Grateful for the work Defending Our Neighbors does to protect and defend our community. -THUMP & The RESIST Collection

Please keep up the good work. You are needed now more than ever. It will take years to undo even a little of the evil being done to communities of color in the current administration. I thank God that your organization already has teams in place and working on behalf of those who are powerless.

As a south asian, if you're not giving a minimum of $20/month to this organization, you aren't helping the future of your community to address and combat mental health in our community. $20 is a small price to pay to support these young people to make a difference. 

People in poverty deserve access to high quality dental care-- and Community Dental Care provides that in a culturally sensitive manner to people of all ages and abilities!

An urgent lifeline to local organizations providing legal and bond support to immigrant families and individuals who need it most.

**The Defending Our Neighbors Fund is powered by everyday people, like you, stepping up and building a vital lifeline to support our immigrant neighbors, loved ones, and communities against injustice.**

We all deserve to be treated fairly and with dignity. Yet every day, immigrant families are forced to navigate a complex and punishing immigration system alone, **without access to legal counsel**. Even young children, the most vulnerable members of our communities, are facing trained prosecutors without anyone by their side.

**This is why the Defending Our Neighbors Fund exists.** 

Today, there are more than 6 million U.S. households who have a family member at risk of detention or deportation. Right now, the federal government is funneling $170 billion of our taxpayer dollars to dramatically increase enforcement in our cities, all while slashing funding for legal service organizations who provide critical support for immigrants and make sure they have access to a lawyer. The Defending Our Neighbors Fund is a rapid-response effort to meet this urgent need for legal representation head-on, working to ensure families have access to life-saving legal support, and when possible, bond assistance.

**Access to legal representation makes a profound difference in whether families can stay together.**

As people's due process rights continue to be violated — affecting tens of thousands of people who are immigrants, children, and even U.S. citizens and green card holders — the need for legal counsel is skyrocketing. Studies show that in 2024, there were more than 2.5 million cases in immigration court where people did not have legal representation. Having access to a lawyer is often the difference between a family staying together or being separated indefinitely. 

To meet the ballooning demand in this moment, the Defending Our Neighbors Fund is quickly deploying high-impact grants to trusted organizations providing legal and, when possible, bond assistance to communities in need, this includes organizations that are:

- Serving communities with large immigrant populations
- Serving communities in legal deserts, and
- Serving communities near some of the country’s most active immigration detention and processing centers

**In this moment of division, we must all come together to defend our neighbors.** 

Supported by United We Dream and the ACLU, the Defending Our Neighbors Fund is hosted by Abundant Futures Fund (a fiscally sponsored project of Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors), and aims to raise and deploy $30 million to grassroots organizations to meet this crisis with action and care.

**We, the people, will power this movement with small dollar contributions. Your donation supports trusted organizations providing legal representation and, when possible, bond assistance, to communities in need.**

Thank you for helping us defend our communities at such a critical moment. Your support makes all the difference.

Defending Our Neighbors Fund

We aim to advance the mental wellbeing of our South Asian community.

In 2021, during their freshman year of college, our founders Ravi Parekh and Aaron Pandian suffered the loss of their close friend and roommate, Farhan, in a tragic murder-suicide where he took the lives of himself and his family. 

Farhan was struggling with a variety of inadequately treated mental illnesses. However, like so many members of the South Asian-American community, his parents simply lacked the tools, resources, and education necessary for providing him the care he needed.

They recognized that, as an immigrant South Asian family, they lacked the tools, resources, and education necessary for providing Farhan the care he needed. The tragedy of Farhan and his family revealed that there are many mental health issues unique to the cultural characteristics of South Asians. Understanding that these environmental factors and structural barriers to effective care created the situation which led to this tragedy, we theorized a youth-led grass-roots advocacy and education initiative that equips South Asian youth and other interested parties with access to tools and resources to understand, process, and empower.

Grass-roots efforts are often inspired by lived experiences. Our passion and drive to bridge the gaps in mental health care for South Asian individuals stem from our lived experiences.

Knowledge is empowering, and part of understanding mental health is to both learn and express empathy for those affected who are unable to receive effective care. To learn not to fear mental illness as a sibling, parent, friend, significant other, or affected individual and employ newly acquired tools that work to connect with the resources they need. 

