In today’s climate, many immigrant families face unprecedented challenges, from fear of deportation to navigating the complexities of rights, health, and safety. In response to these difficulties, First 5 Humboldt provides support through a comprehensive resource folder.
The Red Folder, is a tool that provides a wealth of information for immigrant families, covering essential topics such as legal rights, family planning in the event of deportation. It also addresses the importance of community support and self-care during difficult times, offering practical strategies to help families handle stress, fear, and the emotional impact of their circumstances.
The folder is being distributed throughout the community by various local organizations, ensuring its reach for the families who need it most. Some of these organizations include Centro del Pueblo, Family Resource Centers, Paso a Paso, Cumbre, Ama tu Vecindad, RCRC, Eureka Library, HCOE among others. These groups work tirelessly to serve and uplift immigrant communities by providing essential services, information, and a sense of solidarity.
In addition to physical distribution, there have been multiple presentations and outreach events to further spread awareness of the Red Folder and its value. In collaboration with the DHHS, presentations have been made at the Health and Nutrition Services’ Unit Meeting department, as well as at various outreach events organized by Centro del Pueblo in many cities throughout the County. One significant event, Celebrate Your Rights, coordinated by First 5, Centro del Pueblo, and HCOE, provided a platform for representatives from every school district in the region to hear firsthand from the Hispanic community about their concerns. Issues such as discrimination, bullying in schools, and the emotional toll on children were highlighted during this event.
This event proved to be a turning point, providing an invaluable opportunity to connect with school districts and better understand the needs of immigrant families. Following this event, presentations were made at DELAC (District English Learner Advisory Committee) meetings, where school officials and parents engaged in open discussions about how to create more inclusive, supportive, and safe environments for Hispanic students. These collaborations have been instrumental in building stronger relationships between immigrant families, educators, and the wider community.
The response to the Red Folder has been overwhelmingly positive, and the tool’s impact is being felt not just locally, but across counties. The team collaborated with First 5 Monterey to adapt the Red Folder for their community’s specific needs, ensuring the resource is as relevant and accessible as possible for immigrant families in that area.
Currently, efforts to support immigrant families continue with the ongoing collaboration with EL Centro del Pueblo, HCOE, DHHS (Department of Health and Human Services) and other local organizations and with each new partnership and presentation the message is clear: immigrant families are not alone, and the community is committed to standing with them in times of need.