DACA is often seen in the political world as a bargaining chip. We often forget the recipients of DACA, a.k.a. Dreamers, are people. Who is “the Dreamer?” Please watch this quick video made by Blackstone Edge Studios depicting the Dreamers in our society.
WHAT IS IC?
Legal Advocacy
Just like you hire a tax person to help you navigate the complexities of tax law, Immigrant Connection helps immigrants fill out and submit their immigration paperwork to USCIS. As a DOJ recognized site, IC’s niche is providing low cost immigration legal services.
Holistic Services
Immigrant Connection functions like a “social worker” for immigrants, connecting them to a variety of partner organizations and services within the Portland Metro area, particularly in East County.
Jesus Centered
As a ministry of Columbia View Wesleyan Church and affiliate churches, Immigrant Connection shares Christ in tangible ways with the immigrants in our community to see them experience hope and healing through Him.
Our Growing Staff
SERENA RANNABARGAR
Executive Director
Serena (Tita) was commissioned by the Columbia View Wesleyan Church board January 2019 as the executive director of IC. She grew up in central America, received her MSW, and has several years experience in both shelter and outpatient counseling services. Serena lives in SE Portland with her husband David and their 1 year old daughter, Kariss.
Don Blain
Lead Pastor / Administration
Don Blain is the lead pastor of Columbia View Wesleyan Church and also provides leadership to Immigrant Connection. If you don’t find him investing in the lives of people, you just mind find him tearing up the highway on his motorcycle. Don lives in Fairview with his wife Patty. Their four boys are scattered around the globe (literally) serving Jesus and their families.
Niki Cox
Receptionist
Niki joined the IC staff spring of 2019. She brings a variety of skills and abilities to our team, particularly in working with people. Niki and her husband Sam live in Portland with their beautiful daughter Katie.
Susan Sloan
Grant Specialist / Board Member
Dr. Susan Sloan has been with the IC team since Spring of 2019. She brings a wealth of experience in non-profit development, fundraising, organizational leadership, and Christian ministry. She and her husband live in Gresham and are active in the grace community church.
Vannesa Cisneroz
Media Specialist / Board Member
Vannesa joined our IC staff spring of 2019, currently serving as both a board member and as our media specialist. Vannesa has a passion to leverage social media and other communications platforms to further IC’s impact in Portland. She and her husband Ricky live in Portland with their two children, Mateo (2) and Mia (1).
David Rannabargar
Pastor / Administration
David has been with the IC staff since the beginning of 2019. He brings the giftings of both a pastor and an administrative guru to the team. He lives in SE Portland with his wife Tita and their 1 year old daughter, Kariss.
Sandra Ofodrinwa
Board Member / Legal Assistant
Sandra joined the IC team spring of 2019. She has a passion to serve the immigrant community and hopes to attend law school to become an immigration lawyer. She lives in the Gresham.
Ways to Partner
Learn
We need partners who are committed to become students of immigrant stories and the cause of immigration.
Share
We need partners who will spread the word about this ministry to their networks.
Pray
We need partners who will pray regularly for Immigrant Connection and the immigration cause.
Serve
We need partners with a variety of skills and experience working together to accomplish the mission of Immigrant Connection.
Give
We need financial partners to launch this ministry. As our clientele base grows IC will become self-sustainable, however, your ongoing giving will help keep the cost down for clients. You can give by clicking here.
FAQ
When will Immigrant Connection first be able to receive clients?
As soon as we are accredited through the DOJ. We are praying this to be complete the beginning of 2020.
What do your legal services cost?
Fees vary depending on the case. We follow a fee schedule from the national IC network.
What immigration paperwork does IC help with?
Immigrant Connection offices work on cases including: advice and counsel, naturalization, family petitions, adjustment of status, renewal of legal permanent residency, DACA renewals, U Visas, VAWA (Violence Against Women Act), fiancé visas, religious worker petitions, and consular processing.
Will this just help people who are living here “illegally?”
Our heart is to help immigrants follow the law. As a partially accredited site, we will comply with governmental regulations to help immigrants who have been here “undocumented” correct their status while also helping those who came with documents remain “in status.”
CONTACT US
Phone
503.253.7939
srannabargar.ic@gmail.com