The nonprofit organization, Community Asylum Seekers Project, which supports asylum seekers in the southern Vermont area is pleased to announce that it will launch an Arts Marathon fundraiser like those held in other Vermont locations annually in May.
The CASP Arts Marathon will raise money for asylum seeking immigrants who have fled violence, war and other factors occurring in Latin America, the Caribbean, Africa and Afghanistan. Donor support helps provide housing, basic living expenses and legal fees for asylum seekers, and assists with transportation, schooling, health care and other needs.
Currently, CASP fully supports 32 asylum seekers, and 60 asylum seekers needing legal and social support living in the Brattleboro area totaling about 100 people from multiple countries in a year. Many attend schools, language classes and training workshops, while others work in local businesses. Over 200 volunteers and several community organizations help ease the process of resettlement. As a spokesperson from the sponsor Silver Forest Jewelry noted, “With CASP we have an opportunity to support an organization of local community members who volunteer their time in an effort that directly helps our global neighbors, real people who are in real need.”
Carmen, who has been a CASP volunteer for several years, finds supporting CASP families forced to leave their home countries rewarding.
“Many of these people have endured unimaginable hardships on their journeys to this country, she said. “Making their lives here more tenable is very meaningful to me. It’s a true joy to help them adjust to life here in small ways. The work also affords me the opportunity to enjoy glimpses into other cultures.”
The Arts Marathon relies on donors and artists who collaboratively offer time, talent and funds to support CASP’s work. Donors pledge a one-time contribution to CASP while creative artists in various genres commit to share with donors what they are working on five days a week during May, culminating in finished works.
Donors can visit caspvt.org for more information about the participating artists and what they will be creating. They can choose an artist (or several) to sponsor and simultaneously make a one-time contribution. The artists learn who their sponsors are and receive regular information from the artist showcasing their work as it progresses.
For more information about CASP and the Arts Marathon visit caspvt.org.
