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# First Friends of New Jersey and New York

Upholding the inherent dignity and humanity of detained immigrants and asylum seekers.

## Sitemaps

- [XML Sitemap](https://firstfriendsnjny.org/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website.

## Posts

- [Blog](https://firstfriendsnjny.org/blog/)
- [Boldly Revolutionizing Men’s Fashion with Mayan Grandeur](https://firstfriendsnjny.org/mayan-grandeur/) - Most Americans think of Belize as a country to go to, not run from. Even the U.S. border control agent who processed Hyde had been to Belize on vacation, telling Hyde “That’s a good country…It’s so nice.” But after hearing Hyde’s story, the agent told Hyde that he was a good candidate for political asylum in the United States.
- [Powerful Love in a Simple Purple Coat](https://firstfriendsnjny.org/powerful-love-in-a-simple-purple-coat/) - I sighed when I was asked if I would take a gently used coat for a coat drive I was running as part of my volunteer work for First Friends of NJ & NY. I had hit upon a highly successful and low effort formula of driving people to an Amazon Wish List to collect items for recent asylum seekers, many who “lose” all their belongings a combination of human coyotes and our US immigration system.
- [Ojo: An Asylee’s Story](https://firstfriendsnjny.org/ojo-an-asylees-story/) - Watch the story of Ojo who escaped the Boko Haram in Nigeria after they murdered his father. Hear about Ojo’s journey from Africa through Central America to the United States where he was held in Elizabeth Detention Center until he received asylum.
- [Our Friend Carlos](https://firstfriendsnjny.org/our-friend-carlos/) - Watch the story of Ojo who escaped the Boko Haram in Nigeria after they murdered his father. Hear about Ojo’s journey from Africa through Central America to the United States where he was held in Elizabeth Detention Center until he received asylum.
- [FF 2021 Annual Report](https://firstfriendsnjny.org/ff-2021-annual-report/) - OUR MISSION: First Friends of NJ and NY upholds the inherent dignity and humanity of detained immigrants and asylum seekers. We provide compassion and hope through volunteer visitation, resettlement assistance, and advocacy. OUR FOCUS: Visitation In-person and virtual visits, commissary money, and phone cards. Resettlement Bond funding, post-release pickups, hosting, rent, and food assistance. Advocacy
- [Friendsgiving 2022](https://firstfriendsnjny.org/friendsgiving-2022/) - RELEASES NOT TRANSFER
- [A Note from Former Detained Friend Matthieu](https://firstfriendsnjny.org/a-note-from-former-detained-friend-matthieu/) - Eight years in prison was nothing compared to the horror of spending 5 months in ICE detention at Essex County Jail. My ICE detention was set to last another year, but First Friends posted my $10,000 bail. I was able to restart my life while I waited for the appeal process to finish. I came

