Paint fundraiser supports families separated by immigration detention

Charleston, W.Va. — West Virginia volunteers gathered in Charleston on Sunday for a painting fundraiser benefiting a statewide fund that helps immigrant families cover expenses when a loved one is detained.

Volunteers say the loss of a family member can quickly leave relatives struggling to cover everyday expenses and the Paint for a Purpose event at Fife Street Brewing benefited the West Virginia Community Solidarity Fund, which provides assistance for legal fees, rent, utilities, groceries, transportation and costs associated with reuniting separated families.

Volunteer Staci Tighe became involved with the effort after a close friend was detained in South Charleston in January 2025.

“In January of 2025, a very close personal friend of mine, Moe, was taken from work at King Kebab restaurant in Spring Hill,” Tighe said. “And that’s when it called me to action to become more involved in what’s happening across the country and here in Charleston.”

The Community Solidarity Fund is available to people in West Virginia who are at risk of detention by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, those who have been detained and their families. A friend or family member can also apply on behalf of someone who has been detained. Families can request up to $2,000 in assistance annually.

Organizers told WCHS the fund has helped more than 250 families and distributed nearly $100,000 in assistance.

For Tighe, volunteering has also meant providing hands-on help. She recalled picking up one West Virginia man after he was released from ICE custody and helping him begin the trip home to his family.

“I was able to meet the ICE agents and I watched them uncuff him, take off his shackles and chains and his ankle cuffs and be released to me,” Tighe said. “And it was a very good feeling to be there.”

Volunteer Kelly Coyle said seeing families reconnect is one of the most meaningful parts of the work.

“That is incredibly uplifting when we get to see a family that’s been reconnected,” Coyle said. “Even if it’s just a visit that we can arrange while they’re still in detention, that makes a huge difference.”

Sunday’s event offered a lighter setting for volunteers to raise money and awareness. Participants painted Dolly Parton-inspired artwork, with organizers saying the theme reflected Parton’s reputation for kindness.

“The Dolly painting is of course wonderful, but really it was just another excuse to come support the cause,” Coyle said.

Tighe said organizers also hope events like Sunday’s introduce more people to the volunteer network and the families it serves.

“There may be people here who come to paint — they’re just here for the artistic aspect of it — and they may learn more about our team and get involved or spread the word,” Tighe said.

For Tighe, the work remains personal. She said Moe has since returned to his home country but still considers Charleston home.

“I talked to him every single day,” Tighe said. “He’s back home in his country, and last week he said to me, ‘I’m homesick,’ because Charleston became his life.”