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Rosendo - Immigration Legal Assistance“Thank you all so much for everything you do. May God give you the strength and intelligence you need to keep helping everyone like you do. This means so much to me and to all of us immigrants."
David - Immigration Legal AssistanceCCILAS represented David, who came to the US more than 15 years ago fleeing war and hunger from his native Sudan. David became a US citizen in July, and is anxious to travel back to visit friends in the newly independent South Sudan. David, a teacher in Africa, was forced to make difficult decisions many years ago in Sudan. He first fled violence by going to Uganda where he used his college education to teach displaced children. Eventually, he was forced to walk hundreds of miles to Kenya. On the march, he witnessed many people—the young and old, women, and children—die from starvation and disease. He arrived to the refugee camp to find meager conditions that were barely survivable. Eventually he was granted refugee status and came to the U.S. to live. He was habitually homeless for eight years. After surviving such violence and strife, and losing loved ones to such violence, David was devastated by the death of his mother. A local homeless shelter connected him to many services, including CCILAS. Through the shelter, David had completed many job training programs and was eager to start working to provide for himself, but he found he couldn’t replace any of his stolen identification (state identification, Social Security card, etc.) and therefore he could not secure employment CCILAS helped David immediately apply for naturalization. He studied diligently for the civics test, and at his interview he answered each question correctly to pass his test. David took his Oath of Citizenship in July. He said the entire Sudanese community was proud of his accomplishment. He is eager to get his U.S. passport in hopes of visiting Sudan this winter.
Mom - Learning CenterReflecting on her daughter's enrollment, "She would not get out of my lap when we attended the Open House in July, but now she runs into her classroom and forgets to kiss me goodbye! I feel like she is growing so fast and learning so much at the Learning Center. I am happy and sad to see her grow!"
Mary - Journeys Residential“It was hard to not have our son at home and admit him to Journeys. But when we walked through your front doors for the first time, we knew you all would give him what we couldn’t – the tools, environment, care, and skills necessary to allow him to live a life of sobriety.” Judy - Christ Child Summer Camp"Every time I see or hear Christ Child, it brings back memories of field trips sponsored by the center. We'd hop on the bus with our lunch and go! And can't forget going to summer camp in Blair. Nothing like giggly, scared girls going down the dark path at night to the 'moon'."
Diane - Domestic Violence Shelter“My life before Catholic Charities was chaotic, a mess. But now my eyes are open – I’m safe with my son and just earned a scholarship toward my nursing degree. We could have lost our lives, but the support here gives me a peace of mind.”
Tracie - St. James Manor“It certainly has been a struggle trying to balance all the living expenses and stay balanced. However, I serve a mighty God and really am thankful that my family and I were given the opportunity to be given a second chance in life. We are truly grateful that God touches hearts such as yours and want you to know you will forever be heaven sent in my eyes.”
Jerry - JourneysJerry’s addiction to marijuana began when he was only 12 years old. After smoking his first time with a neighbor, Jerry got caught up in the cycle and used often. After getting caught in 8th grade, he quit for one year, but soon started the habit up again. Jerry’s relationship with his father was strained as a result of Jerry’s addiction. “Before I started using drugs our relationship was good and we would go fishing,” Jerry says. “But we argued a lot when I was using and he made a lot of attempts to get me help.” Eventually Jerry got caught stealing and was arrested after the police found a marijuana pipe on him. He was put on probation, but after he violated the probation by failing multiple drug tests, he was sent to the Douglas County Youth Center for a four-month lock-up. After being released from the youth center, Jerry was sent to Journeys. Jerry credits overcoming his addiction with the time he spent at the Douglas County Youth Center and at Journeys. “At Journeys I learned that marijuana has a really strong mental addiction and the mental addiction can be just as strong as the physical addiction,” Jerry says. Today, Jerry is a senior in high school and will graduate in May. He enjoys basketball and hanging out with his friends. He hopes to go to college and eventually work as a botanist.
Rosie – Family EnrichmentSeven adopted children and no Christmas. What’s a mother to do? Her husband of 33 years was on disability and Rosie had lost her job. Both givers at heart, their dreams were to change the world, not to ask for help. Guided by her sister, Rosie saw a glimmer of hope when she found the Catholic Charities Family Enrichment Program to provide Christmas that year. What Rosie didn’t know is she would find a support system, solid foundation, and new friends. Over the past four years, she has been able to grow with the program. Rosie took classes on finance, nutrition and spirituality which helped her set new goals and gave her hope for a better life for her family. Learning about herself, empowering others and regaining her confidence brought back her smile and attitude that she is worthy and can change the world. “The Family Enrichment program opened my eyes because it is real people helping us live in a real world,” Rosie says. “It helped me to help myself, my family, and every life I touch.”
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