Letter from the CVRAN President: Picturing Hope
PICTURING HOPE
August 16, 2022
The mission of the Central Vermont Refugee Action Network is simply put: “to make refugees, asylum seekers, and migrant workers welcome to Central Vermont…”
How does that translate into action? Read on. Here is a window into the lives of our new neighbors, as written by members of their team. Even without photos or names or countries, you will get a picture, and perhaps even an idea of how you could connect personally! Their life here is their new hope.
One man: An African man in his mid-thirties has persevered through so much to get to us. He is extremely grateful just for being here but also for the help he has gotten from CVRAN to reach some of his goals. But, his biggest goal is still far off on the horizon. He has two kids still in Africa that he parents as actively as he can. Thank goodness for video calls. His real goal is to someday bring them to this country so they can be reunited, and he can be a hands-on parent. In the meantime, he works every chance he can get to build a financial base for all of them.
One family: Walk into the newly painted apartment to find our South American family of four who have been here about 2 years, our very first guests. (See photos of the painting party on the website.) Their chicken coop is set up in the back. All three of the adults go off to work each day. The young son is thriving in summer camps and will soon restart school. The daughter takes local college classes in addition to her full-time job.
One man needs respite space from 8/26-10/3 while his host family has guests. If anyone knows of a space or camp for rent during this period, please leave a message on the website (CVRAN.org) ASAP! or email us at cvran910@gmail.com. This Eastern European man is learning to be more helpful around the house. He definitely has detail-oriented painting and handyman skills. Biggest surprise, he likes to cook! He could use occasional outings, and trips to the mosque on Friday.
Three families: Picture a driver asking around for car seats. Just because an asylum-seeking family doesn’t have a car doesn’t mean that the children can travel without car seats! The family piles in for a trip to Burlington for a consultation with a Vermont Law School immigration lawyer. The parents go into the office, and the volunteer tries to comfort the toddler. A book? Good for 2 minutes. A solid plastic car and truck? Pipe-cleaners? Another 2 minutes each. The best trick: playing in water from the faucet! The day before a related family was driven in by another volunteer for a similar consultation. A third South American family is also being scheduled. These 11 people crossed the border into the United States as separate parties at a time people were being released on their own recognizance rather than being put in a detention center until their asylum requests were established. Every week each of them must answer a call on their phone from ICE.
One man: “I love giving new life to old construction…” Just one year ago, a newly arrived North African man and I were sitting on the statehouse lawn, and he was admiring the beauty of the surrounding buildings. This year, he is part of maintaining the functionality of buildings by retrofitting old windows for insulation purposes. During the last year, he has been part of two training programs, English classes, getting a driver’s license, attaining a good used car, and waited the arrival of his work papers – a year of big changes. A week ago, he also cooked delicious food for the Sudanese school fundraiser, one of many ways he gives back. (See website for background on this dinner, and photos soon to come!)
One family: Eight months ago an Afghan family arrived in Montpelier with six children, ages 11-3. A seventh baby was born on August 12th, joining her 3-year-old sister and five older brothers. Two of the boys were involved in Little League Baseball, and one made the All-Star team, helping the team earn the title of Central Vermont Regional Champions! “I love baseball!” said Shahab, after winning one of the play-off games. His enthusiasm was contagious for his many fans! The Montpelier pool was popular. The three oldest passed the raft test and could jump off the diving boards at the pool. The “village” of volunteers and neighbors pitched in in heartwarming ways for the transportation needed to take children to camps and swimming lesson, and friendships developed. The English the children already have picked up through all these activities is absolutely astonishing! Their dad is working a day shift at a local factory, and has passed his driver’s permit test. Independence is the eventual goal.
One man: Two more months until a work permit might come through. The time feels so long. No-one wants to look at a job application before you are available. This Easter European man arrived in Vermont this spring after some time in a detention center. He spends hours perfecting his already-good English, has tried various types of volunteer work, and has just gotten his driver’s license. Next step: a used car! This man really appreciates the team of people who invite him over, help with transportation and otherwise wrap-around his needs. He welcomes other new friends, too. Do you like hiking or biking? He would love to join you!
Thank-you for the hours you volunteer, the contributions you make, and the welcome you have helped create for these 28 new neighbors! Or… if you are a newcomer and would like to be involved in new ways, check out the volunteer button or the donor button on our website, cvran.org Watch for the date of our next general meeting in September, to be announced on our email.
Rachel Walker Cogbill
CVRAN President
P.S. Speaking of volunteering, our CVRAN treasurer is moving on. We are searching for a new treasurer and have built up many support systems to help the person in that role. Anyone interested?