by Brigid Clingman, OP, Promoter of Justice
Every day we learn more about the appalling conditions facing children, women, and men in detention centers along our southern border. The situation is unconscionable. If you are like me, you might feel overwhelmed and paralyzed by the images of children and adults housed in overcrowded filthy conditions, conditions that fail to respect their dignity as persons.
Please do not look away.
You can help.
- Tell your members of Congress you support legislation to provide emergency funding for the humane and dignified treatment of people in detention.Donate to organizations that are serving immigrants along the southern border of the United States. We recommend Annunciation House in El Paso, Texas, or Catholic Charities.
- Educate yourself. For reliable information visit websites like justiceforimmigrants.org or www.networklobby.org.
- We citizens of the United States also need to not look away from our nation’s history of relationships with the governments of Central American countries from which the immigrants are fleeing. How has that history helped to create conditions that cause parents to risk everything to protect their lives and those of their children? The answer is worth our seeking.
In West Michigan…
Friends, Bethany is seeking volunteers and donations.
The Dominican Sisters~Grand Rapids, Dominican Associates, participants in Sunday Assembly and Dominican Chapel/Marywood are working together to spread the word about items needed by the Bethany Christian Services Refugee Resettlement office. According to Bethany, “There has been a large increase in refugees from the Democratic Republic of Congo. Arrivals are slow in other parts of the nation but very high here due to the growing Congolese community. We welcomed 62 in June alone! Our staff has been very busy – we need your help!”
Volunteers: daytime transporters, tutors and move in helpers. To volunteer, please email Michelle Roub at VolunteerMail@volgistics.com
Donations: twin/full size bedding, new pillows, silverware, pots/pans, cooking utensils, mixing bowls, end tables/coffee tables, lamps etc. Donations can be dropped off at 1050 36th St. SE at the Refugee Services office.
Thank you,
Brigid Clingman, OP, Promoter of Justice, Dominican Sisters~Grand Rapids