Immigrant Advocacy
We believe that everyone deserves the best care, support and assistance we can give, regardless of their immigration status. Center for Healing & Hope coordinates the following programs to support immigration advocacy in Elkhart County.
Immigrant Resource Guide
This community resource guide, published in September 2020, is intended to be a quick reference guide for immigrants to learn more about services provided in Elkhart County, Indiana.
Know of a community resource not listed in this guide? Please email hope@chhclinics.org to have the information updated.
Click “Download” to access PDF versions of the guides in both English and Spanish. To request a print copy, please contact the Immigrant Resource Coordinator by calling 574-534-4744 ext. 209, emailing hope@chhclinics.org, or texting 574-205-9425.
Natural Helpers Program
The Natural Helpers Program extends the services we offer to our immigrant patients by connecting them with an immigrant volunteer who speaks their language and can refer them to resources in the community like food, transportation, housing, jobs, language classes, legal help, and more.
“Natural Helpers” is a nationwide program designed to bridge the gap between residents and the resources available to them by identifying, training and empowering local immigrants who understand the challenges of moving to a different place, learning a new language, and establishing a home in the U.S.
In any given community there are “helpers” who people of that community “naturally” turn to for help. These “natural helpers” are highly respected for their knowledge of available resources and services. A Natural Helpers program provides training to help already existing “natural helpers” better serve the members of their community. The goal is to develop a network of person-to-person support services that will help immigrants more effectively access existing community resources and work with community social service organizations.
Natural Helpers are available to meet with immigrant community members on Monday evenings from 5pm-7pm at Center for Healing & Hope. No appointment necessary.
Have questions? Contact Jane Ross Richer, Immigrant Resource Coordinator by email jrricher@chhclinics.org, phone 574-534-4744 ext. 209 or by texting “Support” to 574-205-9425.
Goshen Resident ID (GRID) Card Program
The Goshen Resident Identification card verifies the identity and address of the person to whom it is issued.
The Goshen Resident ID card is not a valid form of identification for voting. It is not a driver’s license.
The Goshen Resident ID card is for everyone who lives within the city limits of Goshen, Indiana. The card will be of particular help to people who are unable to get a driver’s license or other form of official identification. This includes immigrants as well as elderly, formerly incarcerated and homeless people.
We are scheduling appointments for people to register for the GRID card. To schedule an appointment, call 574-534-4744 or text the word “GRID” and your preferred language to 574-205-9425.
HOPE Network
Elkhart County HOPE (Helping Our People Everywhere) is a part of Center for Healing & Hope. We are committed to matching volunteers and resources with people in our communities who have needs.
HOPE is a network of businesses, churches, educators, non-profit organizations and individuals who are ready to step in where there are needs. People who are struggling with the challenges of current policies and laws are the ones we are striving to help.
Our goal is to continue making our community a place where people feel welcomed and valued and where they can contribute their best potential for the good of all.