‘Immigrants Are Essential’ Fund to Support CA Immigration

By Desert Star Staff

California is home to 10.5 million immigrants, and the nonprofits serving them said they have been stretched to the limit over the past few years.

A new fund called “Immigrants are Essential” has been established to combat burnout in the sector. The Weingart Foundation and the California Community Foundation have each contributed $250,000 to start the fund, aiming to raise $1 million.

Rosie Arroyo, senior immigration program officer for the California Community Foundation, said the grants would help immigrants’ rights groups in the Los Angeles area support wellness programs, therapy, and more.

“Advocates express interest in receiving additional support by helping alleviate the caseload for individuals, coaching opportunities, having a more flexible work schedule, compensated self-care,” Arroyo outlined.

The idea for the fund stems from a report released in December, which found widespread burnout among workers in immigrantserving nonprofits, leading to more significant staff turnover. The report also noted the sector is stretched thin. There are only about five immigrant-serving organizations per 100,000 noncitizen immigrants living in Los Angeles County.

Arroyo pointed out researchers interviewed 106 staff members from multiple immigrant organizations. More than half of those surveyed said they feel financially insecure, and 43% said they lack sufficient savings.

“About 70% of those surveyed expressed just exhaustion, personally and professionally,” Arroyo reported. “Also, 60% of them also feel emotional exhaustion.”

The new fund hopes to start accepting applications from nonprofits later this spring.

Disclosure: The California Community

Foundation contributes to our fund for reporting on Education, Health Issues, Housing/Homelessness, and Immigrant Issues.