An open house and luncheon was held last Saturday for Valley Immigrant Advocates at their office on LaSalle St. The Ottawa Area Chamber of Commerce also held a ribbon cutting ceremony for the group to welcome them into the community. Although the group has been in Ottawa for about a year. Executive Director John Breslin reiterated that there was a need for low cost services for immigrants in the Illinois Valley.
Breslin also says the group has recently been helping more immigrants become naturalized in the US.
Breslin says the next step for the organization is to hire another part-time legal service person. Current Paralegal and interpreter with Valley Immigrant Advocates Octavia Davis says the office on LaSalle St is just what the group needs.
The group also has a seven person board to help get grants and oversee the organization. Steve Malinsky says he joined the board because it’s a good cause.
The organization will continue to help immigrants with little to no cost legal services like citizenship renewals and green cards.
The lobby of the office inside the office.
A plaque given by the Ottawa Area Chamber of Commerce recognizing Valley Immigrant Advocates as a member.