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World Refugee Day
In a world where violence forces thousands of families to flee for their lives each day, the time is now to show that the global public stands with refugees.
We are in the midst of the WORLD’S WORST refugee crisis in history. A crisis that brings with it overwhelming numbers, huge challenges for countries and communities affected, untold misery — and hope.
More than 65 million people are now counted as forcibly displaced by the United Nations. That’s like the entire population of the UK or France, or about as many as everyone in New York State, Texas and Florida — all forced from their homes. Just over one-third are refugees, people forced to flee their countries because of persecution, war, or violence. More than half of refugees are under 18 and more people are displaced every day – you could fill about 630 school buses with people forced from their homes every day! War is a major factor. More than half of refugees come from three war-torn countries — Syria, Afghanistan and Somalia, the UN says, while others flee famine or prosecution. Starvation is stalking millions in Africa in 2017. And in Myanmar, there are about 1 million Rohingyas — a persecuted ethnic and religious minority, who say they are being increasingly targeted and attacked.
Some take refuge in the first safe place they find. Others journey on, risking all, in the hopes of finding a better new life.
Right now, as you read this, traffickers are selling migrant men, women and children in make shift ‘slave markets’ all over the world. I’ve read that they are placed under a sign that reads “for sale”. First hand witnesses report them being sold for between $200 and $500 each.
Many times they are then held for ransom in mass prisons and detention centers often run by militias; or used as forced labor and for sexual exploitation. Survivors have spoken of their slave masters extracting ransoms from relatives, including beating and torturing their captives while on the phone to their families so they would hear them scream while being tortured. “People were tied up like goats, beaten with broom handles and pipes every day, to get money,” reported by the International Office on Migration.
What YOU Can Do
- Pray
That asylum seekers may find hope and restoration from the despair and persecution from which they have fled; that Christians can celebrate unity in Christ while celebrating our differences in cultures and nationalities; that unaccompanied refugee children may be protected from all harm and reunited with loving families; for migrant workers, that they may work in safe and just conditions, and that we who benefit from their labor may be truly grateful for what they provide; for an end to the violence and poverty that displace so many of our sisters and brothers from their homes and homelands; for our political leaders, that they may implement policies that allow for safe migration and just migrant working conditions, and put an end to the detention of asylum seekers, while protecting our national safety.
- If you’ve got five minutes, call your representatives.
Currently, the United States Congress has proposed budget cuts that would reduce refugee assistance to the region by 20 percent and humanitarian relief by 15 percent. It’s critical to call your legislator – and this is especially true if your representative is against helping refugees and if she or he is already in support of refugees.
If she or he doesn’t support refugees, your call could help sway their opinion. And if she or he does support refugees, those calls bolster stances!
It’s really powerful for a senator or representative to be able to say, ‘I got 10,000 calls from constituents who are saying they want us to welcome refugees in this country.’
- If you’ve got a few hours a week, volunteer.
There are refugees already all around the United States trying to settle in to this country. Three million refugees have been resettled in America since the Refugee Act of 1980 was signed, according to Pew Research. About 85,000 people were admitted during the last fiscal year under President Barack Obama.
Resettlement agencies are always looking for volunteers. This ranges from everything from language training to handling logistics to just being some company. Find a local agency and see if there’s anything you can do.
If you need help finding an agency near you, try checking here for the Office of Refugee Resettlement.
- If you’ve got no time but some extra cash, donate.
DONATE TO CABRINI IMMIGRANT SERVICE CENTERS WHO ARE WORKING WITH IMMIGRANTS EVERY DAY! http://www.cis-nyc.org
- If you’ve got friends and neighbors, change their opinions.
All you have to do is talk to people you know and explain to them why you think refugees are people who deserve a chance at a peaceful life.
When people hear that attitude from people they’re familiar with, that’s really powerful. Those conversations can change minds better than news stories and essays.
This is vital if you live in a community where refugees are being settled. You can help to make sure they are fully welcome. Meanwhile, it can lead to an even bigger change. These conversations can be difficult, and you may not be able to change everybody’s minds. Be respectful in these talks — and knowing the stats and information always helps.
But that doesn’t mean you should stop speaking up and spreading awareness. Change often happens slowly. Have patience with it.
- If you’ve got no time, no money, but a lot of passion, then pay attention to the news.
