BY MELANIE ULLE
It’s been an incredibly heavy year for immigrant communities in the U.S., as many families deal with the constant stress of new deportation threats, the loss of legal protections and just a general sense of uncertainty. Like many of you, we have friends who are preparing to leave this country they have loved. It is heartbreaking. It is impossible to find the right words, besides sharing how much we will miss them.
I feel an overwhelming sense of helplessness. But, as always, if you look hard enough there always seems to be a little light to inspire hope in the darkness. As Mr. Rogers told us, “Find the helpers.”
Allow me to introduce you to the helpers.
Casa de Paz believes that families belong together. They work every day to welcome recently released newcomers, asylum seekers, and immigrants. They facilitate their next steps towards reunification with loved ones in a dignified way.
Almost 14 years ago, Casa de Paz was born in a one-bedroom apartment at 30th and Peoria fueled by the energy and vision of a small group of dedicated do-gooders. In those early days, the community donated their time to make food, assist with travel arrangements, and physically walk people through TSA at the airport to ensure they weren’t navigating the chaos alone.
Over the years, the organization has grown significantly, learning invaluable lessons along the way. While they are still serving the same population, their reach has expanded and today, they operate a dedicated van that sits outside the detention center daily between 10:00 am and 7:00 pm. The team waits there for folks to be released, ensuring that every person has assistance getting to their final destination in a way that preserves their dignity.
The organization also runs a robust visitation program at the detention center in Aurora. This initiative pairs volunteers with detained individuals, offering them the chance to spend an hour outside of their cells connecting with another human being. To reach those beyond the local area, Casa de Paz manages a letter-writing program that operates on the same principle, connecting volunteers to people detained across the United States.
Casa de Paz is constantly looking for ways to increase their support. Currently, they send commissary money and phone funds to help detainees stay connected with their families.
They support people who find themselves awaiting deportation. For these folks, Casa de Paz provides a backpack filled with personal items and a change of clothes. This is a small comfort for overwhelmed people during a difficult transition. They look out for the families of those detained by providing snack baggies to people visiting their loved ones.
For the leaders at the helm of Casa de Paz, the work is driven by the resilience of the people they serve. The organization has witnessed firsthand the incredible kindness of people who, despite having nothing, are willing to turn around and give everything to the next person in their situation.
Their team has shared that this work has been eye-opening for staff and volunteers. It’s helped them see that the people navigating this grueling system are neighbors who share the same hopes and dreams as themselves.
As we look into 2026, and seek sources of inspiration, Casa de Paz is providing that light in abundance. For those who wish to support this mission, there are several ways to get involved. Supporters can take volunteer training online and immediately begin assisting with Casa de Paz’s efforts. For those unable to give their time, financial donations also keep their operations running. Check them out at www.casadepazcolorado.org.