Deportation Defense Legal and Mutual Aid Fund Easter 2026 Press Release

CHURCH REACHES $250,000 GOAL BY EASTER

Nine months ago, during our report to the delegates at Annual Conference, On Earth Peace challenged the congregations of the church to raise $100,000 to create a new Legal and Mutual Aid Fund to meet the needs of Brethren immigrants experiencing intense circumstances due to harsh immigration enforcement. On Easter weekend, we give thanks that compassionate individuals and churches within the denomination have donated over a quarter of a million dollars ($250,000) in the last nine months. Praise God!  

Beth Sollenberger, executive of the Atlantic Southeast District, which has administered the grants, reports that more than 95 grants have been made via more than 30 congregations. Beth states:

“It is my privilege to be the middle person. Day after day the mailbox contains envelopes with a check enclosed. I am in awe of the generosity of people supporting the DDR Legal and Mutual Aid Fund. I am also inspired by congregations requesting grants to support individuals and families caught in the immigration system. In the Church of the Brethren we are blessed to be able to assist our sisters and brothers with your gifts.”

The Body of Christ comes alive when we see ourselves as "one heart and soul" in Christ, regardless of citizenship status. Mutual aid in a time of need reflects Acts 4:32-34, and, just as the early church, this faithfulness invites Christ to rise in our own time. May God be glorified for this testimony of faith! Christ the Lord is risen today!

Founa Badet, Director of Intercultural Ministry and member of the DDR team shares:

“We received contributions not just from the congregation, but from people sharing what they have. People are writing checks from their pensions, from their retirement, just to support DDR. Seeing small churches, big churches, families, single people sharing what they have—it’s a blessing. We are being good stewards of what God gave us, and people are trusting the DDR team to be good stewards as well.”

Will you help us meet our new goal? 

The need continues, so we encourage congregations to continue to take up offerings for this fund to support our immigrant siblings in Christ. The DDR team and steering committee have set a new goal of $400,000. Please help us meet this new goal so we can continue to provide funding for legal assistance and basic necessities for our impacted Brethren members.

Deportation Defense Response is a partnership of the Atlantic Southeast, Atlantic Northeast, Pacific Southwest, Pacific Northwest, and Virlina Districts of the Church of the Brethren, along with On Earth Peace and the Office of Intercultural Ministries of the Church of the Brethren.

Links and information: 

The Legal and Mutual Aid Fund is described at www.onearthpeace.org/immigrant_legal_mutual_aid_fund 

Donate online to the Legal and Mutual Aid Fund: www.onearthpeace.org/legal_mutual_aid_fund_donations 

Mail checks to Atlantic Southeast District with “DDR” in the memo line. Checks can be sent to Atlantic Southeast District, 1501 Stenewahee Ave, Sebring, FL 33870. To send checks larger than $10,000 and for any other questions contact Beth Sollenberger at [email protected] 

Congregations needing financial help for church members facing personal and legal expenses related to immigration, asylum, or related processes may apply for grants from the Legal and Mutual Aid Fund by contacting [email protected] or 561-647-8981 to receive the application form. 

*Legal Fund donations sent to On Earth Peace or the Atlantic Southeast District Church of the Brethren are designated funds and do not contribute to those organizations’ annual budget needs. 

On Earth Peace is a Kingian Nonviolence leadership development organization and an agency of the Church of the Brethren, with a mission to develop and walk with leaders and communities who work for justice and peace. For more information: www.OnEarthPeace.org