## Pages

- [First Friends of New Jersey and New York](https://firstfriendsnjny.org/) - [vc_row full_width="stretch_row" css=".vc_custom_1600833561921{border-bottom-width: 2px !important;border-bottom-color: #a8c6de !important;border-bottom-style: solid !important;}"][vc_column][vc_column_text][/vc_column_text][vc_column_text][/vc_column_text][vc_column_text][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/4"][vc_single_image image="3048" onclick="custom_link" css=".vc_custom_1602534952773{border-top-width: 1px !important;border-right-width: 1px !important;border-bottom-width: 1px !important;border-left-width: 1px !important;border-radius: 1px !important;}" link="/visitation/"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/4"][vc_single_image image="2618" onclick="custom_link" link="/post-release/"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/4"][vc_single_image image="2616" onclick="custom_link" link="/immigrant-advocacy/"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/4"][vc_single_image image="2619" onclick="custom_link" link="/pen-pals/"][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width="stretch_row_content_no_spaces" css=".vc_custom_1508074153215{background-color: #f5f5f5 !important;}"][vc_column width="1/2" css=".vc_custom_1599042713109{background-image: url(http://jonaswebsitedesign.com/firstfriends/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Our-Mission-Home.jpg?id=2599) !important;background-position: center !important;background-repeat: no-repeat !important;background-size: cover !important;}"][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/2"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width="stretch_row" css=".vc_custom_1599057029691{background-color: #ffffff !important;}"][vc_column][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row
- [Donation - Elavon](https://firstfriendsnjny.org/donate2/) - THE SOLIDARITY CIRCLE Standing together, month after month. At First Friends of New Jersey and New York, we stand in solidarity with immigrants impacted by detention. We offer compassion, advocacy, and direct support to individuals navigating an unjust system—ensuring that no one faces this journey alone. By joining First Friends’ Solidarity Circle, our monthly giving
- [MAKE A DONATION (GIVE)](https://firstfriendsnjny.org/give/) - Your gift today will provide life-saving support for immigrants and asylum-seekers whose lives have been upended by the immigration and enforcement system. Thank you for providing compassion and hope to our friends in need. Give Today and Make a Difference Prefer PayPal? Click Here Prefer Venmo? Click Here Prefer Zelle? Click Here CompanyThis field is
- [Contact First Friends](https://firstfriendsnjny.org/contact/) - FIRST FRIENDS OF NJ & NY We take the commitment to our cause seriously. If you need help, want to learn more, or have any questions, please reach out to us through any of the channels below or directly using the form provided. Address PO Box 120, West New York, NJ 07093 Phone: 908-965-0455 Email: info(at)firstfriendsnjny.org
- [Donation - Solidarity Circle](https://firstfriendsnjny.org/donate/) - THE SOLIDARITY CIRCLE Standing together, month after month. At First Friends of New Jersey and New York, we stand in solidarity with immigrants impacted by detention. We offer compassion, advocacy, and direct support to individuals navigating an unjust system—ensuring that no one faces this journey alone. By joining First Friends’ Solidarity Circle, our monthly giving
- [Whistleblower Policy](https://firstfriendsnjny.org/whistleblower/) - Whistleblower Policy First Friends of New Jersey and New York Purpose The purpose of this Whistleblower Policy is to encourage and enable employees, volunteers, and board members of First Friends of New Jersey and New York (the “Organization”) to report any concerns regarding illegal, unethical, or improper conduct within the Organization. This policy aims to
- [Conflict of Interest Policy](https://firstfriendsnjny.org/conflict/) - Conflict of Interest Policy First Friends of New Jersey and New York Purpose The purpose of this Conflict of Interest Policy is to protect the interests of First Friends of New Jersey and New York (the “Organization”) when it is contemplating entering into a transaction or arrangement that might benefit the private interests of an
- [Formulario de Referencia para Fianza de Inmigración](https://firstfriendsnjny.org/formulario-de-referencia-para-fianza-de-inmigracion/) - Recomiende a un amiga/o o familiar para alivio de fianza de inmigración Bond Referral Form (ESP) Nombre de persona detenida * Número A de persona detenida Fecha de nacimiento de persona detenida País de nacimiento * Monto de la fianza de inmigración total * Cantidad necesaria * Do any of these apply to this person?
- [Immigration Bond Referral Form](https://firstfriendsnjny.org/bond-referral-form/) - REFER A FRIEND OR FAMILY MEMBER FOR IMMIGRATION BOND RELIEF Bond Referral Form Name of Detained Person * A-Number of the Detained Date of Birth of Detained Person Country of Origin * Bond Amount * Amount Needed * Do any of these apply to this person? * LGBTQ Muslim African Black Haitian Separated Family Formerly
