Catholic Charities Helps Refugees Find Hope Together
United was the word at the annual World Refugee Day observance organized by Catholic Charities of Long Island. A large crowd, including many young families, gathered at the Amityville campus to enjoy each other’s company along with festive games, prize raffle drawings and international food dishes.
In welcoming remarks, Carmen Maquilon, director of CCLI’s Immigrant and Refugee Resettlement Services, encouraged many of the more than 300 guests attending the four-hour celebration to “get to know people.”
Even if someone was seated at another table or had a different appearance, Maquilon suggested to “go and say hello, and tell them what country you are from,” adding that they would meet people much like themselves.
A prayer for refugees, printed in English in the event program and announced in Spanish, urged that “they be welcomed with open arms.” A prayer intention asked that refugees “separated from their families…be reunited and find solace in each other’s presence.”
One such person was Sayed, a refugee from Afghanistan now living on Long Island. A trained veterinarian, he had been tending street animals in Kabul on behalf of a U.S. NGO before Afghanistan was occupied by the Taliban.
Grateful for Catholic Charities
He was able to leave for Pakistan, staying for more than a year and half, before finding “a humanitarian pathway” to Italy in February 2023.
After his refugee status was approved, Sayed came to live with friends on Long Island. They introduced him to CCLI, which helped with his documentation for Social Security, work authorization and driver’s license and with rent for a short time. “I’m really thankful of Catholic Charities,” he said.
He had a refugee visa, valid for one year, but efforts to gain a green card are stalled. “I’m not able to practice my career here. It’s painful for me,” said Sayed, who works as an assistant in a veterinary hospital.
Still, he was happy to join the community at the celebration. “It’s a way to make friends,” Sayed said. “As an immigrant you need this.”
Sunny skies and mild temperatures lifted the June 16 event. Flags of countries from around the globe filled a long wall under a canopy. A photo booth framed images with such flags. Many filled seats at bright blue and red tables topped with balloon pyramids. Winners rose with excitement to claim raffle prizes when their lucky numbers were called.
Activities featured World Cup-inspired soccer drills on nearby grass, a vibrant version of musical chairs and kid-friendly face-painting stations, turning out images of wild tigers and pretty floral bands. Games of Connect 4 and Jenga proved popular, too.
Guests enjoyed a buffet dinner with international favorites from the Ukraine, Afghanistan and Haiti as well as pizza and a garden salad.
Vendors such as Catholic Health, Ocean Financial Federal Credit Union, Heali, Fidelis Care, Long Island Cares, and The Opening Word Program, a ministry of the Sisters of St. Dominic of Amityville, shared information. A case manager with the Long Island Fatherhood Initiative told new parents how the nonprofit promotes responsible parenting and healthy marriages.
