Forming Community at CCLI Refugee Day
From adjacent Schleigel Boulevard, the community gathering in the parking lot on the Catholic Charities of Long Island campus in Amityville may have seemed like a block party or even a family reunion. A large white tent kept occasional sprinkles away from families seated at tables, as young children colored with markers, made bracelets and enjoyed the soapy bubbles taking flight from a bubble-making machine.
Many staff members were present to foster a welcoming atmosphere at the annual CCLI Refugee Day on June 17, three days before World Refugee Day was marked. The four-hour party, featuring catered food, games, raffles and music, was open to invited clients of Catholic Charities. Many vendors, including Ocean Financial Federal Credit Union, Fidelis Care and Catholic Health and various CCLI ministries, turned out to show support and promote their services.
Flags from many nations representing those in attendance hung across the top of the tent. Carmen Maquilon, director of CCLI’s Immigrant and Refugee Services, welcomed guests by saying, “Thank you so much for allowing Catholic Charities to work with you and be part of this great nation and program that we provide.” Her remarks were met with applause from the dozens of people gathered, with others joining in over the course of the event.
Even with official refugee status, life in the United States is not always easy for the newcomers, as numerous CCLI employees detailed, especially with the uncertainty and fear stoked by recent ICE enforcement operations on Long Island and across the country.
Fatima Castillo, who has worked for CCLI for nearly four years, said the climate newcomers to United States face can be unnerving. “Thank God, they have papers,” she said of the guests before her. “We need to educate them to know their rights. They are all clients of Catholic Charities.” Fatima, who helped to guide the young bracelet-makers wore a bracelet she had made herself.
Catholic Charities staff members filled plates with a dinner menu for every palate, from stuffed-crust pizza for kids to baked ziti, beef and peppers, rice, salads and other tasty favorites. Clients could also visit vendors from many social service and health care agencies. A video playing on repeat showed the services CCLI provides for refugees.
Michael E. Smith, chief executive officer of Catholic Charities of Long Island, said, “This is always a terrific day, Carmen and her Immigrant Services team do a phenomenal job under difficult circumstances. It’s a wonderful celebration.” Other CCLI executives and directors were also present, including Richard Balcom, chief financial officer, Jay Korth, director of housing and legal affairs, and Amy Agiato, director of nutrition and maternity care services.
As raffle winners were being called, Edwin Valladares, a case manager with CCLI’s Refugee Social Service Program, provided translation assistance for one of his clients, Selvin, a refugee from Guatemala. Selvin was attending with several family members, including his wife, and his sister and her family. He has resided in the United States for three years and is now employed at an Amazon warehouse.
He felt right at home with the other refugees he encountered. “It’s very friendly, getting to know the other refugees. They are like relatives from other countries.”
Valladares said working at Catholic Charities makes him “very thankful.” His duties include helping refugees with social service assistance and referrals, getting a job and preparing them to adjust their status. “That’s a good feeling,” he said.
A prayer for refugees, which was recited in several languages, concluded with the line: “May the world have compassion and take action on their behalf. Amen.”