San Luis Valley Immigrant Resource Center

The IRC provides services in an area where no other aid is available. The IRC's services are non-governmental, confidential and Free or minimum fee based.

In response to the election results, the San Luis Valley Immigrant Resource Center (SLVIRC) issues the following statement:

The San Luis Valley Immigrant Resource Center is a safe place for people to come and address immigration related questions and needs. For over 20 years, SLVIRC has been a vital resource for the immigrant community. We recognize the valuable contributions that immigrants make to the San Luis Valley and throughout the state of Colorado as they are our neighbors, friends, colleagues, and family members. In the wake of the election results, the immigrant community across the nation is experiencing increased fear regarding deportation and potential changes to immigration policy. During this uncertain time, SLVIRC remains committed to supporting the community as we face new challenges together. SLVIRC is able to offer low-cost services, thanks to the generous donations and grants it has received. Now more than ever, SLVIRC needs your support to continue fulfilling our mission

Testimonials

“I want to tell you that I have received a lot of help from this office. I attend English classes several times during the week; I began ESL classes two years ago with instructor Phil Archuleta. Attending classes has also helped me learn Spanish because my native language is Q’anjob’al. I had an advantage with my success by singing in English in church, something I was not able to do before I began studying English.

I have also received help to study to get my driver’s license and now I have my driver's license. I’m no longer in fear while driving around town when I run my errands.

The office helped me receive my work permit this summer, which is going to help me a lot to be able to find a good job without being afraid like before, which I am very grateful for

Another assistance that I have received from this office is food, which is a great help because sometimes I can’t afford to buy food for my family. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, they helped me with my electricity bills and rent as well because I had lost my job.

Thanks to this office I have been very successful in my personal life and with my family. I want to tell other people to support this office and seek help here. They are a great help for immigrants. They have my greatest support, them, the immigrants and the office.” –MPS

“This is my story regarding the Immigrant Resource Center in a rural town in southern Colorado.

I had just moved here from El Paso, TX and I was seeking help for myself and my three little boys. A week after arriving in Southern Colorado, I found an apartment for us but had absolutely nothing but our clothes and a few dollars in my pocket.

Thankfully, I had DACA at the time and was able to get a waitressing job at a very busy restaurant on Main St. I told myself I would work really hard to save up money to buy my kids’ beds, curtains, dishes and food. My mom knew about the Immigrant Resource Center and advised me to go ask about their resources so I did.

I looked up the address online and after arriving I felt really warm and invited. All the ladies treated me so kindly and were so willing to hear what I needed. They asked me about my situation and I was so relieved when they offered clothing, food, items for the apartment and [they] even had toys for my kids to take home!

A few years later, I went back because I was going through a divorce. It was then that I learned about VAWA. Once again they informed me about it and helped me with what I needed along the way.

The people at the office of the Immigrant Resource Center also helped me with the electricity bill, rent, food, and anything else we needed. I am very grateful that they helped us with all the necessary items, but I am most grateful for all the legal guidance they have offered me throughout the years that they've known me; after getting divorced their great help has allowed me to become a permanent resident. I am now a licensed producer in the state of Colorado and help hundreds of people get accident and health Insurance. [Without the IRC] I wouldn’t be here today; my family will forever thank this program.” -DHT