The second of three forums to talk about immigration awareness continue Tuesday in St. Joseph.

A forum talking about how social services and resources help immigrants adjust to living in the community will take place Tuesday, March 21 at 7 p.m. at Our Lady of Guadalupe located at 4503 Frederick Ave. The forum is expected to address, “How immigrants are a challenge and a gift to our community.”

Pastor Roger Lenander with First Lutheran Church is a member of the Interfaith Alliance for Immigrants which is hosting the three forums. Lenander said the hope is that the forums will bring awareness to the local impact of immigrants.  Tuesday’s panel speakers include: Donna Salcido, InterServ’s Immigration Services Coordinator, Kim Kempf, Dir. of Shelter Services at the YWCA, Carrie Turner, Training and Outreach Coordinator with the YWCA, and Derek Evans, Academic Advisor at MWSU and Co-Founder of Our Revolution-St. Joseph.

“Each night has focused on a different area of life in our community,” Lenander said. “We’ve intentionally moved these forums around to include the whole of our community. To reflect that this is an opportunity to bring those voices of the whole community to speak about the gifts and challenges.  But also, to walk with and learn about those who are neighbors with us in our community.

The first forum talking about education and health for immigrants was held in February with around 60 people in attendance. The final forum will take place April 18th at 7 p.m. at St. James Church located at 5814 King Hill Ave.  Employment and business will be the April topic with speakers Chief Chris Connally (SJPD), and Pat Lilly (Chamber of Commerce).

Then on May 24th, IAI will host a prayerful gathering on the 24th the St. Joseph Islamic Center.