Several years ago, New Yorker, Ilze Thielmann, recognized the numerous needs migrants and asylum seekers had when arriving in NYC from our Southern border. Ilze founded Team TLC NYC — a grassroots organization of volunteers that helps to provide these individuals and families with their basic needs and other support.  TLC NYC works in partnership with groups such as Grannies Respond, Artists Athletes Activists, Fidelis Care and Housing Works. In addition to providing food, clothing and sometimes housing, some volunteers also provide legal consultation and work at authorizations filings.

Special Events Committee co-Chair, Susan Halper and BCRIC Chair, Barbara Stern both volunteered during the largest influx of people when Port Authority housed the program two years ago.  Ilze continues to grow and develop this wonderful organization which may prove even more essential under the new administration in Washington D.C..