The Woodstock Jewish Congregation has launched a volunteer-driven program to support immigrant families facing detention, financial strain and other hardships.

The initiative comes as federal immigration enforcement operations have drawn national attention. This week, federal officials announced the end of a high-profile immigration enforcement surge in Minnesota that resulted in thousands of arrests and sparked widespread protests after two U.S. citizens were killed during encounters with federal agents. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials said enforcement efforts will continue, even as the surge winds down.

Against that backdrop, residents gathered Feb. 11 at the congregation to learn about the new Family Support Pilot program and about broader local efforts to assist immigrants in Ulster County. Representatives from the Ulster Immigrant Defense Network, the Ulster Rapid Response Network, Woodstock Immigration Services and the Ulster County Interfaith Council attended.

The program pairs the congregation with one immigrant family at a time. Assistance may include adding funds to commissary accounts for detained individuals, arranging child care, helping cover housing or legal-related expenses, and providing general financial support.

The effort is volunteer-run and designed as short-term support to help families stabilize during periods of crisis.

The Ulster Immigrant Defense Network will train a core team of three to five congregation members and designate a leader. A volunteer social worker from the network will work alongside the team and the family, and interpreters will be available as needed. The network will also provide backup support.

The Woodstock Jewish Congregation is among the first local houses of worship to participate in the pilot program and is seeking volunteers both for the trained core group and for general support roles.

Mia Quick is an editorial assistant at The Overlook. Send correspondence to mia@theoverlooknews.com.