Sponsor a refugee family for holiday giving

Friday, December 13, 2013

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Amidst the frenzy shopping, most people during the holiday season try to do something out of the ordinary for people less fortunate. Whether it’s donating money, wrapping gifts, collecting blankets, or supporting food drives, there are endless occasions to be generous.

Louisville offers a unique opportunity within the community that many people may never heard of. Through a department of Catholic Charities, Migration and Refugee Services has been resettling refugees since 1975. With a mission to provide support and assistance for refugees to become self-sufficient, many refugees flee from their country leaving behind everything. This Christmas season is the perfect time to sponsor a refugee family as part of your holiday giving and bring the basic necessities to their life.

I had the fortunate experience of sponsoring a family of four who arrived in September from Somalia and had the privilege to meet them upon delivering their gifts. Working with their reasonable wish list, I was able to purchase most of the items. I was greeted at the door by one of the two men who spoke English. As I entered the apartment, it was obvious that the family lived with minimum essentials, yet the surroundings were clean and the family appeared happy. Joining my sponsor family of four were three relatives who also lived there. The girls, ages 3 and 1 1/2, seemed to be delighted with their toys as puzzle and game pieces were scattered across the floor. As their parents and relatives were thanking me upon leaving, the oldest girl expressed her appreciation with a kiss on my hand.

While I don’t know this family history, I do know that as refugees, this family has fled their homeland of Somalia in fear of their safety and is unable to return due to persecution or possibly death. The cause may be race, religion, or political unrest. Prior to coming here, refugees typically escape to another country carrying only a small bag or backpack of personal belongings. Their fate is undetermined and their destinies are linked to international politics and diplomacy. The wait in refugee camps may take years with many of them suffering from horrific conditions, traumatic medical challenges, and separation from family members. Prior to achieving “refugee status” and reaching their final country of asylum, refugees must be accepted by all legal processes before being assigned another country for resettlement.

So who brings these refugees to the United States and who financially supports them? Migration and Refugee Services (MRS) is one of the local affiliates of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, under newly-elected president Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz, which assists in the resettlement process. As a branch of Catholic Charities, MRS has resettled approximately one-third of all refugees entering the United States, totaling over 10,000 refugees since 1975. Out of the 120 organizations run by Catholic Charities, MRS now ranks five. Funding of the program comes primarily from the federal government and the Archdiocese of Louisville. From October 2012 thru September 2013, MRS has resettled over 1000 refugees in Louisville neighborhoods coming from over 20 countries. The top five nationalities are Burmese, Somalia, Iraq, Bhutan and Cuba.

MRS assists with various programs to help refugees reach the goal of self-sufficiency within six months. In addition to providing basic needs of food, clothing, shelter, furnishings and transportation, all refugees attend English classes and cultural orientation programs, receive medical services, and are assisted with job search and placement. According to Chris Clements, Community Resource Developer, “87% percent of refugees have reached self-sufficiency status within a six-month period since October 2013.” Many refugees who had professional jobs in their own countries begin with entry-level jobs here and work their way up. “They are happy to be here and willing to work,” noted Clements. Catholic Charities have assisted by hiring some refugees. “About 40% are former refugees. They know what it’s like and can identify with them.” Many have opened stores and restaurants, adding to the diversity and ethnic possibilities within the community. Louisville is a welcoming place for refugees by offering a medium-size city, affordable cost of living, lower crime rate, better employment opportunities, English programs in public schools, and bus transportation.

To heighten awareness about refugees and transitions they encounter, Catholic Charities of Louisville and local educators developed a program that will be introduced on a national level for other agencies in Washington, DC in July 2014. This curriculum guide, Seeking Refuge: Forced to Flee, takes participants into a simulated refugee camp by navigating thru a series of stations, encountering communication, medical and legal barriers. The program was initiated in various schools and parishes for the past 10 years, and its success has multiplied each year.

In building awareness about the plight of refugees, word will hopefully spread that these families arrive here with only a few of their personal belongings; maybe one outfit, a photo of a loved one, or a religious item. They need any kind of donation imaginable: housewares, furniture, clothing, school supplies. The list goes on. To donate items, volunteer your time, or sponsor a family, contact Catholic Charities at 502-636-9263 or email [email protected].

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