I want to applaud Grace Chinowsky, Isaac Wasserman and the Lookout Eugene-Springfield team for investing in—and remaining committed to—true journalism. Thank you for bringing our community a deeply researched, compassionate and accurate account of a tragedy affecting our friends, neighbors and families.

The article, “A dad deported. A family fractured,” left me in tears. Even after decades working in human services, stories of suffering and loss never become easier to hear. Thank you for telling the Garcia Lopez family’s story with such care and humanity. They are not simply the subjects of a news story — they are our neighbors, friends, coworkers, classmates and valued members of our community. 

Before this unimaginable disruption, the Garcia Lopez family exemplified the very best of our community. They worked hard, lived their faith, attended school, cared for others, and supported not only their immediate family in Eugene but also extended family in Mexico. They gave back whenever they could. The article beautifully captured the value this family brings to our community.

Catholic Community Services of Lane County is honored to walk alongside this family, and many others, as they grieve, rebuild and move forward. Through ICE Impact funding entrusted to us by Lane County and the city of Eugene, along with generous local donors, we have been able to provide housing stabilization, basic needs assistance, legal services, and compassionate case management through our Refugee & Immigrant Services Program.

Our nation’s immigration system needs thoughtful reform. But while those conversations continue, there are parents, grandparents, children, workers, students, and neighbors who need safety, stability and compassion today. For 74 years, Catholic Community Services has answered that call — and many others — throughout Lane County. We are proud to accompany families seeking hope and the opportunity to build a better future because that is who we are and what we are called to do.

Our mission is simple: to love our neighbors, including those who have come to Lane County from other countries in search of safety, opportunity and hope. God’s love knows no borders.

Thank you again for telling this family’s devastating story with integrity, compassion and respect. Journalism like this helps our community look beyond headlines and remember the humanity that connects us all.

Lorri Perreault 
Executive Director
Catholic Community Services of Lane County