The Immigration Ministry of St. Michael and All Angels
works across the entire community.
St Michael's shares resources and volunteers between the Landing, Casa San Miguel, and Las Familias to feed, clothe and provide services to our immigrant neighbors. Our many partners include RoadRunner Food Bank, Adelante, Desert Harvest, ABQ FaithWorks, VIDA (Correspondence with migrants in detention), ABQ Community Safety Department, Catholic Charities, Las Cumbres, Annunciation House, El Paso and local school Douglas MacArthur Elementary School. Over 50 SMAA volunteers serve these vital Ministries.
Can One Person Make a Difference?
Our Journey to the Border Shelters April 3, 2024 “Sometimes, the problems of the world are so overwhelming that it seems impossible that one act or one person can make a difference. This inspiring day proved otherwise.” Pat, a volunteer with LFS, wrote after her visit to the Border shelters with us last week.
She continued, “It was my first time going to El Paso with Las Familias Solidarity so I didn’t know what to expect. Perhaps the shelters would be bleak and institutional, the asylum seekers sad or resigned, the volunteers exhausted and burned out. It turned out to be a day to abandon any expectations or preconceived notions, to have eyes and ears and a heart wide open. From the very first words spoken by the manager of the first shelter there was no choice but to connect with the sense of compassion, humanity, caring and spirituality so abundant in all three shelters. Yes, being there and hearing some of the stories brought tears to my eyes, but they were not tears of despair. The stories were heartbreaking but not depressing, and were ultimately uplifting as I became aware of the strength, courage and hope of the asylum seekers as well as the amazing people managing the shelters. I saw a newborn baby sleeping peacefully as her proud father sat near, children laughing and playing, some ready to talk to us or even give a hug. I saw smiles and handshakes from everyone. I saw faces and individuals, not an anonymous crowd. I heard the understanding and empathy of the volunteers and the belief in their mission. I heard countless ‘thank yous’. I saw and heard the truth, not the hype. The journey to El Paso with Las Familias Solidarity Team was a powerful experience I won’t soon forget.” We encourage our donors and volunteers to experience the border situation by coming with us on a monthly trip, as space allows. If you are interested, please let us know. “What do you want people to know about Immigration at our southern border?” We asked Michael, a 30 year veteran of Customs and Border Patrol, who now manages a large El Paso shelter. He emphatically told us:
“How can one person make a difference?” we asked another shelter manager. Carol, whose heart is as big as her hugs, replied “We Americans, who have everything, must open our hearts to welcome immigrants and give them a home. At one time, our families were migrants and someone gave them a break, when needed, to help them. We need to do the same.” Elisa, who lovingly manages a shelter filled with asylum seeking parents and their young children, asked us to “Truly in your heart, reflect on how many blessings you have in your life. I come here to give back some of what I have received. |
How to Help |
“How can one person make a difference?
Asylum Seekers in the US can only solve our labor shortage legally if they receive permits from our federal government to work. The Asylum Seeker Work Authorization Act will address critical labor shortages in our economy while allowing asylum seekers to support themselves and their families. Please voice your support for this bill to your congressperson at the link: Voice your support today! Other ways that you can make a difference. A clean pair of socks, or underwear, a backpack for belongings may seem like a small thing, but they bring dignity and a welcome to asylum seekers. Our next trip to the Annunciation House network shelters in El Paso is May 1st. Please get any items to us or St. Michael and All Angels by Sunday, April 28th. Please understand that due to a lack of space in our SUV’s and the shelters these are the only items that we can accept.
Quicker and Easier Ways to Help - Donations help us buy in bulk to get the best price.
Thank you for standing with asylum seeking families as they seek safety and work to support their family. We say to the volunteers and guests at each shelter, “These are items donated by people who live 300 miles away. They welcome you & want you to know that they care about you and your family!” If you believe that our work is important, please tell a friend. |
Las Familias Solidarity Team |
Thank you making a difference by doing one thing to bring compassion, care and understanding to the asylum seeking families. When you get the opportunity, bring the light of facts and truth to Immigration discussions. If you believe that our work is important, please pass on this newsletter and tell a friend.
With our gratitude, Liz & Mike Hanna, Sharon Palma, Denise Ulibarri Clauss, Linda McCreary and the many volunteers on the Las Familias Solidarity Team Contact: liz_hanna@hotmail.com, vdulibarri@gmail.com, asharonp@gmail.com, lmmccreary505@gmail.com All photos courtesy of Liz Hanna |