To the editor:

The human face of immigration and refugee status came clearly into focus during last week’s evening program sponsored by the Bainbridge Multi-Cultural Committee. Thank you, Bainbridge High School and BIMCC for hosting.

I am particularly touched and inspired by the work being done in our own backyard by one of the presenters at the meeting — Kitsap Immigrant Assistance Center.

As the only immigrant rights organization on the Olympic Peninsula, the center has been overwhelmed by immigrants’ needs for legal assistance since the election. With a current caseload of over 600 cases being handled by one staff person and two volunteers, KIAC still presents Know Your Rights workshops all over the county. They are in great need of funds to continue these workshops and train more volunteer legal representatives.

Please join me in supporting the rights of immigrants in our community by learning more about KIAC’s work. Watch for upcoming fundraisers and information presentations on Bainbridge in July and September.

And thank our school district for bringing this important, timely issue home.

EMILY MANSFIELD

Bainbridge Island