Members of the NIC Cabinet with Claudia Marchan at the dinner.

This fall over 160 people gathered at Two Brothers Roundhouse in Aurora to raise funds in support of immigration services for those who cannot afford an attorney. Immigration Law and Justice of Northern Illinois (formerly known as Justice for Our Neighbors) whose roots are in the Northern Illinois Conference, provides free legal services for those seeking a pathway to legal status in the United States. The agency, affiliated with our United Methodist Board of Global Ministries, is working with hundreds of individuals and families who have come to the United States seeking freedom from violence, persecution and oppression.

The pathway to legal status is rapidly changing and requires skilled legal guidance to navigate. The Northern Illinois Conference supports this work with apportionment dollars, special fundraising in local churches and individual gifts.

Champions for Justice Award winners Brian Straw and Charles Wintersteen with ILJN Board members.

This year’s gathering included a presentation from Bishop Dan Schwerin who shared his story of how immigration fears have touched his family. Champions for Justice Awards were given to Brian Straw, a former ILJNI board member and one of six persons in the Chicagoland area who were indited on Federal charges stemming from a Broadview demonstration in the fall of October 2025. In addition, Charles Wintersteen, a former ILJNI board member who has served as counsel for the NIC on immigration for the past 20 years, was recognized.

As many of us struggle with a faithful witness to the values of hospitality and welcoming, we can join protests, cast our vote and offer concrete financial support for those lawfully using our immigration system to find a new home.

ILJNI board and staff members at the dinner

The fundraising goal for the evening was $60,000. To date we have raised $40,500. Our goal is to raise the $60,000 by the end of the year. Please join in personally supporting this important work. Watch for details of next year’s event and plan to join in this important effort. You can make a donation on our new website!

If you would like to know more about how you can support this work, become a volunteer, or bring this mission to your church, you can submit a volunteer form here.

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