June Catholic Charities’ ​President’s Corner

June Catholic Charities’ President’s Corner

This month is an important month for me, on several levels, not the least of which is that I, too, am a transplant to the United States. I, similar to many others, arrived alone, afraid and limited by language.Though my situation was different from what we think of when we think of the “refugee” or “immigrant” experience, I still understand the fear and trepidation which comes along with being a stranger in a strange land. I also know the power of a comforting smile and a helping hand. With that experience tucked away in my head and heart, I am so proud to lead an organization which helps to resettle those fleeing the unspeakable; unsafe and horrific homelands.

I recently had the unique experience of reading something written by Irene Martinez. She is an employee of Catholic Charities, Archdiocese of San Antonio, Inc. She is part of our Refugee Resettlement Department as the program manager for Social Adjustment Services. On her own time and of her own volition, she spoke with her colleagues, most of whom are United States naturalized citizens. I was taken aback by the power of their collective words. I would like to share them as a part of this month’s World Refugee Month. My hope is that these words resonate as deeply with you as they did with me.

Who are we? We are refugees! But today we are Americans! Now proud to be part of the American dream; the land of freedom and opportunity, to have rights and the privilege to vote! To others, these facts are just part of the everyday life in the United States of America, but to these refugees, it’s a dream come true.

In the midst of our San Antonio community is a proud group of individuals who came to San Antonio under the most difficult conditions as they were forced to flee and leave their homes, families, friends, jobs, and possessions so that they could live. These individuals are victims of war, persecution, upheaval, religious and ethnic discrimination. They arrived as refugees from many parts of the world. Areas like Afghanistan, Bhutan, Burma, Congo, Eretria, Nepal, Cuba, Iran, Iraq, Yugoslavia, Thailand and Somalia. Many are well-educated with degrees in various fields and some hold multiple degrees. Now, several are responsible citizens of these United States and currently living and employed in San Antonio under the largest program of Catholic Charities, the Refugee Program. They hold various job positions including program managers, coordinators, case workers, employment specialists, and interpreters. The Refugee Program with Catholic Charities began in 1980. It is the only Resettlement Agency in San Antonio. This program has thrived under current Deputy Director Paula Walker, who has established an exemplary reputation not only in our community, but throughout the country as well. Presently, there are 58 employees within the program and 15 have become naturalized U.S. citizens. What does this mean to some of them? “Freedom, opportunity, I have rights,” commented Einas. “I believe the U.S. to be a dreamland; if you work and study hard you will be able to achieve your goals,” according to Saghar. “For me, becoming a citizen means that I am valued more and I will have rights and protection, privileges I did not have in my homeland of Burma,” Hehku Htoo exclaimed.

Historically, the United States and the Catholic Church have been world leaders in providing new homes to refugees, regardless of their country of origin. Almost half of all refugees arriving in the United States are resettled through the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Migration and Refugee Services. Catholic Charities has a long history in San Antonio of providing for the needs of the community during the past 75 years.

Under the auspices of the Archdiocese of San Antonio, Catholic Charities has always opened its doors to anyone and everyone in need. Everyday refugees come through the doors of Catholic Charities seeking “to start over.” This year alone, it is predicted that 950 newly arrived refugees will receive services through the Refugee Program. In fact ,recently this was the core concept at a panel discussion in the Vatican aiming to raise awareness and seek support for increasing number of refugees who are on the move, in camps, or seeking integration in host countries today. God’s mercy is real, but it arrives only by human hands. People need individuals who will tenderly hear them. Everyone needs this. People “touchthe flesh of Christ,” Pope Francis says when they encourage the unemployed, show patience with the annoying, shore up the damaged and lonely. “We have received freely, we give freely,” he says.

During this Year of Mercy, as proclaimed by His Holiness Pope Francis, the Refugee Program through Catholic Charities is following the example set forth by our Holy Father. Every day, we strive to give hope and encouragement using all means available to us so that we can make a positive difference in the lives of those who have already endured and suffered so many atrocities in their homelands. The goal of the Refugee Program is to empower refugees and help them reach self- sufficiency. The program provides various services and relies on its community partners to cooperate and assist. Adjusting and assimilating to the American culture is not an easy task and it requires the help of many so that success is the final outcome.

In the midst of a volatile political climate in the United States, we have in our backyard, refugees who have made positive contributions to our community and who live peacefully in hopes of their continued pursuit of the American dream for themselves and their children. They have been through such a horrible ordeal that it is unimaginable to us who enjoy the gifts of freedom and opportunity every day of our lives. Now, they are proud Americans, but the price they paid for this privilege will forever be ingrained in their minds and hearts. We at Catholic Charities are proud to have them as our brothers and sisters!