Know what’s going on! It was people’s awareness of the news that led to the inspiring protests at airports around the country after Trump signed his (now-blocked) executive order against refugees. Awareness leads to mobilization, which can lead to change.
- 7. Sign the Pledge:The U.N. Refugee Agency is circulating a#WithRefugees petition, which asks that governments around the world ensure that every refugee child can get an education, that every refugee family has a place to live, and that every refugee can work or train for new skills. The petition will be delivered to the U.N. headquarters in New York in time for the U.N. General Assembly on September 19.
Cabrini of Westchester – Sharing in Mission Dinner a Great Success
Cabrini of Westchester recognized the achievements of three honorees at its 19th Annual Fundraising Event, The Sharing in Mission Dinner held on May 10, 2017 at the beautiful Tappan Hill Mansion in Tarrytown, NY. Thanks to the honorees, sponsors, donors and the 2017 Sharing in Mission Dinner Event Committee the evening netted almost $180,000 to benefit the ministry of Cabrini of Westchester!
The Evening at the Derby theme added a lot of frivolity to the evening. In keeping with the Derby theme, many guests arrived wearing the latest fashions and stylish hats. Guests were greeted by beautifully dressed young boys and girls selling raffle tickets and were served Mint Julips, a signature drink of the Derby. Upon entering the dining room, they were surrounded by red roses and centerpieces that featured racehorses and derby hats. Mike Bennett, a local radio host, kicked off the evening with his great wit followed by moving speeches from each of the three honorees. A highlight of the evening featured a virtual horse race where guests could buy a chance to win $100!
This year’s honorees included: James and Nancy Landy, Lisa Venditti and Dr. Bangaruraju Kolanuvada (Dr. Raju). The honorees were chosen for their dedication to Cabrini of Westchester’s mission, which calls on individuals to be leaders, educators, advocates and sponsors of quality services to those in need of care and compassion.
Cabrini of Westchester Celebrates National Volunteer Week
On Thursday, April 27th, 2017 we hosted our annual Volunteer Appreciation Service. Our theme for the event was “Making the World a Better Place” which is the recognized theme for National Volunteer Week.
An inter-faith prayer service was held in the Chapel where we presented long term Volunteer Peggy Coffey with the first ever “Spirit Award” in recognition of her 20 years of volunteer service to Cabrini! Music and refreshments followed on the north patio on what turned out to be a beautiful day. The food was great, the music was entertaining and the company was the best! Each guest received a small gift box of a key chain with a colorful butterfly and the Cabrini logo as well as a card that expressed the gratitude we have for the service of each Volunteer.
We truly thank our Volunteers who should know that we could not accomplish the great work we do without their help!
National Volunteer Week Celebrated at Cabrini of Westchester
On Thursday, April 27th, 2017 we hosted our annual Volunteer Appreciation Service. Our theme for the event was “Making the World a Better Place” which is the recognized theme for National Volunteer Week.
An inter-faith prayer service was held in the Chapel where we presented long term Volunteer Peggy Coffey with the first ever “Spirit Award” in recognition of her 20 years of volunteer service to Cabrini! Music and refreshments followed on the north patio on what turned out to be a beautiful day. The food was great, the music was entertaining and the company was the best! Each guest received a small gift box of a key chain with a colorful butterfly and the Cabrini logo as well as a card that expressed the gratitude we have for the service of each Volunteer.
We truly thank our Volunteers who should know that we could not accomplish the great work we do without their help!
Cabrini University Staff and Students Advocate in Harrisburg for Immigrant Rights
Attending a recent Advocacy Day in Harrisburg is Abel Rodriguez, Director of the Center on Immigration at Cabrini University and some University students. The day was organized by the Pennsylvania Immigration and Citizenship Coalition (PICC). Next semester, we’ll coordinate a group to DC to advocate on immigration issues.
Cabrini Immigrant Services, NYC and Cabrini University rally on May Day for Immigrants
Cabrini Immigrant Services Marches in New York City
On May 1st Cabrini Immigrant Services of NYC staff and Justice for Immigrants members joined immigrant rights, labor, faith and allied organizations for a May Day action in support of immigrants and workers. Thousands came together in New York City to stand up against anti-immigrant and anti-worker policies and to demand that President Trump end his attacks on immigrant, refugees and Muslim communities. Activists, community leaders, City Council Members and even the Mayor were present to show their support for our immigrant brothers and sisters. To stay up to date on how CIS-NYC continues to stand up for immigrants every day follow us on Twitter or Facebook or check out our website!
