Mar. 19—GOSHEN — A nonprofit authorized help is opening between Goshen and Elkhart.
“La Posada,” which interprets to “the inn,” or “shelter,” in Spanish, is rooted within the Anabaptist Mennonite perception from Matthew 25:35 that Christians ought to welcome newcomers and immigrants.
“While you go to a brand new metropolis you simply really feel misplaced,” mentioned La Posada founder Naun Cerrato. “Bear in mind when Mary and Joseph had been in search of a spot to remain however they did not have wherever to remain. Each door was closed as a result of they had been overseas to that metropolis. When Mary and Joseph had been in search of a resort, nobody welcomed them, in order that they needed to sleep with the animals.”
La Posada will present immigration sources to Elkhart County communities by way of written supplies, authorized counsel, and referrals in a faith-based context that’s skilled as welcoming and secure and centered on serving our susceptible neighbors.
“Utilizing this Biblical method, in the event you say you’re Christian, you undoubtedly must have a transparent understanding of what the stranger means and the way will we welcome, whether or not you come from Australian, Canada, England how will we welcome them?” Cerrato mentioned. “How will we inform them that the U.S. has sure legal guidelines that you simply’re required — procedures, compliance and sure steps? La Posada is there to reply these questions.”
Cerrato added that simply because the group is based on faith, doesn’t suggest their shoppers should observe the identical spiritual tenets.
“Our worth was based mostly on spiritual rules,” he mentioned. “We aren’t saying it’s important to be this specific faith — we welcome everybody, regardless of who you’re. We aren’t right here to evangelize individuals. We’re right here to offer immigration providers.”
La Posada doesn’t intend to interchange conventional authorized providers.
“We’re not right here to be the sunshine of the universe,” he mentioned. “We’re simply right here to assist, somewhat, different individuals which can be already doing the identical factor.”
The income-based nonprofit, nevertheless, does need to make an impression in the neighborhood by guaranteeing that, if nothing else, individuals know what steps to take.
“Immigration legal guidelines are very advanced and we, at La Posada, need to make it possible for we’re not right here simply to take advantage of immigrants,” Cerrato mentioned. “It isn’t about how a lot you’ll be able to pay. It is about how we may also help you to grasp this complexity of immigration legislation.”
The board of administrators, comprised of attorneys and pastors from many backgrounds and nationalities, is already in place, however La Posada cannot open formally till they rent an workplace supervisor and an immigration lawyer.
“If we’ve an lawyer immediately, we are able to open tomorrow,” Cerrato mentioned, including that they are hoping to open by the start of April.
The intention is to be open from 10 a.m. 6 p.m., though availability of the employees will decide opening hours.
“La Posada just isn’t right here to alter the legislation,” he mentioned. “La Posada just isn’t right here to create new legal guidelines. La Posada is definitely right here to respect the legislation by asking, ‘How will we assist newcomers to fulfill the legislation?’ That is why we’re right here. It’s our objective and our mission that if you come to our door, you’ll not really feel rejected. You’ll really feel welcomed.
“We aren’t asking how a lot cash you make, or why you are right here — no, no, in no way. While you come to those doorways, we need to be certain that we reply your questions on immigration. We need to ensure that you’re happy with the service. Our employees won’t be based mostly in how a lot cash they’ll make.”
La Posada, positioned contained in the Sunnyside Mennonite Church, can have two rooms, one for the workplace supervisor or receptionist, and one other for the immigration lawyer. Rooms even have areas for kids of shoppers.
“The Scriptures say that we should always welcome the stranger,” Cerrato mentioned. “We obey the Phrase of God and Jesus Christ by welcoming the stranger and offering hospitality.”
For extra data, go to https://www.laposadaaid.com.
Dani Messick is the schooling and leisure reporter for The Goshen Information. She will be reached at dani.messick@goshennews.com or at 574-538-2065.