As the crowd arrived to mark World Refugee Day, most beelined for seats under the shade trees to beat the stifling afternoon heat. Later, a steady breeze cooled guests, who sat at tables while enjoying food, claiming raffle prizes, and playing games, including a lively shuffle resembling musical chairs. 

Guests and staff members of Catholic Charities of Long Island enjoyed the June 20 fiesta on the Amityville campus.

Carmen Maquilon, director of Immigrant and Refugee Services for CCLI, explained that recent arrivals often find their first U.S. encounters shocking.  “Not knowing the language, not knowing what to expect, not knowing whether they’ll be welcomed or not,” she said.

Catholic Charities follows the call of Matthew 25 to welcome the stranger. “That’s what we do,” Maquilon said. “We help to feed the hungry, house the poor, help people in great need.” She would like Long Islanders “to understand these are people coming to the United States looking for opportunities for their families.”

“They are looking for a helping hand so they can make it here,” Maquilon said. “That’s really the history of the United States…It’s always the newcomer that comes and is given that opportunity.”

Many are fleeing unstable and unsafe situations in their home countries.

Jenede, a widowed mother from Venezuela, recently arrived on Long Island with her two young children. She said that they were kidnapped and taken across the southern border. She had faced political persecution in Venezuela and has been seeking a job here, but said the road is not easy when people learn she is an immigrant.

She shared translated information on her phone with Catholic Charities at the World Refugee Day event. “I like to work and want to give a good future to my children,” said Jenede, who has a court appointment in November.

Tom Heaney, a retiree from Malverne, has volunteered for CCLI for nearly a year. He said he was amazed by the number of countries represented by refugees and other immigrants attending.  “We’re all brothers and sisters,” he said. “I love the idea of being Christlike and helping brothers and sisters out.”

Several organizations sharing Heaney’s mindset were present. They included Catholic Health, Ocean Financial Credit Union, Latina Sisters Support Inc., and Centro Corazon de Maria.

Emily Lozado, social services coordinator at Centro Corazon, based at St. Rosalie’s parish in Hampton Bays, said her organization works with CCLI and has a connection with Fidelis Care.

Michael E. Smith, chief executive officer of CCLI, said helping recent arrivals and linking with like-minded organizations was the day’s purpose. “Catholic Charities does so much work for newcomers and refugees to Long Island,” he said. “It’s great to spend the afternoon with other partners interested in assisting this community.”

On World Refugee Day, Jenede and her children were among many receiving helpful links to their new communities from Catholic Charities and partner agencies.