Dear lover of humanity:
Chicago LGBT Asylum Support Partners ( CLASP ) continues to assist asylum-seekers resettling in Chicago with housing and legal referrals, social supports, and public transit funds. Thanks to the whole community for your investment in this work.
We are thrilled to report that two dozen folks have participated and "graduated" with work for self-sufficiency! These new Chicagoans have come from Nigeria, Pakistan, the Bahamas, Uganda, Jamaica, Macedonia, India and more. Many other LGBT members of our city have received advice and referrals from our program.
Currently, nine CLASP family members use the $40 monthly public transit program ( Ventra card ) that is so vital to these newcomers, as one member shares here:
"Also thank you so much for the things... the organisation has done for me... I can't thank you enough with words, the card that you have been loading helped me out to get to my lawyers in downtown and towards my work many times."Boris M., 2018
We continue to enjoy the strong record keeping of Broadway United Methodist continuing their stewardship of CLASP funds, and you can support us on broadwaychurchchicago.com by noting "CLASP" in the special contributions box.
We leave you with these words from a "graduate" of the program, showing what your support has made possible:
"I woke up this day, feeling grateful. Hence this mail.
"Today, June 15th makes it three years since I have been living in Chicago. I assume you know my story on how I got here and why. And you have been a part of my journey. An intricate part, that is. You have favored me, blessed me, nurtured me and advised me.
"I am saying 'Thank you.'
"Continue to do the work. We shall overcome. Shalom."Ekeng B.
We invite you to renew your support and expand the opportunities for Chicago's LGBT asylum seekers.
Most sincerely and with gratitude,
Chicago LGBT Asylum Support Partners ( CLASP )