St. Luke’s New Neighbors Coalition Featured on Spectrum News

The recent Spectrum News feature on St. Luke’s Episcopal Church’s New Neighbors Coalition in Jamestown is a timely reminder of the urgent call before us: to stand with immigrants and asylum seekers in our communities.

What began as a grassroots effort to welcome and accompany newcomers has blossomed into a robust program, offering both practical support and a warm sense of belonging. The Coalition, housed at St. Luke’s, has already assisted nearly two hundred people from a variety of nations—proudly honoring each by displaying their national flags in the Church Nave. Volunteers provide guidance on everything from housing and food security to navigating legal paperwork and building pathways toward permanent residency.

Program Manager Momina Di Blasio, who came to the U.S. as a child, brings her personal experience to the work: “You see the challenges, you become empathetic. Not only do you have perspective, but you develop a sense of understanding.”

The Rev. Luke Fodor, Rector of St. Luke’s, describes the work as “making action into prayer,” a living witness to the Gospel in a time of deep division and uncertainty around immigration policy. “When we get out of our comfort zones and stretch a little bit,” Fodor shared, “that’s when we really become our best selves. Our new neighbors are making us better.”

The national conversation around immigration remains complex, but the Coalition’s mission is clear: to help people rebuild their lives, contribute to their communities, and find a safe and welcoming home. Marion Beckerink, a parishioner, volunteer and certified legal advisor, put it best: “These people want to contribute to our community. They don’t want to take. They want to rebuild—and we want to be that welcoming safety net for them.”

As people of faith, we know that God calls us to love the stranger and care for the vulnerable. This ministry is one concrete way we live into that baptismal promise, especially in challenging times.

If your parish has questions about immigration support, please reach out to St. Luke’s in Jamestown (716-483-6405). Together, we can continue to be the Body of Christ that welcomes, shelters, and uplifts all of God’s beloved children