Cabrini University Students and Staff Rally in Washington, D.C.
On Monday, May 1, Cabrini students and staff took time away from preparing for finals to make their way to the nation’s capital for a march and rally in solidarity with workers and immigrants. Earlier in the semester students had made protest signs with slogans like, “No Human Is Illegal,” and “Fight Ignorance, Not Immigrants,” and these signs were hung on a barricade constructed on the University Commons for a Border Solidarity Mass celebrated on April 19 to commemorate Pope Francis’s visit to the US-Mexico border the year prior.
Cabrini students took those signs and joined thousands of other protesters in DuPont Circle to protest anti-immigrant sentiments and policies, representing the namesake of the Patron Saint of Immigrants. Chants worked their way through the crowds, alternating between English and Spanish: “No hate, no fear, immigrants are welcome here!” “¡El pueblo unido jamás será vencido!” We arrived at Lafayette Square, named for an immigrant hero of the Revolution and cheered facing the White House for the hope that we can be better together.
Walking back to the van we passed through the MLK Memorial, with tired legs and hoarse voices, reading his words: “Out of a mountain of despair, a stone of hope.” And “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly.”
Cabrini Immigrant Services – Following in the Footsteps of Mother Cabrini
An essay by Lorraine Campanelli, Director of Cabrini Immigrant Services, Dobbs Ferry, NY:
Since President Trump signed the Executive Order about Immigration, fear has entered the immigrant community in Dobbs Ferry, NY and the surrounding Rivertowns. Dobbs Ferry went from a town with bustling streets to a town where you see a few individuals walking freely. The Village officials have made a statement that it is a safe place that welcomes all no matter their race, creed, status, etc. But still, there is fear, fear of the unknown, fear of an ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) Raid.
At Cabrini Immigrant Services (CIS) in Dobbs Ferry, we work with both adults and children. I remember the Thursday after the election at our afterschool homework program. The children expressed great fear about what may happen to our country and also to their home countries. Some children did not want to go to school for fear that their Mom and Dad may not be at home when they return. The majority of our children are American born but their parents are undocumented. Thus, the parents can be deported but not the children.
We did an impromptu prayer service to help them express some of their concerns. Each child received a picture of a vigil candle and was asked to write what their hopes were for the country. Some wrote that they hope their parents will be allowed to stay in the US; some hoped for an end to wars and bullying; while others hoped for enough food and housing for all people. Some children who are Pakistani had additional fears because of not only where their family is from but also that they are Muslim. One of the children hoped that our country would not bomb Pakistan because a lot of his relatives live there. These children are in Grades 1-6. A lot of stress for such small children. We talked about their hopes and fears. We prayed that God will continue to watch over all of us.
The adults also have tremendous fear. I think their greatest fear is for their children. If they are arrested with the intent of deportation, they will not be able to see their children. The children will more than likely be put into the foster care system. When you look into their eyes, you see the fear, you see the tears. They are also afraid that they may lose their jobs because employers may be fearful to have someone work for them who is undocumented. Housing has also become an issue for some.
We have many people who are trying to become US citizens. Some, do not have any documentation nor do they qualify in any way to become a citizen. Some may have the necessary documentation but do not have enough of a command of the English language to pass the interview part of the exam. In most cases, they must have an interview, read and write in English and learn 100 questions about US civics. We assist the clients in learning English and preparing for the naturalization exam.
Staff and tutors have attended rallies to voice our support for immigrants. I have been speaking at forums and at colleges. I am on a team that is going throughout the county informing people of their rights as well as letting them know what services CIS offers. When I speak about CIS, I always begin with the fact that St. Cabrini was an immigrant and how she was told to return to her homeland. I explain that in the Catholic Church, St. Cabrini is the Patroness of Immigrants and I tell the people to turn to St. Cabrini.
CIS continues to welcome all in the name of St. Cabrini. We are a safe place for our clients to come. Our clients feel comfortable coming to CIS and they know that they will be accepted for who they are.
I ask that you please keep us and all immigrants in your prayers. We ask St. Cabrini to intercede for us.
