Our immigrant communities in Nebraska are an integral part of our state. They are our neighbors, co-workers, business owners, and more. At times immigrant community members can struggle to advocate due to social barriers—but their voice is part of the community! In Nebraska, we are honored to have the Heartland Workers Center help people find the power within themselves and use it to advocate for their human rights. With the encouragement of the HWC, our immigrant neighbors truly harness their civic engagement power to enact changes in the community beyond voting in elections.
For 15 years, the Heartland Workers Center has been a community hub for underrepresented and immigrant community members to help advocate for their wants and needs. The organization prides itself on meeting people where they are and building upon their knowledge and self-confidence through training and programming. These programs center around community and family leadership, pathways to citizenship, and OSHA training to teach people to hone their own voice and exercise their rights. Regardless of language barriers and self-doubt immigrants may face, HWC staff teach them that they can overcome the challenges and doubts to achieve their goals. Janeth Cano, Director of Training and Programs, says, “All of the dedication is theirs. We’re just there to encourage them through it.”
HWC’s motto, “gathering builds community,” holds true even in the face of political adversity. In the face of ICE raids in South Omaha and Greater Nebraska, communities came together for their immigrant neighbors. During this uncertain time, HWC ensured that people’s everyday activities could continue without having to compromise security. Staff members took the time to drive community members to school, work, church, and back home. When even just going outside feels scary, the staff prioritized checking in and meeting them where they were. During difficult times, Janeth says, “We’re focusing on gathering with them, building community with them, and showing them that they're not alone through this.”
Since the beginning of June, the Heartland Workers Center has compiled and distributed over 7,000 Family Safety Plans to families, businesses, and organizations. The Family Safety Plans were made to be used in the case of an emergency to ensure that tools and resources are in place should something unthinkable happen and you or someone else cannot come home. The plan consists of a document checklist, warrant examples, resource phone numbers, and power of attorney and delegation of parental powers documents all available in both English and Spanish. These safety plans give power back to community members and reinforce community support.
The heart of Nebraska communities are our immigrant neighbors who help make the state run. Through HWC’s humanitarian actions, more people throughout the state, in both urban and rural communities, recognize the humanity, culture and camaraderie that our immigrant community members bring by being part of Nebraska culture. We already see the overwhelming support that Nebraska communities show towards our immigrant communities, fighting to keep their families, friends, and neighbors feel safe and supported at home.