Commentary
Democracy and freedom, yes, but scarves and mittens too
by Evelyn LennonAs Minnesotans, we have a long tradition of opening our arms to refugees and asylum seekers. This year, a new wave of refugees from Asia and east Africa arrived in Minnesota: Bhutanese, Karen from Burma, and small populations of Oromo from Ethiopia and Somalis.
Like the refugees who came before them, these men and women set foot in a state notorious for brutally cold winters. This group also had the misfortune of arriving in communities experiencing tremendous economic strain.
This season, with state and nonprofit budgets squeezed even tighter, we should be sure that the most vulnerable don't feel the pinch. We must ask our political leaders to stop deep cuts to non-profits.
During this period of staggering joblessness, social services help sustain families with no other options. When contemplating cuts to nonprofits, our political leaders should reflect on the men and women who are so desperate for a safe haven that they sleep on other people's living room floors.
For most, an inflatable mattress is an unaffordable luxury. What will deeper cuts mean for them and their families?
We must also ask ourselves what we can give. The answer may be as simple as a scarf or a pair of boots. Several years ago, a new client asked to have his appointments scheduled on specific days of the week. He shared a winter coat with a friend who was off work and home those days.
Every year, we refer clients to community resources for coats, sweaters, mittens and other warm clothing. If you have an extra coat in good condition in your closet, donate it to an organization.
For many new arrivals, that first coat is a lifeline. These men and women often rely on public transportation to get to the grocery store, the doctor or their children's school. In a season when temperatures dip well below freezing, it's unthinkable that anyone should have to wait at a bus stop without a coat.
For one of my clients from East Africa, receiving her first warm scarf and hat -- a small, practical gift -- is something she has not forgotten. Now she knits scarves, with donated yarn, for other clients.
There are other, less tangible, things we can do to help. We can help give asylum seekers dignity. Like us, they want jobs. They want to support themselves and their families. Between arriving in Minnesota and finding jobs, however, many need outside support. Deep cuts to nonprofits will result in fewer resources for clothing, food and shelter that help bridge gaps.
Our communities are better places when every family flourishes. As we weather bitterly cold days and nights, let's remember our new neighbors.
Sometimes the gesture is as important as the actual delivered resource. However, in Minnesota, cold weather clothing is essential.
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Evelyn Lennon is a social worker at the Center for Victims of Torture. She suggests people who would like to donate clothing contact Joseph's Coat (651-291-2472) in St. Paul, and the Refugee Services effort of the Minnesota Council of Churches (612-230-3227) in Minneapolis.
Comments (6)
Thank you so much Evelyn. During the Minnesota Council of Churches - Refugee Services Coat Give-A-Way this year in October we gave away over 71 coats to 26 families in one day. Since that day we have given out a steady amount and will continue to for the rest of the winter. With the actual cold weather arriving this week I know the need for winter coats will be even greater among out clients. Thanks for writing this and sharing about this need Evelyn.
Thank you so much Evelyn. During the Minnesota Council of Churches - Refugee Services Coat Give-A-Way this year in October we gave away over 71 coats to 26 families in one day. Since that day we have given out a steady amount and will continue to for the rest of the winter. With the actual cold weather arriving this week I know the need for winter coats will be even greater among out clients. Thanks for writing this and sharing about this need Evelyn.
I came to Rochester, New York as a refugee some years ago and I was helped geately with many other refugees from all over the world. since then I have been helping on my own new arrivals with some basic needs such as taking them to stores, giving them ride places hard to go by bus or takes long time, getting them written permit to learn how to drive and teach them how to drive just to in power them. Its experiences that we learned mostly from people like you whom helped us so patiently, carringly, so thank you for helping and in powering us bofore, today and tomorrow, so your memories always live with us.
Thanks for this wonderful eye openner to others like me who don't know the experience of refeugges and asylum seekers that end. Refugees are human like any other persosn, today its them tomorrow, we might follw them. Its our responsibility to push those in need atleast an extra mile. Good work done and keep it up.
Fred Muzira
Social Worker - ACTV (Uganda)
Thanks for raising my awareness anew. There are times when can become distracted by our own needs and concerns to the extent that we forget that some of our neighbors have more pressing needs.
Dear Evelyn Lennon,
You are wonderfully made.
You have passion for what you do.
On behalf of the Brooklyn Park Evangelical Free Church Immirgant Support Group, I thank you for the establishment of the group.
Thanks for sharing with us what you have learnt and empowering us, so that we can be helpful to the the comuunity and society at large.
Educating us about job-interview, maketing ourselves in career developement.
Because of you and CVT, members of the group are employed in the health areas.
Because you care, and love mankind you continue to rander services to refugees from all parts of the earth.
As a Liberian refugee, and leader of and on behalf of the Libeiran community I like to also extend a BIG THANK you for the Liberian community.
One way or the other you changed our communtiy; Today, people have compassion for us.
Because of you and CVT, we've our dignity once again.
May God guide, protect, favor and sstrenghten you in your endeavour.
Posted by Linda W.E.Saydee
Brooklyn Park, Minnesota
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