MHISA embodies these ideals and provides us an outlet to engage those around us with a shared goal: to enable South Asians struggling with mental illness to lead better and healthful lives.

Mental Health Initiative for South Asians

Mutual aid organization supporting neighbors in Washington DC, Ward 2.

[Click here to join our newsletter to get updates and get involved](https://subscribepage.io/sHh86L)

What is Mutual Aid?

**Mutual aid is “cooperation for the sake of the common good.” It’s getting people to come together to meet each other’s needs, recognizing that as humans, our survival is dependent on one another.**

Mutual Aid is a practice and politics that emphasizes solidarity rather than charity. It means we recognize that our well-being, health and dignity are all bound up in each other. It means that we understand our survival depends on cooperation, not competition. In this particular moment, we see that our health is also dependent on other people’s health, and we can literally save each other’s lives. Rather than disengage and feel powerless, mutual aid allows us to plug in where we can make the most impact — locally.

Mutual aid IS...

- Getting people together in your community to provide material support to each other
- Building relationships with your neighbors based on trust and common interest
- Making decisions by consensus rather than relying on authority and hierarchy
- Sharing things rather than hoarding things
- Treating no one as disposable
- Providing all kinds of support, ranging from food prep to childcare to translation to emotional support, and recognizing the value of all of them
- A political education opportunity, where we build the relationships and analysis to understand why we are in the conditions that we're in
- Preparation for the next disaster (natural or economic). Next time around we'll already have relationships with each other and know who is vulnerable and needs support
- A great jumping off point for other kinds of organizing and movement work

Mutual aid IS NOT...

- Quid pro quo transactions
- Only for disasters or crises
- Charity or a way to "save" people
- A reason for a social safety net not to exist

DC Mutual Aid Network

The DC Mutual Aid Network (DCMA) is a grassroots community-led effort looking to take care of each other and keep our city as safe as possible.

- DCMA is a decentralized, community-led effort, so there is no single group that runs the network.
- There are autonomous groups for Wards 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6. Wards 7 & 8 are served together by one group.
- The DCMA Network is governed by the ward groups on topics of social media, website, fundraising, etc. The groups also share resources, best practices and offer referrals to other groups.

Ward 2 Efforts

Ward 2 Mutual Aid is part of the larger DCMA Network. Our concrete activities are:

- **Hotline** - Volunteers staff our warmline, where Ward 2 residents can call and request assistance.
- **Groceries** - We provide a grocery bag delivery to ~150 families that request it through our hotline or building captains. The bags include fresh produce, protein, dry goods, and requested household items.
- **Encampment Outreach** - We organize a supply drop to ~120 unhoused neighbors.
- **Building captains** - We organize with local residents to utilize their leadership and relational networks. Building captains check on neighbors, relay needs, and assist with food donations and distribution.
- **Back to school** - We organize with local parents to host a book and clothing swap.
- **Support for high risk/immuno-compromised individuals** - We have been partnering with local public housing buildings to drop off cleaning supplies, masks, and groceries.

[Click here to join our newsletter to get updates and get involved](https://opencollective.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fsubscribepage.io%2FsHh86L).

Ward 2 Mutual Aid

We provide comprehensive oral health care for people in need of all ages. Serving 50,000 patients annually at 5 clinics in MN. 

Our mission is to provide culturally sensitive community oral health care, preventive education, professional training, and to advocate for access for all. 

Our vision is that all people will have access to high quality, affordable dental care to improve their overall health in a convenient, caring, and respectful environment.

We are a nonprofit organization, and we serve patients from all walks of life and economic circumstances. We want to make high-quality dentistry available to anyone who needs care. We have over 200 dedicated employees, including dentists, hygienists, assistants, and an administrative team who are continually improving care and delivering the best possible dentistry.

Community Dental Care

Implements programs to improve people’s lives. Let's get better together.

Embrace Relief is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization which collaborates with volunteers to deliver humanitarian aid and disaster relief to vulnerable communities around the world. In accordance with United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, our teams offer relief in the form of financial, emotional and physical support, in order to meet the needs of people ravaged by disaster and other misfortune. The foundation collects and distributes supplies to families, individuals and institutions.

