BRATTLEBORO-The Community Asylum Seekers Project (CASP), a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting asylum seekers and creating a welcoming home for them in southern Vermont, recently appointed Sharon Hall-Smith as its new executive director.
"I have always been a passionate supporter of immigration justice," Hall-Smith said in a news release. "While not an immigrant myself, my connection is both personal and professional." She continued to say some of her family members are immigrants, "and I have seen firsthand the resilience and contributions that asylum seekers bring to our communities. I am honored to continue this work in partnership with CASP, volunteers, and the southern Vermont community."
Hall-Smith brings more than a decade of mission-driven leadership experience in immigration, refugee resettlement, behavioral health, and community-based programming. According to CASP representatives, her career reflects a lifelong commitment to equity, justice, and community building-values that align deeply with CASP's mission.
Her career includes leadership roles at Integrated Refugee and Immigrant Services (IRIS), where she served as director of resettlement services, managing diverse staff and volunteers to provide comprehensive support for refugees from countries including the Democratic Republic of Congo, Afghanistan, Syria, Ukraine, and Haiti.
She also served as senior director at the Gandara Center, overseeing eight community programs focused on behavioral health and prevention services for the Latino community.
Hall-Smith also has experience in grassroots engagement. She has volunteered with the Western Massachusetts Asylum Support Network (WMASN), hosting asylum seekers in her own home and providing hands-on support for transportation and school enrollment. She has also served as board president of Casa Latina in Florence, Massachusetts, guiding the organization through strategic planning.
"[Hall-Smith's] leadership experience, deep commitment to immigrant justice, and proven ability to build strong community partnerships make her an ideal fit to lead CASP into its next chapter."said CASP Board Chair Francie Marbury.
CASP provides housing, legal support, case management, and community integration opportunities for individuals and families seeking asylum. There will be an Open House event to introduce Hall-Smith to the community on Wednesday, Oct. 15, from 5:30 to 7 p.m., at CASP's office at 112 Hardwood Way, Suite 1.
CASP says it is "deeply grateful for Liv Berelson, former executive director, for her leadership, vision, and dedication during her tenure - particularly for her work in establishing pro se (self-representation without legal counsel) legal clinics." Berelson leaves CASP to join a partner organization, the Vermont Asylum Assistance Project.
For more information about CASP and its mission, visit caspvt.org.
This Town and Village item was submitted to The Commons.