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Make Your Own!
Sandra Stays!
Started by: Rev. Shawna Foster
Sandra Stays!
Stop Sandra from being deported by supporting her sanctuary costs and legal fees!
¡Detenga a Sandra de ser deportada apoyando los gastos de santuario y los gastos legales!
Sandra Lopez is a beloved member of our community in the Roaring Fork Valley, Colorado. On October 19th, 2017, Sandra left her home, job, and family to take Sanctuary from our unjust deportation system. Your support support Sandra as she fights to stay here with her family.
Sandra Lopez es un miembro muy querido de nuestra comunidad del Roaring Fork Valley, Colorado. El 19 de octubre de 2017, Sandra dejó su hogar, su trabajo y su familia para buscar a Sanctuary de nuestro sistema de deportación injusto. Su apoyo fortaleza a Sandra mientras lucha para quedarse aquí con su familia.
Background: Sandra has lived, worked, and raised a family in our Valley for the past 16 years. Sandra lives in Silt with her husband, her US citizen children Areli (2) and Edwin (13), and her oldest son Alex (18), also a US citizen, is attending his first year at Mesa State University in Grand Junction.
In May of 2010, Sandra was wrongfully arrested when one of her young kids dialed 911 and hung up. The police arrested Sandra in spite of there being no problem, and all charges were dropped. However, because of a state law that has since been repealed, local police reported Sandra to ICE and she has been fighting her deportation case ever since.
On Thursday October 19th, 2017, Sandra was supposed to present herself to ICE for her annual appointment. However, she was informed the night before that ICE denied her renewal of her Stay of removal (a temporary postponement of removal from the US), and was scheduled for detention and removal. Sandra made the brave and difficult decision to go into the Sanctuary offered by Two Rivers Unitarian Universalist, bringing with her 2 year old Areli, to fight for her family and all immigrant families facing deportation.
For the past five years, Sandra dedicated herself to volunteering in her community. She is a leader in the Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition, sitting on a steering committee for a multi-year effort to build trust between immigrant communities and law enforcement, and disentangle local police from enforcing federal immigration laws. She has lobbied at the Colorado capitol for state law changes, and in Washington D.C. for federal immigration reform. She has worked to educate her community about their rights and resources. Sandra is an incredibly strong woman, mother, worker, leader, and volunteer. She is a valued member of our community.
Her family and community need her to stay here! Sandra Belongs Here!
Fundraiser FAQ:
Is my donation tax-deductible?
Donations to Two Rivers Unitarian Universalist are tax deductible, less processing fees. If you donate by mailing a check, the entire amount is deductible. If you donate online, the processing fee 2.8% + .30 cents per transaction.
How will the money be used?
While Two Rivers Unitarian Universalist collects the funds, Sandra determines how much is spent on her legal fees, the legal fees of the congregation, and for things like food, gas, rent and other Sanctuary expenses. All funds collected will only be used for this sanctuary effort.
Latest Update
Yesterday members of faith communities and people from our community visited with a Rep. Tipton staffer. We asked if our representative could come visit with Sandra, write a letter for her to help with her ICE proceedings, and to visit with Rosa who is in Sanctuary in Mancos. We hope that through petitions and support from our elected leaders Sandra can go home for the holidays!
Posted by Rev. Shawna
December 7 at 7:48am
Thank you all to who have contributed! Areli turned two yesterday and got great presents, thanks for the birthday wishes! To spread positivity, please go to facebook and make positive comments for Sandra https://www.facebook.com/glenwoodsprings/posts/10154875009783204 Thanks for all your support of Sandra in Sanctuary!
Posted by Rev. Shawna
November 14 at 8:29am
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(Photo is from Joe Amon of the Denver Post) Day 5: Sandra announced to the community she took Sanctuary with her daughter Areli at Two Rivers Unitarian Universalist. With her community around her, Sandra tearfully shared how her decision to be seen by everyone is to lift up all families torn apart by deportation. Fox News, The Denver Post, Aspen Public Radio, The Glenwood Post Independent, KDNK, The Sopris Sun and more covered the announcement that ended with a chant for all those in Sanctuary. Thank you for your support - please share this story with your friends!
Posted by Rev. Shawna
October 25 at 6:02am
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Day Three: Sandra was on a call with Rosa who is in Sanctuary at the Mancos United Methodist Church. They shared about the hardships of Sanctuary and how important it is to make our communities aware rather than to just quietly suffer injustice. Her daughter was also excited to see herself on video!
Posted by Rev. Shawna
October 21 at 10:59am
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Day One - Sandra arrived with her daughter Areli and her husband Sergio. She shared with a lot of tears how her son Edwin did not know that she had to take Sanctuary. Two River's board president, Peter, saved the day by coming in, measuring, cleaning up, and getting some carpet temporarily laid down in the new sanctuary space. We gathered with neighbors and friends on the front porch to pray for Rosa in Mancos and all the people who are in Sanctuary. We laid hands on Joanne, who is going to Mancos as part of a caravan to see the power our faith communities have to offer Sanctuary to those in dire need. We are lucky to be in a great neighborhood and to be well supported. Thank you for all your help!
Posted by Rev. Shawna
October 20 at 7:54am
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55 Supporters
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- Jordan Bailey5 years ago Sí se puede.... Juntos somos más fuertes!
- John Michalakes6 years ago Best wishes.
- Joyce M Woltman6 years ago Best wishes.
- Gabriela Flora6 years ago Mandando mucho amor a un lider y mujer increible.
- Ann S. Nicholson6 years ago God Bless-I admire your strength-
- Christine H Smith6 years ago Best wishes.
- udelle stuckey6 years ago Best wishes.
- Kirsten Hix6 years ago
- Anonymous6 years ago
- Meghan Pearlman6 years ago In honor of Sue and Chris Coyle! Happy Holidays and thank you for doing this important work. Love, Meghan, Aaron and Hayden
- Show 45 more supporters
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