Venezuelans and Immigrants Aid (VIA) is thrilled to announce the receipt of two substantial grants aimed at bolstering our efforts to support migrants in New York City. These grants, from the Carnegie Foundation through the International Rescue Committee (IRC) and the Pro Se Plus Project (PSPP), will significantly enhance our capacity to provide vital services to the migrant community.
Attending immigrant reception in NYC
Niurka Melendez, VIA’s Director, mentioned that the organization has been awarded a grant from the Carnegie Foundation, secured through the International Rescue Committee (IRC). This grant is designated for the “Support of Reception of Migrants in New York City” project.
Melendez emphasized, “We celebrate the new alliance with the Carnegie Foundation for the impact this will have on the work we do for the migrant community in New York.”
IRC as a Worldwide Ally for Humanitarian Crisis
Founded in 1933 by Albert Einstein and a small group of humanitarians, the IRC assists people affected by humanitarian crises in surviving, recovering, and rebuilding their lives. Operating in over 40 countries, the IRC delivers lasting impact by providing healthcare, education, and empowerment to individuals and communities. In 2023, the IRC and its partners reached over 34.5 million people in crisis-affected regions.
The Carnegie Foundation and its Commitment to Peace and Human Rights
The Carnegie Foundation, established in 1903 by philanthropist Andrew Carnegie, manages the Peace Palace in the Netherlands, home to the International Court of Justice and the Permanent Court of Arbitration. Committed to promoting peace, human rights, and international law, the foundation facilitates dialogues and events and awards the Carnegie Wateler Peace Prize to peace advocates. The Peace Palace, a monument to peace through law, carries the European Heritage Label and serves as an iconic landmark in The Hague.
Founding to Help Newly Arrived Immigrants in NYC
Melendez also stated that “VIA is pleased to announce a second grant from the Pro Se Plus Project (PSPP), which aims to address the legal needs of newly arrived immigrants in New York City”. PSPP collaborates with several immigration legal services providers and community-based organizations to fill gaps in legal representation and information for immigrants.
Melendez also noted that “VIA and PSPP have completed one year of working together, and the alliance has been extended until 2025 thanks to the trust of institutions that have generously contributed to supporting the work of the organizations that are part of the group.”
PSPP: Education for Migrants
PSPP offers legal orientations, screenings, triage, and community access to pro se assistance for applications related to asylum, employment authorization, immigration court motions, and other immigration-related relief. In legal terms, this project takes its name from the Latin “pro se,” which means “for oneself” or “on one’s behalf.” It refers to individuals who represent themselves in court without the assistance of an attorney, whether they are initiating or responding to legal actions.
PSPP staff trains and leverages volunteers and interns to provide these services. Partners include Catholic Migration Services (CMS), Central American Legal Assistance (CALA), New York Legal Assistance Group (NYLAG), and UnLocal, along with community-based organizations such as African Communities Together (ACT), Masa, and VIA.