Human Rights (2010 Q1)
Human Rights
Featured beneficiary in the HUMAN RIGHTS category for first quarter 2010:
BERGEN COUNTY
SANCTUARY COMMITTEE
Charity Navigator rating: N/A

Human RightsThe Bergen County Sanctuary Committee serves as a sponsor organization for people who have applied for political asylum in the US, providing humanitarian support and advocacy.

BCSC is a model community-based alternative to detention. It is a coalition of religious and humanist communities, human rights organizations, and other groups and individuals in the Greater New York City area who provide support and services for asylum seekers who are released from detention.

BCSC is the only organization of its kind operating in the New York area.

The following organizations are members of the Bergen County Sanctuary Committee:

  • Ethical Culture Society of Bergen County
  • St. Mark's Episcopal Church, Teaneck NJ
  • The Peace and Justice Committee of the Unitarian Society of Ridgewood
  • The Social Responsiblities Committee of Central Unitarian Church
  • Dar-Ul-Ulsah Mosque, Teaneck NJ
  • Temple Emeth
  • IRATE & First Friends

Among the services they provide are housing, medical care, financial support, educational opportunities, language instruction, transportation, recreation, and liaison with attorneys

LEARN MORE ABOUT BERGEN COUNTY SANCTUARY COMMITTEE
Website: www.bergensanctuary.org
Video: Intro to BCSC
ABOUT THE SELECTION PROCESS

Beginning on January 1, 2010, Foundation Beyond Belief will highlight ten charitable organizations per quarter -- one in each of ten categories. Among other considerations, beneficiaries will be chosen for efficiency, effectiveness, moderate size (annual budget <$10M), compatibility with humanist focus on mutual care of this world and this life, no direct promotion or proselytizing of a particular worldview, and geographical diversity.

The beneficiaries for the first quarter of 2010, including the organization on this page, were selected by the Foundation Board. Active members can help us choose future beneficiaries by researching and nominating charities and (beginning Jan 1) by discussing, debating, and advocating for the causes of their choice through our social network. Final decisions will be made by the Board, but collective member input will be among the most important considerations.
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