Usually a laid-back networking event, La Paz de Dios’ monthly luncheon Monday had a different tone, one of strong resolve, willingness to help and a need to move quickly.

With about 25 new faces — about half of the 50 or so in attendance — the luncheon focused on ways to help people affected by last week’s immigration arrests at Pilgrim’s Pride chicken-processing plant.

“We need organizations and people who will stand up and say, ‘I can help with food,’ or ‘I can help with passport photos,’” said Mike Feely, board member of La Paz and director of the St. Andrew’s Center, a resource for Chattanooga’s multicultural communities.

On Wednesday, 100 workers were arrested at the plant and charged with immigration violations. Thirty-six of those arrested, mostly women with children or those with health problems, were released with monitoring ankle bracelets and, until their court hearing, must report monthly to an immigration officer in Gadsden, Ala.

Some attendees asked how these people, many of whom don’t have a driver’s license, will get to Gadsden?

“How can we get people to report with their case officers if they don’t have a driver’s license or an ID?” asked Lisa Barba, East Tennessee community organizer with the Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition.

Late Monday afternoon, through the efforts of city officials, the location for the monthly meeting with case officers was moved to Chattanooga.

“We need to help the families left behind because they are left without any resources and any way to really earn any resources,” said the Rev. Mark Flynn from Christ United Methodist Church, who attended the luncheon for the first time, bringing his wife, Annette Flynn, and his 16-year-old daughter, Anna.

“I feel sorry for the parents who have children to support,” said Pecola Lee, a representative for the Urban League of Greater Chattanooga. “Urban League serves all nationalities ... if we can do anything to help, we will.”

Although the luncheon already was planned, La Paz Chairwoman Stacy Johnson said it was a great opportunity to let the community know what La Paz, together with other organizations, can do during a crisis situation.

“The Hispanic community trusts La Paz, and, as you can see from all the organizations that are coming to connect with the Hispanic community, others trust us as well,” she said. “The main goal for this luncheon is to be able to connect the Hispanic community with people who can help them during this situation.”

HOW TO HELP

La Paz de Dios is collecting supplies such as food and diapers for affected families. Notary publics are needed to help fill out forms.

Financial donations can be made for families through an account set up at the Holston Methodist Federal Credit Union.

For more information, call Stacy Johnson at (423) 314-4813, Sylvia Rangel at (423) 320-3636 or the Methodist credit union at (423) 697-1214.

CHATTANOOGA ICE OFFICE

* People who were told to report to their case officer in Gadsden, Ala., now can check in at the local Immigration and Customs Enforcement office at 2150 Stein Drive.

* For more information call (423)553-1716, extension 228 for English or 229 for Spanish.

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