Iowa Migrant Movement for Justice will be our September First Sunday collection recipient on September 12 (** a week later than usual, due to the Labor Day holiday**).
While Iowa MMJ’s name may not yet be familiar to DMIEC members, the work of this newly merged entity is well-known to many. In April 2021, American Friends Service Committee of Iowa and Iowa Justice for our Neighbors formed Iowa MMJ to better advance their mutual legacy of service to Iowa’s migrant and refugee populations in designated areas of the state. Iowa MMJ remains an affiliate of the Justice for our Neighbors Network, a national United Methodist Church immigration ministry. The stated ministry of Iowa MMJ, a nonprofit organization, is “to build a movement of justice led by immigrants and refugees in Iowa by providing high quality legal services and empowerment through organization.” Its legal services are available to low-income immigrants and refugees who financially qualify without regard to race, gender, or religion. Iowa MMJ operates monthly regional legal clinics in Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Columbus Junction, Decorah, Ottumwa, Marshalltown, and Storm Lake. Iowa MMJ also serves immigrant victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. Nearly 2000 qualified low-income persons from 68 countries received legal services through Iowa MMJ’s parent organizations in 2020.
Iowa MMJ intends to use DMIEC First Sunday collection monies to support areas of activity and operation not otherwise supported by grant funding. Erica Johnson, Executive Director for Iowa MMJ, will join DMIEC’s Zoom service on September 12 to further inform us of Iowa MMJ’s vital work of service.
CHECKS SHOULD BE MAILED TO:
DMIEC, P.O. Box 30065, Des Moines, IA 50310
Checks can be written either to “Iowa MMJ” or “DMIEC” with “First Sunday” in the memo line.
We would prefer that all checks be mailed to DMIEC. If you mail your check directly to the organization, please inform Ed Arnold of the amount, if you feel comfortable, so the Social Justice Committee can get an accurate count of donations.
For more information about the organization, please visit their website: https://www.iowammj.org/
