Advocates for Immigrants in Detention Northwest
Supporting Immigrants with Dignity while in Detention and Upon Release
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our events
Who We Are
A largely all-volunteer organization, we visit detainees inside the Northwest ICE Processing [detention] Center, greet them as they are released, then help them to reach their loved ones all over the country.
AIDNW has been doing this work since 2005
Vision Statement
We offer a welcoming community that affirms the dignity of all immigrants and facilitates a pathway toward independent and productive lives.
Mission Statement
Advocates for Immigrants in Detention Northwest supports immigrants in detention and when released through welcoming services focused on transitional support and connection to vital resources for resettlement.
What We Do
We provide assistance:
Our Phone Access and Volunteer Visitation end the isolation of detained immigrants.
Our Welcome Center and Post-Detention Accompaniment Network (PDAN) volunteers offer safe release services and support.
Our Hospitality House offers safe and welcoming temporary housing to those who need it.
We increase awareness:
Many people are unaware of the Northwest Detention Center on the Tacoma Tideflats. With 1,575 beds, it is the nation’s fourth largest.
We offer educational programs on detention issues and give presentations to churches, schools and universities, civic groups and community organizations.
AIDNW Board
Tim Chen, Chairman/President
Len Johnson, Secretary
Sharon Olson, Treasurer
Louisa Beal
Mary Clare Benson
Kendall Burch
Stteffany Duran
Tonia Honeycutt
Morgan Jade
Patti Kilpatrick
Sharing Common Goals
· World Relief
· Northwest Immigrants Rights Project (NWIRP)
· Peace Lutheran Church
· Colectiva Legal de Pueblo
· St. Leo’s Catholic Church
· Tacoma Community House
Many local congregations offer us continued, vital support.
Advocates for Immigrants in Detention Northwest (AIDNW), is a 501©(3) non-profit organization dedicated to serving detained immigrants at the Northwest Detention Center (NWDC)
Tacoma Arts Live video “Welcoming Immigrants”
https://vimeo.com/755754981
AIDNW is featured at minute 3:41
News and Events
Join the Team!
We are looking for a part-time Volunteer Coordinator. See details here
We are also looking for additional Welcome Center and PDAN (drivers) volunteers. A Welcome Center training will be offered on June 12th, from 1 – 5 pm. Please fill out a volunteer application here and RSVP to officeassistant@aidnw.org.
If you are interested but can’t make it to the training that day, individual training can be arranged.
It is a richly rewarding experience to be part of a team providing vital services to people as they are released from detention.
Thank you!
It takes a village! We are grateful for all of our community support.
Upcoming Events
July 19, 2023
Community Meeting
10:30 am – 12 noon
Hot lunch will be provided by the congregation! (no outside food permitted)
Topic: The End of Title 42--how this is affecting our communities
Location: Temple Beth Shalom, 6800 35th Ave. NE, Seattle 98115
RSVP by July 12th to: officeassistant@aidnw.org
Please send an email to officevolunteer@aidnw.org to RSVP so that we know how many people to expect.
Please save the date
Seeking Board members, including a Board Chair, to guide this vibrant, vital organization as we work to expand our presence in both the online and local community.
To express interest, please fill out a volunteer application LINK and check "board" at the top
Join the Team!
We are looking for a part-time Volunteer Coordinator. See details here
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We are also looking for additional Welcome Center and PDAN (drivers) volunteers. A Welcome Center training will be offered on June 12th, from 1 – 5 pm. Please fill out a volunteer application here and RSVP to officeassistant@aidnw.org.
If you are interested but can’t make it to the training that day, individual training can be arranged.
It is a richly rewarding experience to be part of a team providing vital services to people as they are released from detention.
Thank you!
It takes a village! We are grateful for all of our community support.
Upcoming Events
July 19, 2023
Community Meeting
10:30 am – 12 noon
Hot lunch will be provided by the congregation! (no outside food permitted)
Topic: The End of Title 42--how this is affecting our communities
Location: Temple Beth Shalom, 6800 35th Ave. NE, Seattle 98115
RSVP by July 12th to: officeassistant@aidnw.org
Please send an email to officevolunteer@aidnw.org to RSVP so that we know how many people to expect.
Please save the date
Seeking Board members, including a Board Chair, to guide this vibrant, vital organization as we work to expand our presence in both the online and local community.
To express interest, please fill out a volunteer application LINK and check "board" at the top
2023 Newsletters
2022 Newsletters
Archive Newsletters
PowerPoint Presentation on AIDNW Services
AIDNW is on Radio Tacoma!
Tune in to hear our monthly reports that feature interviews and heart-warming excerpts from the nightly Welcome Center action. You can listen to the reports at https://radiotacoma.org/aidnw or on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday at 5 pm, Wednesday at 7 pm on 101.9 FM
AIDNW was featured on KGHP Radio's Harbor Chat!
https://www.facebook.com/watch/live/?ref=watch_permalink&v=395209735827197
AIDNW Speaker's Bureau
Want to learn more?
Would your school, church or community group like to learn more about immigration, detention, the Northwest ICE Processing Center and the work of AIDNW? AIDNW Speakers Bureau volunteers are available to make presentations-in person or by Zoom. If you are interested please contact: dcruz@aidnw.org
Tacoma Arts Live video
“Reflections in the Shadow of Tahoma: Welcoming Immigrants” https://vimeo.com/755754981 AIDNW is featured at minute 3:41)
AIDNW was featured on KGHP Radio's Harbor Chat!
https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=395209735827197
AIDNW Community Mtg September, 2022
A presentation from Refugee Women's Alliance
AIDNW Community Mtg March 16th, 2022
A presentation from Lutheran Community Services Northwest
AIDNW Community Mtg January 19, 2022
Guest speaker Julie Braker, Staff Attorney Northwest Immigrant Rights Project (NWIRP)
AIDNW Community Mtg August 18, 2021
Three presentations on the immigrant detainees held and released from the Northwest ICE Processing Center
AIDNW Community Mtg June 16, 2021
Guest Speaker Stephanie Murray, detention center post release coordinator for World Relief