MISSION

Delivering research-based, sustainable solutions to achieve immediate and lasting improvements in situations of humanitarian emergency and improving the quality of life of individuals and communities enduring chronic hardships.

VISION

Driven by a strong belief in the power of comprehensive development, Embrace Relief is committed to creating a lasting impact in the lives of individuals locally and globally. We implement research-based programs to achieve measurable, sustainable improvements in the lives of those in need. By constantly using research and closely engaging with those we serve, our innovative approach ensures we deliver the most beneficial services.

OUR STORY

Embrace Relief was initially conceived and supported by individuals who are inspired by the ideals and principles of the [Hizmet Movement](https://afsv.org/about-us/hizmet-and-fethullah-gulen/). Embrace Relief has grown over the years and became an internationally recognized relief organization, which receives donations and support from people of various religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds, and works to bring relief to people of need regardless of race, religion or gender to improve their quality of life.

OUR CORE PRINCIPLES

Humanity

We help people around the globe at their most dire moments, save and protect their lives, alleviate suffering and protect human dignity.

Inclusiveness

We work for the incorporation of needs and perspectives of people from diverse backgrounds and value the contributions of each and every human being.

Impartiality

We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, class, national origin, religion, gender, or political opinions.

Independence

We are autonomous and do not accept any political or ideological influence.

Embrace Relief

We’re a nonprofit accelerating the growth of women entrepreneurs in food and beverage.

Our mission is to create a more equitable and inclusive industry where women have a strong voice and equal decision-making power by addressing access to capital, opportunities, and resources. 

Regarding Her

CHOW’s mission is to support wellness within the food/beverage/hospitality industry and to improve the lives of our community.

Anyone who’s dined in a restaurant has experienced hospitality. From servers and bartenders to dishwashers and chefs, each person working in a restaurant gives their all to make guests feel welcome, cared for and nourished.

Our mission is to return the favor. To care for the people who take such good care of us. To provide a place for restaurant staff to feel supported, heard and appreciated. To facilitate gatherings where we can build meaningful connections with folks who “get it.” To lift each other up so we don’t lose anyone else to suicide, addiction or struggles surrounding mental health.

CHOW was created by individuals in the food and beverage industry to bridge the gap between personal and clinical care. Everyone in the food/beverage/hospitality industry needs community and wellness resources. For those in recovery, CHOW recognizes that long term recovery needs connection and CHOW provides opportunities for that connection.

We do this by:

- Providing mental health support for food/beverage/hospitality teams through our community-building discussion groups
- Collaborating with owners and operators to provide information and guidance on best practices for resilient workplaces
- Connecting people in crisis with comprehensive supportive services.

Culinary Hospitality Outreach And Wellness Inc

MAS promotes justice, dignity and equity by partnering on migrant-identified health, legal, and educational needs.

These are frightening and uncertain times for our migrant neighbors, with heartbreaking reports of masked federal agents raiding workplaces and homes to violently arrest, detain, and deport migrant workers. Increased immigration enforcement is separating U.S. born children from their parents, often without due process or a valid legal basis. Migrant
Advocacy and Support (MAS) partners with migrants to respond to this changing environment by:                                                                                                             

Assisting families in completion of emergency preparedness documents to prepare for the event of one or both parents being separated from their children:                                                       • temporary guardianship                                                                                                           • parental permission to travel,                                                                                                   • power of attorney, and                                                                                                         • authorization to pick up paychecks) 

Helping migrant understand their rights in a changing legal environment and how to respond in an encounter with federal agents. 

Trainings on “How to Speak with Children about Immigration Rights, Detentions and Family Separation” to prepare for the event of family separation.

Training volunteers to meet the needs of migrants.

Providing health, legal and educational referrals to migrants. 

Migrant Advocacy and Support

Provides culturally sensitive support to help Haitian immigrants in the US thrive. It received its nonprofit status in 2024

**VANSE** is dedicated to **empowering** newly arrived immigrants from Haiti to navigate the complexities of life in the United States. Its mission is to provide culturally appropriate, personalized support that **fosters cultural integration, educational advancement, and financial stability**. Through tailored resources, career pathways, and community-driven programs, **VANSE** aims to **help immigrants thrive and achieve long-term success.**

Vanse

We are a theatre arts education & community center dedicated to training, storytelling, artist support, and community enrichment. 

