In this talk, Bea Balsamo will focus on the mulit-faceted programs of Taos Immigrant Allies (TIA). 

Since their inception in 2016, TAI have provided assistance to the immigrant community, both in Taos and at the border. They have collected and delivered goods and medicines for people living on the border in Mexico and at shelters in El Paso. The Little Free Pantries that you see around Taos are a TIA project. They currently have an ongoing Know Your Rights Campaign and maintain a rapid response group.

Taos Immigrant Allies help with DACA fees and they have participated with the backpack/school supplies and Christmas present drives here. They also facilitate English Classes and Citizenship Classes.

During the Pandemic, TIA distributed over $270,000 to immigrants unemployed due to the shutdowns here, also trying to insure everyone had the essentials.

Many public forums for the larger community have been hosted by TIA, keeping all abreast of immigrant issues.

 

Bea Balsalmo has been a volunteer with Taos Immigrant Allies since its beginning. She has lived Taos for fifty years. She and her husband, Joe, have raised two boys here. Both are physician assistants, now retired.