March Newsletter Highlights • Important Leadership Changes and Plans for the Future • Wendi’s Inspiring Host Home Story • Welcoming Tomas Romas: A Dedicated Advocate Joins the AIDNW Board

Important Leadership Changes and Plans for the Future 

New Board Chairman Ben Jones

After Dr. Caitlin Boline’s move to the East Coast and subsequent resignation as Board Chair, Ben Jones has stepped into the role, committed to guiding AIDNW in unwavering support of our mission through a period of significant change at the national level. The board also bid farewell to Dr. Louisa Beal, recognized for her contributions to the Marketing and Communications Committee and her work on the “AIDNW Monthly Report” radio program. Meanwhile, new board members Nicole Contreras and Dr. Tomas Ramos have joined, already bringing valuable insights since their arrivals in December and February.

Rather than hiring a new executive director, the board is closely collaborating with Operations Manager Aidan Perkinson to maximize resources for AIDNW’s programs. An advisory group of volunteers has been formed to review and enhance programming and see what has been working well and what may need to be changed in light of this new administration. Additionally, the Welcome Center has returned to using its own RV for now, with plans for a more permanent solution still under evaluation (we will review the decision to return to our own RV monthly).

We express the utmost gratitude to Chris and Kim Chisholm for their generosity in lending their RV during a transitional period. As AIDNW faces the challenges of 2025, there is optimism with the growth in membership for the Marketing & Communications and Fundraising Committees, and a commitment to rebuilding internal and financial strength.

Wendi’s Inspiring Host Home Story

Volunteer Wendi Fein shared her experience as a new home host after her recent training with our partner organization, World Relief, and shared how other volunteers can do the same.

“It is a wonderful opportunity for AIDNW volunteers to welcome recently released guests into their homes for short-term stays. A young man from Africa recently stayed with me for several days. The first thing he wanted to do was talk with his family. From the privacy of his own room and space, (after 7 months of detention) he was joyful as he shared his recent asylum. I got to hear the loud, enthusiastic chatter. I was feeling happy tears! He appreciated the warm meal and even warmer long shower after those heartfelt conversations!” After a comprehensive process, background/driving check, video training, and a phone interview with the World Relief Volunteer Coordinator, you too can become a home host to released guests.

While a recent rise in interest has been encouraging, “more hosts are needed…to embrace our new guests with hope, respect, and a sense of community.”

Visit https://worldrelief.org/western-wa/get-involved/volunteer/host-home-volunteer/ to learn more. To express interest, please email both Claudia: CKrakani@wr.org and Aidan: operationsmgr@aidnw.org

Welcoming Tomas Romas: A Dedicated Advocate Joins the AIDNW Board

Tomas Ramos is a Professor of Creative Arts, Literature, and Communication at Tacoma Community College (TCC). He is also a former TCC Honors Chapter Advisor and serves on the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) Executive Board as Vice President of Human Rights. Tomas has been involved with AIDNW in various capacities for over ten years.  Originally from Mexico, from a single-parent household, he learned and lived through the struggles of poverty, language barriers, and complex bureaucracies on the path to citizenship and life in America.

When asked why Tomas pursued a position on the AIDNW Board, his response was simple: “When my family came to this country, there were plenty of people who welcomed us to the neighborhood, that stood up for my rights, and now it’s time for me to speak up and to stand up in defense of immigration human rights.”

Tomas brings a much-welcomed and highly valuable perspective to the Board’s work and is excited to “contribute to the organization in a more intellectual capacity, bringing in resources to help continue the great work that we do.”

Professor and New Board Member Tomas Romas