As part of our ongoing parish mission, Historic St. John’s responds to the needs of newly arrived refugees as they adjust and adapt to life in their new country. As Daughters of Charity, we strive to serve and accompany these newest members of our community as best we can. As you can imagine, arriving at a new place, often from areas of conflict, (ie: war, famine, extreme poverty) their needs are many. To make the trasition more comfortable The Daughters of Charity have turned to St. Josephine Bakita (read more about her here

Below are some examples of how we serve this vulnerable community:

• Teaching English and helping them use their new language,
• Keeping up with Doctor appointments,
• Understanding and interacting with the Utica school system,
• Grocery shopping and help with cooking,
• Managing money, paying bills
• Filling out forms and applications
• Reading and responding to important mail
• Adjusting to work and daily life schedules and demands

All this takes support and accompaniment.  Sr. Elizabeth Greim and Sr. Pat Collins are providing case management to individuals and families of some of our newest members to Utica.

But they could use some help:

• Transportation to appointments
• Conversation/instruction in English
• After school assistance to school age children
• Assisting/coordinating classes with Cornell Cooperative Extension
• Gardening
• Sewing
• Planning events:  birthday parties, Civic/religious holiday celebrations.

The best action you can take is to call or text Sr. Elizabeth at 501-297-8904 and talk with her about how you, your children, your family might be of assistance!
 

“The Lord has loved me so much: we must love everyone…
we must be compassionate!”

The words of St. Josephine Bahkita, the Saint of South Sudan, victims of human trafficking and refugees. Read about her life here.