US: MISSISSIPPI TORNADO RESPONSE

UMCOR is assisting the people of Caledonia, Mississippi in response to a tornado that tore into the community on Jan. 10. UMCOR has issued an emergency grant for the Mississippi Annual Conference to help with initial needs.

The tornado caused extensive damage to the local high school and to the United Methodist Church and parsonage. The conference is sending their Early Response team to help the church and is making their initial assessments for the next steps in recovery.

Please lift up this town in your prayers. You can give to Domestic Disaster Response, UMCOR Advance #901670.

KENYA: BRINGING RELIEF TO KENYA

UMCOR is helping Church World Service in bringing relief to thousands of women and children displaced by the recent post-election violence in Kenya through the distribution of basic supplies.

Emergency assistance will go to the most affected groups in this conflict, especially those living in internally displaced camps. Mosquito nets, blankets, kitchen sets and hygiene products will be distributed to about 2,300 families for one month.

UMCOR is helping the East Africa Conference in their efforts to provide food and shelter to Kenyans who have fled to Uganda. Food, water and other necessities are also being directed to the Nairobi Evangelical Graduate School of Theology in Karen where many people are seeking refuge. Please pray and help by giving to Advance #982450, International Disaster Response.

JFON: HELPING PEOPLE KNOW THEIR RIGHTS

Jones* had been struggling to meet his day-to-day needs by working at various small jobs. He sought help at a local Justice for Our Neighbors clinic where he learned that because of his asylum status, he was entitled to go to work immediately. There was no need for a work authorization document--as he originally believed. Jones was thrilled at the news.

This is just one of the many examples where immigrants and asylum seekers residing in the US may not be aware of their legal rights. UMCOR provides free legal clinics staffed with licensed attorneys through the JFON program. They help secure much-needed documentation, assure immigrants of their rights and govern their clients through the legal policies and processes.

Last year JFON served approximately 2,275 clients at over 200 clinics held in 19 cities across the nation--including clients held at resettlement centers in Dallas and Fort Worth. Learn more about this program and give to UMCOR Advance #901285, Justice for Our Neighbors.

*Jones is not his real name.

United Methodist Committee on Relief
General Board of Global Ministries, The United Methodist Church
Room 330, 475 Riverside Drive, New York, NY 10115
Voice Phone: 1-212-870-3816; FAX: 1-212-870-3624
Email: umcor@gbgm-umc.org
Web: http://www.umcor.org

UMCOR. Be There. Be Hope.
UMCOR's mission is to alleviate human suffering-whether caused by war, conflict, or natural disaster-with open minds and hearts to all people.