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In an increasingly turbulent and disconnected world, the Coalition for Our Immigrant Neighbors and Patchwork Global stand out as sources of stability and connection for immigrant families.
COIN is a nonprofit that aims to equip community partners like schools, nonprofits and faith-based groups with quality information to empower these support networks already trusted by immigrant families. It was informally founded in 2016 by two attorneys working in the child welfare space and was born out of necessity: The growing complexity of the immigration system fractured the existing network of support available to families. By 2020, COIN had launched as a nonprofit. COIN now serves as the “hub” to many “spoke” partner organizations and resources.
Patchwork has a similar background, starting with a few to help the many. Patchwork’s efforts began in 2019 with aiding resettled immigrant and refugee communities through housing advocacy, education, practical aid and resources, and English conversation clubs. While U.S. immigration policies and refugee admissions have shifted in recent years, Patchwork’s commitment to integration has always been at the heart of its mission.
From the beginning, Patchwork has viewed resettlement as only the first step, with long-term integration and a genuine sense of belonging in local communities as the true measure of lasting change. This philosophy continues to guide Patchwork’s work today, reflected in its focus on culturally responsive educational opportunities, workforce development, entrepreneurship initiatives and community-strengthening efforts designed to support newcomers and the broader community alike.
“It takes a village,” said Kristin Clements-Effner, COIN’s executive director.
COIN’s philosophy is to strengthen the village that surrounds immigrant families, leveraging existing relationships instead of parachuting in experts with no local ties. COIN’s partner organizations are not experts in immigration law, and they instead focus on helping families navigate mental, physical and community health, along with safety and food insecurity. These issues increasingly intersect with the immigration landscape.
One opportunity for pro bono service is attendance at COIN’s monthly partner meetings, which have become a lifeline for many. Through monthly partner meetings, COIN makes immigration legal experts available to assist partners in navigating the immigration landscape while they help families with their daily needs. These meetings are not just about information; they are also about connection. Every month, an immigration attorney presents policy updates, which have been especially important recently as partners scramble to keep up with a whirlwind of new changes. Additionally, each month COIN highlights a partner organization, creating a crucial backchannel for organizations to make connections and share needs. With federal and state funding shrinking and focus on immigrant families growing, these introductions are vital.
Patchwork similarly focuses on bringing people together to find strength and knowledge in numbers. In July 2025, Patchwork launched the Indiana Network of Welcomers with over 60 leaders across sectors. IN-NOW is a statewide, cross-sector coalition advancing a more welcoming and inclusive Indiana by aligning advocacy, economic opportunity and collaborative action to foster community building and belonging.
Where do you fit in? Modupe (Mo) Adewunmi, Patchwork’s director of coalition building, told us that Patchwork needs volunteers for its Neighbor for Neighbor volunteer program. Through Neighbor for Neighbor, individuals or groups commit to supporting a newcomer family for a minimum period of 90 days. Volunteers assist families with navigating the everyday systems within Indiana. This may include assisting with job applications, recommending local resources or informing newcomers of social norms and fun things to do in Indiana. However, this work is not only about giving back to the community.
Karla Munive Lima, Patchwork’s director of Mexico and Latin American affairs, emphasized that Patchwork is also a valuable resource for attorneys. Munive Lima encourages legal professionals to contact Patchwork, as the organization possesses specialized knowledge of transnational immigration laws that may be particularly relevant in cases involving mixed-status families who could face deportation. By collaborating with Patchwork, attorneys can access information, resources and cross-border perspectives that strengthen their ability to support their clients comprehensively and better understand the realities their clients face beyond the legal case file.
For attorneys, community volunteers and immigrants or refugees alike, it is a daunting landscape. Immigrants, regardless of status, also face unique barriers when navigating the legal system. COIN, in partnership with other local organizations, provides legal clinics and educational sessions for their community partners. Pro bono attorneys can assist in these clinics as they arise to meet current needs of the community.
Patchwork and COIN work side by side equipping community partners and immigrant families to empower them to weather the storms that go beyond immigration status and combat issues that touch every aspect of daily life. The quiet presence and commitment to mutual aid by both organizations offer a model of resilience and hope.
If you would like to get involved with COIN visit coalitionforourimmigrantneighbors.org. To connect with Patchwork, email [email protected].
Fostering relationships through service allows volunteers to build bridges for immigrant families navigating uncertainty. The village is stronger for it.•
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Madden and Segura Clouse are associates in Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath’s Indianapolis office.
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