Saint Francis Migration Ministries asked refugees we worked with to share whatever details of their story they were comfortable sharing. A refugee, who preferred not to be named, shared the information below:
Over 70.8 million human beings were forced to leave their homes. They come to this country seeking safety, security, and a life free from violence and persecution. Most of the students I have in class were born in refugee camps. They spent the entirety of their childhoods—in refugee camps. The one family that I work with that did not have this experience only spent 6 years in the refugee camp because one of the family members was in desperate need of medical attention.
Libby Eaton volunteers her time with refugees in Wichita, Kansas, and to celebrate World Refugee Day, she sent us a bunch of wonderful photos. So we asked her to elaborate on why she volunteers and is drawn to supporting refugee families. Here's her answer:
Overt racism against African Americans continues to be revealed in the United States. I am deeply concerned; as I pray you are. We cannot deny that there are injustices heaped upon members of our communities who are in greater danger than other members. Such vulnerability should in no way be interpreted as weakness.
The Greater Salina Community Foundation this week announced that Saint Francis Ministries will receive $3,618.75 to meet needs for Personal Protection Equipment in its Salina West residential facility.
The Kansas Health Foundation, Wichita, announced on May 13, 2020, that Saint Francis Ministries is one of the recipients of its annual Impact and Capacity Grant Initiative. This year, the Wichita-based organization is funding nonprofits across Kansas that work daily to improve health in the state as they respond to emergent needs resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.
The fear, anxiety, isolation, grief and economic insecurity from the COVID-19 pandemic are traumatic experiences that will have lifelong consequences for our physical, mental and emotional health.
Even as the world works diligently to contain the COVID-19 physical health crisis, child welfare leaders are recognizing the mental health crisis and trauma that puts families, children and communities at risk. School closures, social distancing measures, economic impacts and escalating stresses that can increase domestic and child abuse or neglect is creating a mental health crisis that will likely have long-term impacts.
April is Child Abuse Prevention Month, and to remember the millions of children who are victims of abuse/neglect, Blue Sunday Child Abuse Prevention is asking the faith community to pray on Sunday, April 26, 2020.
A $1,000 grant to Saint Francis Ministries from the Salina Area United Way is helping the organization’s efforts to provide needed dollars and support to foster and kinship families being affected by the COVID-19 outbreak. The pandemic is having a significant impact on families around the world, and it is certainly affecting many of the foster care and kinship families that Saint Francis serves.