Individual Accompaniment
“Fill out this form to request accompaniment for yourself or on behalf of a community member”
For more information, please feel free to contact our accompaniment coordinator at accompaniment@imirj.org
What is the Accompaniment Program?
The Accompaniment Program exists to support our community members who are forced to navigate the United States’ complicated, outdated, and exploitative immigration proceedings. We train volunteers to walk side-by-side with individuals as they attend I.C.E. check-ins, immigration court hearings, Intensive Supervision Appearance Program appointments, and other mandatory dates during their immigration process. We strive to act in solidarity by providing support, care, and understanding that focuses on listening to the needs and requests of our immigrant community members.
How does it work?
After filling out the Accompaniment Program referral form, our Accompaniment Coordinator will contact the referring party and the person needing accompaniment to confirm the details provided. The Accompaniment Coordinator will then inform our accompaniers of the accompaniment request, to which accompaniers will respond if available. Once an accompanier is found, the Accompaniment Coordinator will connect the community member needing accompaniment with the available volunteer.
Every accompaniment is unique, but generally, a volunteer will join you in your appointment, provide emotional support, take notes as needed, and ensure that the officials in charge know you have support and that all procedures are being monitored.
Accompaniment Program Transportation
The accompaniment program is starting to offer transportation to and from appointments. In our form, you can now list your desired pick-up location. You can also let us know if you want to be dropped off at a desired location after your appointment. As we begin this service, we can’t promise to always provide transportation, but we are working to make this a regular part of our program.
Serve your community by becoming an accompanier
Our team is made entirely of accompaniers who are motivated by a sense of solidarity with our community members going through immigration proceedings. Our belief in language justice means we always strive to find an accompanier who is at least conversational in the language spoken by the individual in need. Some of our accompaniers come from a community justice organizing background. Some of our accompaniers are motivated by their faith. Regardless of what motivates an accompanier, we always follow the lead of the community members asking for support.
Our Accompaniment Program is thriving!
¿Necesita acompañamiento?
Need Accompaniment?
Al completar este formulario nuestro equipo se pondrá en contacto para coordinar y conectar con voluntarios para el acompañamiento.
Compete this form and the Accompaniment Coordinator will reach out to the family or individual and pair them with an accompaniment volunteer.