About YIIN

Yolo Interfaith Immigration Network

What We Do

Yolo Interfaith Immigration Network (YIIN) is a small, grassroots, volunteer-run 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded by Yolo County residents committed to addressing immigration issues in our community. While YIIN began with members from Muslim, Jewish, and Christian congregations, it has always been inclusive and non-religious in its programs, welcoming people of all backgrounds who share a commitment to social justice and community building.

From its inception, YIIN’s sole focus has been supporting and advocating for immigrant and migrant neighbors in Yolo County. We develop and sustain programs for families at the Davis and Madison Migrant Centers, provide grocery gift cards to the UC Davis AB540 Center for undocumented students and the Woodland Community College Food Pantry, and help cover DACA application renewal fees, which remain a significant barrier. YIIN continues to raise funds to meet ongoing needs.

YIIN also prioritizes community education, recognizing that misinformation about immigration is widespread. We organize educational programs on immigration policy, discrimination, and racism, and center the lived experiences of undocumented community members. For many years, YIIN volunteers visited regularly with youth detained at the Yolo County Juvenile Detention Facility. Our annual fundraising dinners have featured undocumented young people sharing their stories, with proceeds supporting DACA applicants and scholarships for undocumented students at UC Davis and Woodland Community College.

With limited resources, YIIN remains committed to collaboration. Our mission is to advocate for, support, and stand in solidarity with immigrant neighbors in Yolo County, responding to their self-identified needs and honoring the richness immigrants bring to our communities.

Our Board

John Grindler Katonah

John Grindler Katonah

Co-chair

Ignacio Alarcón

Ignacio Alarcón

Co-chair

Kary Shender

Kary Shender

Secretary

Albert Vallecillo

Albert Vallecillo

Board Member

Natalia Deeb-Sossa

Natalia Deeb-Sossa

Board Member

Jennifer Pruitt

Treasurer

Susan Nelson Kluk

Board Member

Our Journey

From a small interfaith coalition in 2008 to a community-driven force for immigrant justice

2008

Organization Founded

Six interfaith organizations came together to address immigration profiling issues in Yolo County. YIIN was born from a shared commitment to community building and social justice.

2009

Emergency Immigration Fund & Detention Visitation

Created emergency immigration fund to support families in crisis. Launched 10-year weekly visitation program at Yolo County Juvenile Detention Facility. Achieved 501(c)(3) incorporation.

2011

Community Support & Access to Resources

Established a community lending library at Madison Migrant Center with bi-lingual reading materials. Facilitated food distribution for families residing at Yolo County Housing Authority residencies

2012

Supporting Bilingual Education

Board members supported Davis school district establishment of 2-way immersion language program for parents at Montgomery Elementary School.

2014

Major Grant for ESL & Youth Programs

Received 3-year grant from Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation to fund ESL and youth programs at Madison Migrant Center, expanding educational opportunities for immigrant families.

2017

Rapid Response & Community Advocacy

Launched citizenship classes and Rapid Response training. Distributed 1,500 'welcome immigrants' signs across the community. Provided disaster relief for Sonoma wildfire survivors.

2018

Housing Advocacy for Wildfire Survivors

Se abogó por las personas sobrevivientes del incendio de Paradise Camp solicitando a la Autoridad de Vivienda del Condado de Yolo que permitiera temporalmente el uso de viviendas vacantes en el centro para trabajadores migrantes para quienes esperaban regresar a sus hogares.

2020

COVID-19 Pandemic Response

Co-founded APOYOLO initiative to serve 65 families during the pandemic, reaching across Woodland, Davis, Winters and Knights Landing with emergency food assistance and support.

2023

Scholarship & Community Events

Launched scholarship program for undocumented students. Hosted Auto Brake Light events and Community Grocery Table to meet daily living needs.

2025

Record Fundraising & Expanded Support

Annual community dinner raised $45,000 for immigrant support services. Received $10,000 grant from 100 Women Who Care Davis for rental assistance and legal fees.

Butterfly symbol

Our Butterfly Symbol

The monarch butterfly migrates freely between countries regardless of politics. We use it in our logo to indicate our commitment to the right of all people to migrate freely without regard to their country of origin, immigration status, or political views. Like the butterfly's journey of transformation, immigration is a profound life change that requires courage, resilience, and the support of a welcoming community. We stand with our immigrant neighbors through every stage of their journey.

YIIN receiving major donation from 100 Women Who Care

Join Our Mission

We welcome volunteers of all backgrounds. Whether you have a few hours a month or specialized skills to share, we would love to connect.

Address

Yolo Interfaith Immigration Network PO Box 74295 Davis, CA 85617

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