Tom Nees Center For Compassion, Justice & Immigration

Compelled by our relationship with Christ: – Compassion, Justice & Immigration (CJI) exists to support local Nazarene churches in the tangible witness of compassion, justice and immigration as an expression of lived faith.

More specifically, CJI:

• Serves the local church at the point of their need
• Engages broken systems in collaboration with the local church for community transformation
• Equips the local church in building beloved communities where immigrants are integral to who we are.

Unity in Diversity

• We are unified in our differences (humanity) as people who bear the image of God (imago Dei)
• We are called to One mission (Love) with one objective (God’s glory)

CJI’s immediate goals:

Awareness

Assess and identify methods used by the local church in serving the Metro NY communities for greater impact

Action

Develop strategic initiatives that effectively mobilize resources for transformation in Metro NY communities

Advocacy

Encourage and equip local churches to engage their constituents to work with strategic partners for the benefit of communities we serve

The Legacy of Tom Nees

In recognition of the influence and impact of Rev. Dr. Tom Nees on leaders across the Nazarene denomination and particularly the Metro New York District, CJI proudly honors his legacy posthumously with the naming of the Tom Nees Center for Compassion, Justice, and Immigration.

Dr. Nees devoted his early years to pastoral ministry in states across the U.S. In 1980 he established the Community of Hope — a Nazarene compassionate ministry center where he served as the first Executive Director. Years later, Tom became the first Director of Compassionate Ministries for the International Church of the Nazarene. Even during his retirement, he continued to be active as a mentor to many.

Tom lived his faith out loud and was a stellar example of compassion and justice. His ministry lived in the margins and helped create a better society. We are proud to honor his ministry and life through the Tom Nees Center for Compassion, Justice, and Immigration.

Nancy & Tito’s Immigration Story