What We Do
ADVOCACY
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​We advocate for the rights, respect, and well-being of migrants passing through and settling in DeKalb.
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DMA members have spoken at DeKalb City Council and DeKalb County Board meetings, in private conversations with local and national elected officials, and through editorials in local print and radio media.
RESOURCE-MAPPING AND REFERRALS
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​We help link resources with individuals who need them—including migrants and direct service providers working with migrant families and individuals.
EVENTS
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​We work with peer institutions to host and develop helpful events and opportunities for migrant families and individuals, as well as direct service providers who work with migrants.
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Thanks to a generous grant from the Chicago Region Food Systems Fund, we are teaming up with First Congregational UCC of DeKalb and dozens of collaborators across the county to host Common Table DeKalb, a free series of meals and conversation.
CITY OF DeKALB EMERGENCY TRIAGE PLAN​
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​We have worked with the City of DeKalb and other stakeholders to create an emergency triage plan, in the event of a large-scale arrival of migrants traveling by bus or plane.
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DMA advocated for the City of DeKalb to create a $50,000 emergency fund to be deployed in the event of a large-scale arrival.
Who We Support
MIGRANTS
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​The broad term "migrant" is often used to describe refugees, asylum-seekers, and any undocumented person pursuing immigration relief (via parole, asylum, temporary protected status, etc).
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We support migrants in DeKalb with referrals to existing resources and service-providers, including through our Resource Guide, translated into Spanish and Arabic.
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We regularly field emails and requests from people needing support and help them find what they​ need.​
SERVICE PROVIDERS
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​DeKalb is lucky to have a vibrant community of non-profits, agencies, and organizations helping people who are experiencing need.
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We support service providers in DeKalb through frequent meetings and dialogue, resource mapping, and migrant-specific trainings.
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We regularly field emails and requests from service providers.
THE PEOPLE OF DeKALB
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​We believe communities are stronger when they are welcoming. We also believe that by addressing the needs of migrants, we can better understand the gaps in our service areas, which in turn helps us understand how to better serve local residents, as well.
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By making DeKalb a place that is better prepared for the arrival of newcomers, we make it a better place for everyone.
Who We Are
Lead Coordinator:
Frankie DiCiaccio
Coordinators:
David Becker, John Dorhauer, Dan Kenney, Sandy López
Committee:
Manal Alkarzon, Fred Barnhart, David Castro, Dillon Cathro, Laura Heideman, Araceli Lopez, Vianey Lopez, Rylie Loucks-Kues, Eric Ogi, Claudia Oliveros, Scott Robinson, Mark Schuller, Shrestha Singh, Jennifer Spencer, Jennifer Yochem
Our Community
Partners
