JRS/USA
Migrant Accompaniment Network
Volunteer with the Migrant Accompaniment Network
The JRS/USA Migrant Accompaniment Network is a growing movement of solidarity, rooted in faith and compassion. It invites Jesuit-affiliated organizations, religious congregations, churches, ministries, migrant-serving groups, and committed individuals to walk alongside migrants and asylum seekers as they navigate the challenges of resettlement and the legal system in a new land.
At the heart of this mission is accompaniment—a deeply human act of presence, friendship, and support.
Volunteers serve in two key roles:
- Community-Based Companions (CBCs) offer a local lifeline to newly arrived families, helping them access housing, employment, legal aid, medical care, pastoral support, and more. Through consistent presence and relationship-building, CBCs foster stability and belonging.
- Court & ICE Check-In Accompaniment Volunteers stand with migrants during immigration hearings and ICE appointments—moments often marked by fear and isolation. Volunteers provide moral support, observe proceedings, and offer a protective presence, affirming the dignity of those they accompany.
This network is not just about service—it is about bearing witness to the courage, faith, and resilience of migrants, and helping communities become more informed, welcoming, and transformed by the gifts newcomers bring.
Impact at a Glance: February 2024 – June 2025
- 62 families accompanied. 308+ individuals supported.
- 16+ cities served across the U.S. and Mexico, including San Diego, Denver, Detroit, Miami, Chicago, New York, Cincinnati, Columbus, El Paso, Dallas, Houston, Presidio, Alpine, Las Cruces, Richmond, and Ciudad Juárez.
- 3,660+ volunteer hours offered in accompaniment.
- 7 JRS Accompaniment Teams active in Cincinnati (OH), NYC (NY), Washington, DC, Miami (FL), Denver (CO), Detroit (MI), and Chicago (IL). We are in conversations with advocates, Jesuit institutions, and volunteers in Seattle (WA), San Diego (CA), St. Louis (MO), Los Angeles (CA), Dallas (TX), Philadelphia (PA), and Boston (MA) to start new JRS Accompaniment Teams in those cities.
Accompaniment has included:
- Court support and ICE check-ins
- Shelter and basic needs coordination
- School enrollment and work permit applications
- Grocery assistance and transportation
- Legal referrals and medical access
- Childcare support
- Spiritual accompaniment
- Social Cohesion and Integration
This work is a testament to what is possible when faith meets action, and when communities choose to walk with those seeking refuge—not just for a moment, but for the long journey ahead.
Your support makes this possible.