U.S. Bishops Chair says New Executive Order on Migration Leaves Many At Risk
Dr. Donald B. Taylor, President of Cabrini University, shared the following message with the campus community this week: “Being the only university in the world named for the Patron Saint of Immigrants, it is important to share with you the excellent statement issued by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Committee on Migration regarding President Trump’s recent executive order.”
The complete text appears below:
U.S. Bishops Chairman on Migration says New Executive Order Still Leaves Many Innocent Lives
at Risk
March 6, 2017
WASHINGTON—The Most Reverend Joe S. Vásquez, Bishop of Austin and Chair of the USCCB Committee on Migration, says that President Trump’s latest Executive Order still puts vulnerable populations around the world at risk. In a statement issued after the announcement of today’s travel suspension, Bishop Vásquez says that while we seek to maintain our values and safety, we must also exercise compassion in assisting and continuing to welcome the stranger.
Bishop Vázquez’s full statement follows:
“We remain deeply troubled by the human consequences of the revised executive order on refugee admissions and the travel ban. While we note the Administration’s efforts to modify the Executive Order in light of various legal concerns, the revised Order still leaves many innocent lives at risk.
The removal of one of the original seven predominantly Muslim countries temporarily barred from entering the United States is welcome, but we are disappointed that the revised order maintains the temporary shutdown of the U.S. refugee admissions program, continues the more than 60 percent reduction in the number of refugees who can be resettled into the United States this year, and still temporarily bars nationals from six predominantly Muslim countries from entering the United States.
The U.S. Catholic Bishops have long recognized the importance of ensuring public safety and would welcome reasonable and necessary steps to accomplish that goal.
However, based on the knowledge that refugees are already subjected to the most vigorous vetting process of anyone who enters the United States, there is no merit to pausing the refugee resettlement program while considering further improvement to that vetting process.
The United States has long provided leadership in resettling refugees. We believe in assisting all those who are vulnerable and fleeing persecution, regardless of their religion, including Christians, Muslims, and all others. We believe that by helping to resettle the most vulnerable, we are living out our Christian faith and “welcoming the stranger” as Jesus has challenged us to do.
Today, more than 65 million people around the world are forcibly displaced from their homes. Given this extraordinary level of suffering, the U.S. Catholic Bishops reaffirm their support for, and efforts to protect, all who flee persecution and violence, as just one part of the perennial and global work of the Church in defense of vulnerable persons. Resettling only 50,000 refugees a year, down fr om 110,000, does not reflect the need, our compassion, and our capacity as a nation. We have the ability to continue to assist the most vulnerable among us without sacrificing our values as Americans or the safety and security of our nation.”
No Ban! No Wall! Cabrini Immigrant Services, Dobbs Ferry, NY Resistance
“On Saturday, February 4th, Cabrini Immigrant Services of Dobbs Ferry partnered with a diverse coalition of community organizations to host the Westchester Resistance Rally in White Plains.
The protest, at the Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University, was organized by State Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins who represents Dobbs Ferry among other Westchester towns and villages, and also included New York State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman. The event was organized in opposition to policies issued via executive order by President Donald J. Trump.
Senator Stewart-Cousins convened local leaders, elected officials and Westchester community members who came together in support of human rights and in opposition to policies banning immigration from seven Muslim-majority countries and the construction of a multi-billion dollar wall between the United States and Mexico.
“As President Woodrow Wilson once said, ‘The history of liberty is a history of resistance,’ ” said Stewart-Cousins. “The organic demonstrations of people all over the world underscore the importance of American ideals and values.”
The event followed weeks of protests and rallies since the Presidential Inauguration.
Meanwhile, on February 4th, while other Cabrini staff members were protesting in White Plains, Lorraine Campanelli, Director of CIS, was a panelist on the “Forum on Immigration” at the Yonkers Public Library, presented by The Legal Aid Society of Westchester County, The Westchester Black Bar Association and The Regional Immigration Assistance Center. Lorraine spoke about the many services available at CIS-DF. “It was an honor to hear from attendees that Cabrini is well respected and is highly recommended by so many other agencies,” said Lorraine Campanelli who has been asked to join “the team” as they travel to different regions of Westchester County.
Previously, on January 28th, Concerned Families of Westchester rallied in Hastings-on-Hudson, NY to protest President Trump’s Anti-Immigrant Agenda. The staff from Cabrini Immigrant Services, Dobbs Ferry, along with several tutors and their spouses were in attendance
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