It has been a busy month for our JTA team as we welcomed Stefany, Mike, and Alessandra to our community. The Virginia leg of their journey began when the Carrion/Riofrio family picked them up at the Richmond airport and brought them to their new home, which had been lovingly prepared under the guidance of Lola Warren and a team of house volunteers and those who contributed housewarming items. When our guests arrived, they commented on the beauty of their new space. As a team we felt so grateful to welcome them to this safe, warm house after their treacherous, many month-long journey seeking safety.
In just one month, Stefany and Mike have already gotten to know many members of our community. The day they arrived they were greeted by Rev. Laura and our core team (Kim Barbarji, Paulina Carrion, Mary McGovern, Sue Peterson, and Jessica Sapalio). In the weeks following, they started to build community connections. They went to Olde Towne Medical for initial medical appointments and to catch up on much-needed vaccines (they were so thrilled to get the baby caught up since she hadn’t had the opportunity to receive well-baby care since birth). We helped them set up their WIC benefits, get registered for food distributions from House of Mercy, and make first trips to the grocery store. They did their initial ESL intake with Literacy for Life, participated in a library group for Spanish-speaking families, and got connected with Child Development Resources. We have engaged with their legal team regarding their asylum application, helped get Alessandra’s birth certificate which was never properly issued, and negotiated with a hospital to reduce their medical debt after Texas failed to provide Medicaid coverage to which the baby was entitled.
These efforts have been made possible by our expansive team of volunteers coordinated by Mary McGovern. We have dedicated transportation volunteers: Ruth Hopkinson, Helen Hansen, Nan Hart, and Susan Childs. William and Mary students are serving as interpreters and tutors. Sue Walkley is coordinating their medical care. Jim Hall and Les Solomon continue to assist with maintenance issues. And many more volunteers work behind the scenes. To join our volunteer team, contact us at asylum@wuu.org (there is a volunteer training this Saturday morning). We are also grateful to our community funding partners, the UU Fellowship of the Peninsula and Williamsburg Indivisible Group, that provide monthly contributions.
As we grieve for the people of the Ukraine and those around the world affected by war and violence, we hold dear the safety of our community. We also know that this needless violence is rooted in legacies of imperialism and colonization and the role that our own country and government has in upholding systems of oppression. Through this program, we work with our migrant brothers and sisters to create the world we envision for all – one of safety, health, opportunity, affirmed dignity, and brave love. Thank you for making this possible.