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Refugees are individuals who have experienced great pain and hardship. A refugee is a person who “owing to a well-founded fear of being persecuted for reasons of race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular group, or political opinion is outside the country of his nationality and is unable to or, owing to such fear, is unwilling to avail himself of the protection of the country. “(From the 1951 U.N. Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees.) These qualities have enabled them to survive difficult living conditions, and to adjust to a new culture and language in the United States. These same qualities may also make them valuable members of their new community.
The United States Catholic Conference (USCC) has welcomed families from a variety of countries, including Bosnia, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sudan, Burma, Afghanistan and Congo. With limited staff time, Refugee Resettlement is always in need of people who wish to become sponsors. Sponsors play a key role in the successful resettlement of newly arrived refugees in the United States. By providing a warm welcome, basic needs and practical help, sponsors see that the newcomers become self-sufficient and independent as quickly as possible.
Refugee Resettlement needs volunteers and donations. Volunteers are helpful in accompanying refugees to appointments and serving as mentors or translators. Churches or organizations could also donate food baskets to welcome a refugee family that is new to the community.
With lives that have been shattered by war or political oppression, refugees often face difficult challenges and adjustments in the United States. They must learn a new language, adapt to a strange culture and become self-sufficient all over again.
Your parish can offer hope and a helping hand by co-sponsoring a refugee family. All it takes is dedication, some time,and a few resources. Co-sponsors help to ease transitions by helping families adjust to unfamiliar surroundings, providing basic needs, and teaching them how to become independent.
If you are interested in becoming a sponsor and want further information, please contact Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee. |
