Preparing for the Unthinkable: How Family of Woodstock Supports Immigrant Families

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In a recent episode of “Family Time” on Radio Kingston, Executive Director Michael Berg and Team Leader Andrea Rodriguez delved into the vital, often emotional work being done through Family of Woodstock’s Spanish-language services. While the program covers everything from naturalization classes to a dedicated hotline, one specific area of their work highlights the profound challenges facing immigrant families today: Emergency Designation Planning.

The “Act of Love” Document

For many undocumented parents, the fear of sudden separation due to deportation is a heavy, daily burden. Andrea Rodriguez works directly with these families to complete “designation” documents — legal paperwork that identifies who will care for their children if the parents are taken into custody.

While the process is emotionally taxing, Andrea reframes it as a powerful gesture of protection. “It is a reflection of the love that they have for their families,” she said. “It is a reflection of being prepared because of the love they have for their kids.”

What the Designation Includes

The program helps parents create a comprehensive “emergency kit” for their children’s future caregivers. Regardless of whether the child was born in the U.S. or abroad, Family of Woodstock helps organize:

  • Identification: Passports, photo IDs, and Social Security cards.
  • Health & Schooling: Health insurance cards and contact info for social workers or teachers.
  • Contacts: Detailed information for designated caregivers and secondary emergency contacts.

A Shared Immigrant Heritage

The dialogue also touched on the broader cultural landscape of the United States. Michael Berg noted the irony of anti-immigrant sentiment in a nation built by those from elsewhere, sharing his own family’s history of coming to the U.S. from Ukraine.

Michael expressed concern over the shift away from the “melting pot” ideal, noting that the country’s greatness stems from bringing cultures together to enrich our collective understanding of the world. Despite the political climate, the work at Family of Woodstock remains focused on the human element: helping neighbors who hold multiple jobs, learn new languages, and contribute to the community — all while striving to keep their families safe.

To listen to the full episode:
CLICK HERE.

Radio Kingston