- [Mission Statement](https://firstfriendsnjny.org/our-mission/) - OUR MISSION First Friends of New Jersey and New York upholds the inherent dignity and humanity of immigrants who are impacted by the immigration enforcement system. We provide compassion and hope through connections with volunteers dedicated to helping them survive detention, gain freedom and rebuild their lives. OUR VISION A society where immigrants are welcomed,
- [Volunteer Opportunities](https://firstfriendsnjny.org/volunteer-opportunities/) - Contact us about Volunteer Opportunities First Friends is only as effective as its volunteers make it. We need your help! Don’t worry — we are with you every step of the way with training sessions and advice. Contact us at info@firstfriendsnjny.org. The best way to get involved is by signing up with our “Volunteer Interest
- [Make a Donation](https://firstfriendsnjny.org/general-donations/) - Your gift today will provide life-saving support for immigrants and asylum-seekers whose lives have been upended by the immigration and enforcement system. Thank you for providing compassion and hope to our friends in need. Gifts of Stock Depository Trust Company (DTC) #: 0062 Account Name: First Friends of New Jersey and New York Corporation Account
- [How First Friends Can Help](https://firstfriendsnjny.org/get-help/) - VISITATION First Friends can provide your family member or friend in immigration detention with someone who can visit them on a regular basis. Have your family member or friend call a First Friends Hotline below. PEN PALS First Friends can provide your family member or friend in immigration detention with someone who will write them
- [Frequently Asked Questions](https://firstfriendsnjny.org/faqs/) - Who are the people that First Friends serves? First Friends of NJ & NY serves immigrants, asylum seekers and their families in New Jersey and New York whose lives have been impacted by the U.S. immigration and enforcement system. What is the purpose of First Friends? First Friends of New Jersey and New York upholds
- [History](https://firstfriendsnjny.org/history/) - THE HISTORY OF FIRST FRIENDS In 1997, it became clear to a group from Jesuit Refugee Services that people held in detention in NJ were in need of pastoral care and social services. They partnered with volunteers from the Community Services of the Archdiocese of Newark to organize ways to support asylum seekers detained at
- [First Friends Blog](https://firstfriendsnjny.org/first-friends-blog/) - A Note from Former Detained Friend MatthieuDecember 13, 2022Eight years in prison was nothing compared to the horror of spending 5 months in…READ MORE Our Friend CarlosJuly 12, 2021Our friend Carlos, a political refugee from Cuba tells his story of how he came…READ MORE Ojo: An Asylee’s StoryJune 12, 2021Watch the story of Ojo who
- [First Friends Events](https://firstfriendsnjny.org/upcoming-events/) - Friendsgiving 2022November 10, 2022November 12th, 2022: First Friends Friendsgiving Please join us for friendship, food and fun! To RSVP click here: https://pp.events/a8D6mA3X.READ MORE Subscribe To Receive Updates Stay informed and get involved by receiving our emails. FFNJNY Constant Contact First Name * Last Name * Email Address * If you are human, leave this field
- [Custom Title](https://firstfriendsnjny.org/custom/) - FACTS ABOUT IMMIGRATION DETENTION WHO IS IN ICE DETENTION? Asylum seekers (like refugees) Unauthorized arrival Green Card holders with a past criminal conviction Refugees who have had any interaction with the criminal justice system LIFE IN DETENTION Scared and Alone Indefinite Detention Threats Deportation Threats No Free Legal Help Isolated From Support System GROWING CONCERNS
- [COMMISSARY FUND](https://firstfriendsnjny.org/commissary-fund/) - COMMISSARY FUND COVID-19 has turned the world upside down. For those immigrants in ICE detention in northern NJ, their world is now much more stressful. With volunteer visitation suspended and detainees confined to their cells, many feel frightened and completely isolated. That’s why First Friends of NJ & NY is asking for your help. Commissary
- [BOND FUND](https://firstfriendsnjny.org/bondfund/) - BOND FUND NJ’s ICE contracts are winding down. Help us win releases not transfers by contributing to the First Friends of NJ & NY Bond Fund. In August, Essex County shut down the detention facility in its jail for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Recently, Hudson County officials announced that starting November 1st, they will
- [Bond Fund](https://firstfriendsnjny.org/bond-fund/) - OUR MISSION First Friends of NJ and NY upholds the inherent dignity and humanity of detained immigrants and asylum seekers. We provide compassion and hope through volunteer visitation, resettlement assistance and advocacy.
- [Become a Pen Pal](https://firstfriendsnjny.org/pen-pals/) - Detained friends find themselves isolated from all contact with family and friends. Someone to write and correspond with can make a big difference. If you can’t visit a detained friend at the detention centers, you can reduce their isolation by writing to them regularly, helping to accomplish many of the same ends as face-to-face visits.
- [Thank you for donating](https://firstfriendsnjny.org/thank-you/) - Thank you for your generous donation! You are helping First Friends uphold the inherent dignity and humanity of all immigrants whose lives have been impacted by the immigration enforcement system. An email receipt will be sent to document your donation. Subscribe To Receive Updates Stay informed and get involved by receiving our emails. FFNJNY Constant
