportation, and communicating with their families. We provide snacks, hygiene kits, appropriate clothing, showers, home cooked meals, and a place to sleep overnight if needed.
Loaves and Fishes (Harlingen, TX):
Loaves and Fishes provides meals to 100’s of migrants daily and has limited space for shelter to families before providing transportation to bus stations and/or airports.
Catholic Charities Respite Center (McAllen, TX):
Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley operates the Valley Humanitarian Respite Center. The center provides a place for 1000’s of men, women, children, and infant refugees to rest, have a warm meal, shower and change into clean clothing. Refugees also receive medicine and other supplies, before continuing their journey.
City of Brownsville – Office of Management and Emergency Response:
MCC and the South Texas Response Team is in relationship with the City of Brownsville as they respond to 100’s of individuals and families that are dropped off at the bus stations by government officials and/or shelters that are on their way to be united with family or friends in the U.S. People are provided with snacks, backpacks, and translation services to guide them to the correct bus and route to continue their journey.
In Florida and New York City, MCC East Coast provides immigration services to members of Anabaptist churches at minimal fees. Throughout the East Coast region, MCC staff are also available to provide education and resources for congregations interested in raising awareness about immigration related issues. With the supervision of immigration attorneys, immigration counselors assist church members with:
The MCC East Coast immigration program also offers educational opportunities. In New York City, counselors hold immigration education clinics several times per year. In Florida, counselors visit area congregations to educate members about immigration-related issues.
In both locations, counselors meet with clients by appointment only. Please contact our offices to schedule an appointment.
South Florida contact: Jorge Vielman, JorgeVielman@mcc.org, (305) 249-3477
New York contact: Maria Aponte, MariaAponte@mcc.org, (347) 608-1925
MCC is finding ways to welcome our neighbors in northern Indiana and Chicago.
For information about having MCC staff speak to your congregation or group, contact Kelly Shenk Koontz, MCC Great Lakes Program Director at KellyShenkKoontz@mcc.org or 574.742.2639.
West Coast MCC’s Immigration initiative contributes to the flourishing of immigrant populations affiliated with constituent churches by providing immigration documentation services; educating congregations about immigration issues; and engaging in witness to the state about injustices inherent in US immigration policies. Given its limited resources, WCMCC focuses on providing education and documentation services to constituent churches in the region whose members and their families face the realities of US immigration law on a daily basis. By providing documentation services and education WCMCC enables individuals and families to live full lives as residents, fully aware of their legal rights and responsibilities.
Building upon its experience in providing direct services, WCMCC engages in advocacy at the local and national level concerning the injustices within US immigration policy. WCMCC’s message to public officials is grounded in the reality experienced by immigrants and immigrant families across the region. WCMCC brings the voice of immigrant congregations to policy makers and calls upon them to develop and enforce laws in ways that respect the dignity of immigrant
