Bake Sale for Western Mass Asylum Support Network

Language access (interpreters and translation) is a major barrier faced by asylum seekers in the U.S., who usually don’t speak English as their first language (or at all). Misunderstanding certain contexts, like information about their rights or their immigration applications, could be a matter of life or death for them. This is why the Western Mass Asylum Support Network (WMASN) strives to hire qualified interpreters for our monthly Know Your Rights trainings and for our Pro Se Project, which inform and empower asylum seekers to understand the immigration system and take charge of their own immigration cases. Our trainings are free and open to the public, but interpreter costs can add up quickly! We often need simultaneous interpretation for multiple languages (most frequently Spanish, Haitian Creole, and Arabic), and that can put our production costs at upwards of $450 per event.

We can’t keep up with these expenses without your support. Will you help us make our programs equitable and accessible for all asylum seekers?

This Mothers’ Day, donations to WMASN will receive extra love and appreciation from a slate of talented community bakers who are whipping up an assortment of delicious treats just for you. We wanted to make sure that these home-baked delights reflect the warm, welcoming communities that we are trying to dream into being — so we’ll have plenty of vegan, gluten-free and nut-free options available, too! We are SO grateful for the incredible bakers who have generously volunteered their time and resources for this cause. 🥰

Suggested donation amounts are indicated on the order form, which will remain open from 4/30 to 5/6. Please chip in more if you’re able!

We are hoping to raise $5040 — enough to cover 2025 interpreter costs, i.e. monthly KYR trainings ($450 x 8) and 8 Pro Se Project sessions ($180 x 8).

Can't contribute $$? Gift us your time instead! To get involved, visit bit.ly/WMASN-volunteer

Orders will be available for pickup in Easthampton on Sunday, May 11th (10 AM - 4 PM).

ABOUT US: WMASN is a volunteer-run mutual aid initiative that provides local asylum seekers with the resources, information, community and supports they need to transition to and thrive in American society. Since our founding in 2019, WMASN has supported around 100 asylum seekers, including 30 who we helped gain freedom from ICE detention.

Through direct financial aid, political and cultural education, individual and institutional advocacy, we ensure that our new neighbors can navigate their asylum processes from a place of increased safety and well-being. We also support members in moving forward with their own immigration processes when they cannot afford or secure an attorney.

Donations to this campaign are tax-deductible and will be processed by WMASN’s fiscal sponsor, Peace Development Fund.