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Community Corner

Catholic Charities, Diocese of St. Petersburg programs and community come together to welcome refugees

Each year 70,000 refugees flee their homes out of fear of persecution, based on race, religion, nationality, or political opinion. In Tampa Bay, Refugee Services and Shelters of Hope of Catholic Charities, Diocese of St. Petersburg are working together to welcome them and provide them with shelter.

Dim Niang, Vung Nuam , and Thang Cin know first-hand the struggles that refugees face.  After having been apart for nine years, this past Friday, November 8, they re-united at Tampa’s airport.

The mood was happy and anxious as dad, case worker, and two friends waited for mom and daughter to exit the arrivals gate. “Dad is excited and nervous,” Christi Sui, case manager, states.

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When mom and daughter finally make their way out; dad rushes to them. It’s a beautiful reunion. However, no tears or hugs; a bit odd after nine years. But after witnessing their mannerisms, it’s clear this is all a bit shocking for them. Although reunited with their loved one, they’re in a new country, with very little.

Case manager Christi is there to help them through this transition and to give them shelter and food to get them started. She will also work with the family to enroll the child in school, help them learn English, teach them how to ride public transportation, and integrate them into community.

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“Our goal is to make the re-settlement process as smoothly as possible,” Debbie Jarrie, Director of Refugee Services,” states.  “And to work with them on an ongoing basis to help them establish self-sufficiency.

After the reunion, the family is taken to their new home in Tampa where dad’s friends welcomed them with a home cooked Burmese meal. Vung, was the first to explore their new home; a two bedroom apartment with a simple bed and pillow, a table and couch; donations from friends of Catholic Charities, and one dish set; a gift from one of dad’s friends.

“We do our best to provide the basics for the family,” Debbie states. “But we have so many families in need, that sometimes we don’t have enough home essentials to go around; items like towels, shower curtains, sheets, dishes and rice cookers; the things that make a place a home.

A day later, the Mom’s Club of Tampa/Westchase heard about the family’s need and donations for the child’s room started pouring in.

“This was a wonderful opportunity to teach our daughter who is three about giving back and sharing not just for a short amount of time, but forever,” April Livingston, group member, states. The group plans to decorate the child’s room and surprise her.

Catholic Charities is in need of donations year round. To make a financial contribution go to: ccdosp.org or mail to: Catholic Charities, Diocese of St. Petersburg, 1213 16th Street North, St. Petersburg, FL 33705. To donate items that help make a place a home, (shower curtains, towels, picture frames, sheets, pillows, pots and pans, rice cookers,) go to ccdosp.org to find a drop-off location near you or call 727-893-1313 ext. 212.

Mom and child are also still in need of clothing and shoe donations. Shoe sizes 5-6 and clothing small for mom and 9 for child. To drop off a donation for the family call Christi: 813-631-4370 x 205.




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