- [Partners](https://firstfriendsnjny.org/partners/) - AMERICAN FRIENDS SERVICE COMMITTEE IMMIGRANT RIGHTS PROGRAM Peace and alternatives to war, hunger and world development, urban affairs, prisons and criminal justice, refugee displacement and immigration, community conflict resolution, and opportunities for youth have been the focus of the AFSC’s New York Metropolitan Region for decades. 89 Market St., 6th floor Newark, NJ 07102 (973)
- [Media](https://firstfriendsnjny.org/media/) - NEWS STORIES & MEDIA Protest over transfer of detainees from Bergen County Jail (NJ Spotlight News-THIRTEEN – New York Public Media) Advocates call for releases of migrants detained in Bergen County Jail (NewJerseymonitor.com) Activists-at-Bergen-County-Jail-Protest-Detainees-Being-Moved-Out-of-State (documentedNY.com) Where will detainees go as another county rejects ICE? (NJSpotlight.com) “It’s a step forward for immigrants”: expert on banning new
- [Immigration](https://firstfriendsnjny.org/immigration/) - FACTS ABOUT IMMIGRATION DETENTION WHO IS IN ICE DETENTION? Asylum seekers (like refugees) Unauthorized arrival Green Card holders with a past criminal conviction Refugees who have had any interaction with the criminal justice system LIFE IN DETENTION Scared and Alone Indefinite Detention Threats Deportation Threats No Free Legal Help Isolated From Support System GROWING CONCERNS
- [Post Release Support](https://firstfriendsnjny.org/post-release/) - Detained friends are often released with little advanced warning, no preparation and no funds into a community they know nothing about. This can quickly result in a crisis, if we don’t help them. Transportation: You can volunteer to pick up detained friends when released and transport them to temporary housing. Our previously detained friends take
- [What We Do](https://firstfriendsnjny.org/what-we-do/) - HELPING FRIENDS SURVIVE DETENTION Dedicated help line Connecting them with family members Volunteer Visitors (in-person and remote) Pen-pals Commissary Funds Stamp Out Despair Stationery Kits HELPING FRIENDS GAIN FREEDOM THROUGH ADVOCACY Releases not transfers Just closures of detention centers Community-based alternatives to detention Meetings with legislators Media and communications Events (rallies, protests, vigils) Campaigns (petitions,
- [Who We Serve](https://firstfriendsnjny.org/who-we-serve/) - Immigrants, asylum seekers and their families in New Jersey and New York whose lives have been impacted by the U.S. immigration and enforcement system. READ THEIR STORIES Subscribe To Receive Updates Stay informed and get involved by receiving our emails. FFNJNY Constant Contact First Name * Last Name * Email Address * If you are
- [Visitation](https://firstfriendsnjny.org/visitation/) - Detained friends find themselves isolated from all contact with family and friends with limited information about what will happen to them or what they can do improve their situation. By visiting detained friends in person or virtually at the jails or detention centers, you can provide much needed contact with the outside world, emotional support,
- [Press Releases](https://firstfriendsnjny.org/press-releases/) - First Friends Response to Essex County Decision to End ICE Contract ORGANIZATIONS COMBINE FORCES TO PAY HEFTY $50K BOND TO FREE NY RESIDENT FROM ICE DETENTION Subscribe To Receive Updates Stay informed and get involved by receiving our emails. FFNJNY Constant Contact First Name * Last Name * Email Address * If you are human,
- [Immigrant Advocacy](https://firstfriendsnjny.org/immigrant-advocacy/) - ADVOCACY PARTNERS & INITIATIVES First Friends partners with other immigrant rights organizations such as the ACLU and American Friends Service Committee to advocate for more humane treatment and for the elimination of immigration detention. Our advocacy initiatives include peaceful protests, contacting government officials and information campaigns. Be sure to check out our Facebook page for
- [Volunteer](https://firstfriendsnjny.org/volunteer/) - OPPORTUNITIES TO VOLUNTEER Most of First Friends’ services are delivered by volunteers, committed to the belief that detainees should be treated with dignity and respect. Our volunteers help both while immigrants are being detained and after they are released. And some volunteers gain a lifelong friend in the process! We also encourage our volunteers to
- [Privacy Policy](https://firstfriendsnjny.org/privacy/) - PRIVACY NOTICE Last updated October 11, 2020 Thank you for choosing to be part of our community at First Friends of New Jersey and New York (“Company“, “we“, “us“, “our“). We are committed to protecting your personal information and your right to privacy. If you have any questions or concerns about this privacy notice, or
- [Stories/Video](https://firstfriendsnjny.org/stories-video/)

## Events

- [First Friends Friendsgiving 2022](https://firstfriendsnjny.org/event/first-friends-friendsgiving-2022/)

## Categories

- [Events](https://firstfriendsnjny.org/category/events/)
- [Stories](https://firstfriendsnjny.org/category/stories/)
- [First Friends Blog](https://firstfriendsnjny.org/category/first-friends-blog/)
- [Volunteers](https://firstfriendsnjny.org/category/volunteers/)
- [Impact Report](https://firstfriendsnjny.org/category/impact-report/)