Newsletter: Spring 2026 Update
- Jun 23
- 4 min read
Dear CASAN community,
It’s been a BIG spring:
We celebrated the official end of our April Arts for Asylum Seekers Fundraiser, participated as co-beneficiary at Ohavi Zedek Synagogue’s Rooted in Vermont fundraiser, welcomed our very first coordinator, and continued to support our families as they navigate changing asylum procedures.
Read below for more on all of these stories!
Celebrating Our Arts for Asylum Fundraiser
At the beginning of May, we came together as a community to celebrate the official end of our April Fundraiser, Arts for Asylum Seekers. This campaign brought together 26 creatives across Chittenden County and beyond who created art to raise awareness and funds for the families we support.
This year we exceeded our $20,000 goal and are thrilled to announce that we raised $27,356! Thank you to our creatives for your energy and dedication and to our donors for your incredible generosity and care.
The money raised will go towards an emergency legal fund for the families and individuals that CASAN assists.
Photographer: Adinah Sandy, Trinidad and Tobago
Rooted in Vermont:
Connecting Cultures, Strengthening Community
On May 7th, CASAN participated as a co-beneficiary with VT Interfaith Action for the Rooted in VT fundraiser. This event brought the community together to support social and immigrant justice.
We want to express our sincere gratitude to Ohavi Zedek Synagogue for their hospitality and for their invitation to join this year’s event!
It was a great turnout and a wonderful celebration with Nepali, Peruvian, and Bosnian food, contributed by CASAN and families.
During the event, we heard stories from people making new lives here in Vermont. One of CASAN’s asylum seeking families who previously won their asylum case shared a deeply moving reflection about their experience and the role of CASAN and its volunteer network in helping them to settle here in VT.
Welcoming CASAN’s first coordinator!
For the first time ever, CASAN has a part time, contracted Program and Operations Coordinator; we welcome Avery A Anderson!
Avery Anderson’s career has spanned sectors and continents, united by a common thread: her ability to connect with people in service of something greater. With a passion for human rights and shared education, she is dedicated to strengthening communities and promoting global well-being.
As Program and Operations Coordinator, Avery specializes in streamlining systems, coordinating services, and supporting community partnerships to deliver effective, people-centered assistance to asylum seekers.
Avery is led by a commitment to ensure that people are at the center of programs. In Avery’s rich multi-disciplinary background spanning international aid, development, and sales, she constantly seeks to incorporate opportunities that educate and empower people. Her breadth of experience ranges from work with non-profit organizations in India, serving as Agroforestry Peace Corps Volunteer in Cameroon, to most recently, Senior Manager of Development at the United Nations Association of Greater Boston. Avery holds a Master’s Degree in International Humanitarian Action from the University of Uppsala, Sweden, with a specialization in Humanitarian Protection.
She loves to meet new people and explore. She has insatiable global curiosity, a love for adventure, and a great inerest in experiencing different cultures. You may find her cooking tasty food with her partner, curled up with a good book, or enjoying the sunshine with her dog!
CASAN will be 7 years old this July - and it’s exciting to see our network grow!
Updates on CASAN Families
We know you are concerned about our families - thank you!
Yes, people are feeling increased stress resulting from the changes in immigration enforcement, and new asylum legal procedures and costs. CASAN made sure that every household had their newly required $102 annual asylum application renewal fee paid using our grant money via the statewide network. This renewal fee ensures that cases remain viable and are not unfairly dismissed.
Currently, three households receive partial rent support, as they continue to gain financial independence. Two people have recently changed employment and began stable jobs with benefits! One of them was able to do so because of the donated car she received through CASAN. We are still looking for an additional donated or low cost vehicle for the other individual - please contact us if you have one to share!
Several other households needed support learning about the U.S. tax system and paying their income taxes, especially when classed as ‘self-employed.’
Beyond our long term families, CASAN is assisting others referred to us, including a single mother and her children who are living in a shelter, by providing transportation and additional support, as needed.
In addition, we provided temporary lodging and helped find and secure long term housing for a man with emergency needs. In the process, he gained new CASAN friends in the community for on-going emotional support.
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.
Comments