SJC Afghan Apartment Update
Thank You, Thank You, St. John's Cathedral!
Our Afghan family has arrived in Jacksonville! They will be settled in a three-bedroom apartment that we are ready to set up as soon as there is availability. Understandably, many of the families who barely escaped the Taliban wish to maintain their anonymity. We hope to have a family photo, and possibly meet the family but have no word yet. Our family consists of two parents, one daughter (age 20), and four sons (ages 18, 16, 11 and 8). They are currently in an Airbnb where they have already begun the challenging orientation process to American life with the assistance of the Catholic Charities Refugee Resettlement Agency (CC).
SJC parishioners and friends not only donated essential items of good quality, but also monetary donations that allowed us to shop garage sales and thrift stores for needed items. A little paint or refinishing can make scratched-up furnishings look new again! Since needs vary by family, there are always duplications and gaps in donation items. Our four boys will sleep in a double set of bunk beds purchased by CC, while other families will enjoy a sofa, dining room set, and numerous other items for which we had duplications donated by SJC parishioners. Please keep the donations coming as CC will be resettling 50 families over the next year.
Setting up a home for adults and children who arrive with little more than the clothes they are wearing is uniquely gratifying. The generosity of SJC parishioners is about to make this happen for a family of seven. From years of experience, CC has set an example for us, and trained us well as we helped set up other apartments before beginning ours. The process involves not only furniture, but every item a family needs from napkins and kitchen utensils to grooming products and bed linens. Volunteers follow a moving company hired by CC into an empty apartment. They leave a few hours later from a comfortable home ready for occupancy. The décor is complete with soft pillows, pictures on the wall, color-coordinated bedspreads, clothes, live plants, age-appropriate toys and other accessories that offer a welcoming environment.
If you are handy and might be available for a few hours on a weekday to assemble furniture and beds, please contact Pat Ellis at [email protected]. Date to be announced.
If you have sons ages 18, 16, 11 or 8 and have LEGOS, puzzles, board games, a basketball(we have a soccer ball) or any other entertain boys that age might like, please leave on the side table in Ingram.
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