**A third place for the arts.**

Mission StageWorks is a San Francisco-based arts education and community center dedicated to bringing people together through theatre and performance training, storytelling, creative expression, and community enrichment. We cultivate a love for the stage, how to use it for expression, and a sharing of stories created by Bay Area people.  By providing a place for people to connect with a platform to uplift individual and collective voices, we strive to make a positive impact on the community and supercharge the human spirit.

We imagine a hub for people from all over the Bay Area to come together to exchange knowledge, skills, ideas, stories to build memories - personal and artistic. It intends to be the artistic bazaar where crossroads ignite creativity and a sharing of culture.

Our plan is offer:

- arts education class and workshops
- community events and engagements
- local artist support and development
- presentation and productions

Our vision is to be an arts community center, a home for creativity and connection for Bay Area people to experience arts through accessible and inclusive programs. Innovative, inspiring performances are symbols of the people we serve and the landscape we inhabit. We see a vibrant, welcoming family of seekers and practitioners learning from and with one another, building relationships, and celebrating our diverse city together through a love of the arts. 

Mission StageWorks

An interfaith network of congregations in the Washington, D.C. area working together to support our immigrant neighbors.

CAN mobilizes people of faith and faith communities throughout the DC metro area to advocate and organize for immigration rights. Our goal is to ensure immigrants have access to housing, healthcare, education, food, and legal protections. We work closely with experienced immigration groups and listen to immigrants from our faith communities to create a safe, welcoming place for everyone, no matter where they're from.

Congregation Action Network

To alleviate hunger in Lincoln County by distributing healthy, nutritious food to our agency network & education empowerment.

Food Share of Lincoln County is one of 21 regional food banks in the Oregon Food Bank network.  Food Share of Lincoln County distributes food to its network of  local emergency food pantries, soup kitchens, produce drops, senior food box home delivery and other assistance agencies in addition to facilitating cooking classes and farmers' market tours..

Food Share of Lincoln County

Open Doors English is an English as a Second Language Program for adults in Ithaca, NY. All students are welcome!

Open Doors English's mission is to “offer English classes so that adults can participate fully in community life, advocate and care for themselves and their families, and pursue their goals.” Our student body is comprised of immigrants, refugees, asylum-seekers, farm workers, and temporary residents. All students are welcome, and ODE has served 200-300 students per year since opening in 2019. 

At Open Doors English, students:
- Develop or improve their ability to speak, read, write, and listen in English
- Build the confidence needed to communicate effectively in everyday life situations.
- Learn communication and language skills to perform in current and future jobs
- Acquire advanced language skills and training to pursue educational opportunities
- Increase their understanding of American culture and society
- Receive assistance and make connections to other community resources and agencies
- Connect with people, organizations, and events in the Ithaca area
- Have fun while learning
- Find belonging in a community of international friends

Open Doors English is a project of the Center for Transformative Action, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, which accepts all funds on our behalf.

Open Doors English

New Hope Community Ministries is a faith-based NPO serving low-income residents in Haledon & Prospect Park, NJ. All are welcome.

**New Hope Community Ministries** is a faith-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to empowering low-income families in Haledon and Prospect Park, NJ. We believe in holistic transformation—providing **food security, financial assistance, education, and supportive community programs** that equip individuals to thrive.

Through our **Food Pantry and The Harvest buying club**, we address food insecurity by offering nutritious options at no cost or reduced prices. Our **financial assistance programs** help families navigate crises, while **education and mentoring initiatives** provide essential skills for long-term success. We also foster **community connections** through support groups, case management, and resource navigation.

With your support, we can continue **feeding families, stabilizing households, and empowering individuals** to build a brighter future. Every donation fuels real change—providing food, resources, and hope to those who need it most. **Join us in making a lasting impact!**

New Hope Community Ministries

148788709

1578280819

1873740264

188270313

2052641908

2088874155

We are a nonprofit, so instead of charging fees we rely on the generosity of donors like you.

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Defending Our Neighbors Fund

Mental Health Initiative for South Asians

Defending Our Neighbors Fund

Defending Our Neighbors Fund

Defending Our Neighbors Fund

Ward 2 Mutual Aid

Immigrants