Newsletter: Fall 2026 Update
Happy Autumn CASAN friends,
As life moves along, it seems as though the seasons are accelerated in their passing. It is autumn, the time is here of drawing nearer together, as light contracts and days grow darker earlier. We Vermonters are bringing in the wood, if not to heat our homes, then to light our hearths. It becomes a time for honoring our rural community through harvest fairs and also through storytelling.
There has been as well, a darkening in this country and here in Vermont, with attacks on our immigrant neighbors and friends, seizures and disappearances… and the hovering threat of these over our families. The community in Vermont, among our CASAN family of neighbors and supporters, has kept the fire burning and held strong.
We invite our community to light candles and gather around the hearth of love and hear some uplifting stories, as well as some challenging ones these past months - and those to come.
Join Us At Our Upcoming Annual Fall Fundraiser: Music to Celebrate Immigration
We extend tremendous gratitude to all of our professional musicians who are dedicating their time and energy to support this cause!
Thank you to College St. Congregational Church
&
To all of you who support CASAN!
Help spread the word!
We’ll see you there Friends!
Updates On CASAN Families
We have several happy stories including families who have secured new jobs that they love. We have had families celebrating success for children in school and celebrating
birthdays.
A volunteer helped to secure a car to help a family get to their job and child care, making life possible in this difficult transportation environment. One of our friends also obtained a learners permit and we celebrate that.
We have also had some heartbreaking stories of set-backs with car accidents and loss of jobs and need for medical care. CASAN has rallied to support our friends when they are down, and will stay with them until the crises are passed.
CASAN recently responded to an emergency: a man on his way to work was arrested and held in detention. CASAN received the call for help and, with support from the broader VT-NH network, came to his rescue to help him out of this difficult situation and reunite him with his family. This action is one example of the emergencies that arise and CASAN and the network’s response.
Board Changes
We are happy to share changes and welcome new board members this fall:
We are fortunate to have Rick Peyser join the board. Rick serves on other boards and is a volunteer for CASAN and for Mercy Connection as a tutor. We are so happy to have Rick's wisdom and experience on the Board, Welcome Rick!
In addition, we are happy to have another valued volunteer come onto the Board, Gretchen Santamour! Gretchen is a retired lawyer and a dedicated worker with asylum seekers in Vermont and comes with extensive board experience. We welcome Gretchen with great joy, and welcome her input to our Board. We are thrilled that Gretchen will step into the role of Secretary to the Board.
We cannot begin to express our gratitude to Kim Watkin for acting as secretary; we are excited to celebrate her transition to the role of Fundraising Chair. Kim jumps into this role leading the fundraising committee as they plan CASAN’s fall concert for immigrants. BIG thanks to Kim!
Our beloved Jan Steinbauer who has been President of the Board since the beginning is stepping out of that role and will continue support as caseworker with our families; liaison to our network in Vermont and New Hampshire; liaison with state wide agencies; local agencies; and by maintaining awareness of the legislation and the immigration and asylum process. She continues to play the role of CASAN’s linchpin and will remain an invaluable member of the Board - Thank you Jan for your many years of guiding the Board!
Last but not least, we celebrate Judy Wade, a Board Member, as she steps into the role of Board Chairperson. Judy is from San Antonio Texas and worked for 20 years with immigrants and survivors from the Central American wars and oppressed immigrants from Mexico, Central America, Haiti and more. Judy is committed to the principles of CASAN and is honored to contribute in this new role.
Our Financial Supporters & Foundations
Although we have incredible wrap around support from our inspiring volunteers, we also need money to support our families. Under the new administration, every aspect of support has increased, from the cost of applying for a work permit to seeking asylum - not to mention the costs of daily living including gas, rent, and food. We are incredibly grateful for our family of supporters who keep the monies coming in for all these expenses and also for our foundations and granting bodies who support us annually. However, we are now faced with the increasing need for emergency funds as the threat of detention and arrests increase and the cost of bonding and legal help accelerates. These funds support our families in an ongoing way and also for the unexpected calls. These are only expected to continue to increase and CASAN will seek to match the need. |
There are many people here in our communities needing help! These people are referred to us through partners at area service organizations. Click the button below to donate and continue to support and care for people in need. |
CASAN Organizational Needs
We need a donated or low cost vehicle for the man who recently received a new job. If you have a car to offer, please let us know.
CASAN is always grateful for monetary donations - especially with new legal costs! Donations go directly to support families - whether that is with the legal process, rent, medical expenses, childcare, food and clothing, transportation, and more.
If you are interested in exploring Board membership and helping guide this dynamic organization, please submit a Volunteer Interest Form.
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