VIA WAS RECOGNIZED BY THE QUEENS BOROUGH PRESIDENT OFFICE
On October 11, Venezuelans and Immigrants Aid was honored by the Queens’ Borough President Office, Donovan Richards Jr., held at the New York Hall of Science. President Richards presented a proclamation. The proclamation stated how our organization has been continuing supporting Venezuelan forced migrants and asylum seekers adjust to life in New York, and the United States.
As a small, voluntary, community-based organization, we have assisted thousands of nationals directly and indirectly in their goal of integrating and regularizing their immigration status in the United States for six consecutive years. But we reiterate that these achievements have only been possible thanks to the tremendous support received from a valuable group of volunteers and allied organizations in different areas during all this time. The list is long, and we dedicate this recognition to all of them. Also, to our family and friends for their unconditional support.
We thank Mr. Richards and the QBPO staff on behalf of our entire community. We are honored, and we appreciate your gesture of publicly recognizing VIA through a Proclamation, which motivates us to move forward.
To watch the video of the ceremony, click here.
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INVITATION TO A SPECIAL OPPORTUNITY AT THE ESU!
With great emotion and pride, VIA and its team of volunteers share with you that our founder, Niurka Meléndez, had the honor last Monday, October 3, of being part of the three former students of «ARNIC» program invited to meet with Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal Anne, an event that took place at the headquarters of the English Speaking Union in New York City.
We express our most sincere gratitude to the English Speaking Union staff for this opportunity. Niurka also talked about our alliance, which has benefited many people from the community that VIA assists. Felicitations Niurka! Read more here.
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"DANDO UNA MANO" A CHARITABLE GIVING
«Giving a hand» (Dando una Mano in Spanish) is a quarterly Charitable Giving Program that provides Orientation, Food, Transportation and Clothing aid to Venezuelan forced migrants in conditions of extreme vulnerability.
In 2021, the number of Venezuelan families and individuals crossing by land and coming up through the southern US border exceeded our expectations. These displaced people are currently facing either Deportation or Immigration Court proceedings. This is why «Giving a hand» program is more necessary than ever since the vulnerability of this group we assist is more significant and keeps growing.
This is an ongoing duty and we need your help to continue providing this emergency aid to those forced migrants and asylum seekers in need. Will you support this program? Click here.
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The Traditional Venezuelan Christmas Dinner
Since 2017, we have offered the traditional Venezuelan Christmas Dinner to the community. This event, represents a moment to put aside the challenges of rebuilding their lives as refugees for one day, a moment to signal to our community that they are cared for, and that while they may be far away from their families and their homeland, we are here to support them.
Thanks to kind supporters like you, we have achieved these goals below over the last five years.
In 2017, we served 200 dinners.
In 2018, we served 175 dinners.
In 2019, we served 225 dinners.
In 2020, we handed out 175 meal boxes in the middle of the pandemic.
In 2021, as the pandemic restrictions continued, we gave away 300 meal boxes.
We need your support to ensure we can continue this tradition that helps reconnect with humanity and solidarity every year. Donate today!
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WINTER COAT DRIVE
VIA has continuously given its community winter coats, sweaters, and accessories for five years. In 2021, 265 people were beneficiaries of this program. 65% of them came to the US in 2021. 78% are asylum seekers. In 2022, help us continuing with this program! Make a gift here!
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A SONG FOR VENEZUELA
VIA hosted an operatic concert by the renowned Venezuelan soprano María Brea, accompanied by the organization Orchestrating Dreams, the percussionist Yeickov Vital, and the young singer Rebeca Marchan.
«For one night, Maria’s voice was our voice. We want to reach higher and further to continue raising awareness about the situation in Venezuela and the challenges faced by its displaced people in the world.» -Hector Arguinzones, VIA’s founder. Watch Review Video here.
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