Strangers No Longer: Justice For Our Neighbors

One Saturday a month, United Methodist volunteers offer hospitality to their neighbors through a program called Justice for Our Neighbors (JFON). Bilingual hosts, bearing everything from baked goods to children’s toys, welcome guests who have been victims of violent crimes. These victims live in the shadows as they are in the United States without documentation. Women like Dolores* come to JFON’s legal clinic.

Dolores met William* at work. After dating for some time, they moved in together, in part because Dolores wanted her daughter Alexis* to have a father figure. In time, William starting bringing stolen goods into the house and, eventually, a gun. When Dolores objected, he told her to shut up or he would kill her—and that no one would notice because she was a poor “illegal” immigrant.

William started to demand money from Dolores. When she could not pay, he would bring men into the house and force her to prostitute herself. He told Dolores that he could get her deported with one phone call to immigration and that Alexis, a United States citizen, would be taken away from her. One day, William left in Dolores’ car, leaving her stranded, and she finally asked a neighbor for help. Dolores obtained an Order of Protection—a court document restricting William from coming near Dolores or Alexis—and went into hiding. William stalked both Dolores at work and Alexis at school. He kidnapped Dolores and held her captive for three days, repeatedly raping and beating her. Only the need for medical care allowed Dolores to escape again.

JFON welcomed Dolores. This little-known Methodist ministry provides free, high-quality legal services for immigrants who are victims of violent crime. Through JFON, immigrants cooperating in the prosecution of a crime can apply for a U visa, a special U.S. visa for immigrants who are victims of crime. In time, these immigrant victims can receive green cards and take their first step toward citizenship.

Equally as important as the legal aid provided by JFON is the hospitality extended by volunteers like Kathryn Spry, a member of Hillcrest United Methodist Church. “My work at JFON is guided by Micah 6:8—‘And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God,’” Kathryn explains. “I believe in offering sanctuary, and making people feel safe and welcome. A little food goes a long way to let people know you care about them; some people are in the parking lot when I arrive at 8:00, even though the clinic does not start intake until 9:00. They need something to eat and someone to greet them.”

We were all immigrants once, and we were all in need of neighbors and sanctuary. Spiritually, neighbors are the people who show mercy to the foreigner who has been beaten and left on the road to die. Acts of justice, mercy and kindness characterize good neighbors. Dolores and Kathryn were not likely neighbors, but thanks to Justice for Our Neighbors, they are strangers no longer.
 
Justice for Our Neighbors:
tnjfon.org

Domestic Violence Programs:
YWCA of Nashville:
ywcanashville.com/Programs/Domestic_Violence
(615) 242-1199
1 (800) 334-4628

Mary Parish Center:
maryparrish.org

Morning Star Sanctuary:
morningstarsanctuary.org

Bridges (Williamson County):
bridgesdvc.org

Avalon Center (Crossville):
avaloncentertn.org

Hope House (Maury County):
hopehousetn.com

The Shelter (Lawrenceburg):
theshelterinc.tripod.com

Families in Crisis:
New Beginnings (McMinnville):
ficnb.com

Victim Support Organizations:
You Have the Power
yhtp.org

Referrals for Services:
Dial United Way’s referral
line at 211

Information about Middle Tennessee Nonprofits
GivingMatters.com


*Names have been changed