~ by Ella Nimmo, Director of Community Programs & Development at Cabrini Immigrant Services of NYC
About Cabrini Immigrant Services of NYC
Cabrini Immigrant Services of NYC (CIS-NYC) provides essential services to immigrants in New York City in the spirit of Mother Cabrini, Patron Saint of Immigrants. Our mission is to empower immigrants through education, access to essential services, civic participation and community building. Our services include: immigration legal services; case management and counseling; scholarships for immigrant students; food distribution; community organizing and advocacy; and Know Your Rights workshops.
Our Greatest Joys
At CIS-NYC our greatest joy is watching the families we serve grow and thrive when provided with a supportive environment and resources. Many of our clients have been part of CIS-NYC for years and we have seen them go from living in fear and isolation, to feeling empowered to be strong advocates for themselves, their families, and their communities. We also take great joy in seeing families reunited after long, expensive, and frustrating immigration processes. Knowing that we play a role in bringing families together after years of separation energizes us to continue this work.
Our Challenges
An ongoing challenge at CIS-NYC is contending with constant attacks on immigrants that make it harder for our families to access the resources necessary to live with dignity. The U.S. immigration system does not meet the needs of those who come here seeking safety and security; many of our clients come to CIS-NYC seeking solutions that are not provided by our current system. It can be difficult and disheartening to face this reality. Over the past two decades we have had to be creative in developing services that meet the needs of our clients within this broken system. We also work together with our community to advocate for change through community organizing. The work of creating change can be slow and discouraging, which is why it is important for us to build strong networks of support, be together in community, and celebrate the small wins along the way.
Centering Immigrant Voices
Since CIS-NYC was founded in 1999, our programs and activities have been informed directly by the input and experiences our immigrant community members. We aim to center and amplify the voices of immigrants in all aspects of our work. This approach has been central to our success in developing trusting relationships with our community and building effective programs that are responsive to the constantly changing needs of immigrants in NY.
Why We Care for People on the Move
Millions around the world have been and continue to be displaced from their homes due to poverty, violence, climate change, lack of opportunity, and other factors. Immigrants are our friends, our family members, our neighbors, and our coworkers. They contribute to our economy and society, but most importantly, they are valued members of our communities and families. We honor the legacy of Mother Cabrini and the Catholic Social Teachings of the Church by welcoming immigrants, valuing their faith and culture, protecting their dignity and showing compassion for all those in need. This is particularly important in this moment when we have seen an increase in anti-immigrant sentiment and policies, motivated by racism and xenophobia
How to Support CIS-NYC
Support CIS-NYC by donating (www.bit.ly/donatecis), volunteering your time, and participating in our campaigns. You can also support immigrants by contacting your elected officials, voting for candidates that advocate for immigrants, staying informed about what is going on in immigration, and engaging your friends and family in dialogue about immigrant rights.
Ella Nimmo is the Director of Community Programs & Development at Cabrini Immigrant Services of NYC, where she works together with immigrants and allies to build power and leadership within the local immigrant community. She first joined CIS-NYC as a Social Work Intern in 2015. Ella received her Masters in Social Work from the Silberman School of Social Work at Hunter College and is a Licensed Master Social Worker.