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Dear Friends of Caminando Juntos (Walking Together),
It’s a humbling and rewarding sight to see: a spring in the step, a big smile of pride and accomplishment. These are some of the cues we see frequently as the Hispanics who come to Caminando Juntos learn English and other skills in navigating our American social, economic, legal and medical systems. The effect is powerful, reaffirming the mission of our Presentation Hispanic ministry outreach program in the Sioux Falls area.
It is so rewarding to see Latinos who first came to us, knowing no English and very little about this upper Midwest reality: José now hired full time as a valet parking attendant at Avera Health, and Lorena, a newly hired saleswoman at Younkers in the SF mall. Both greet us with hugs, as a huge smile breaks out on their faces.
It is even a deeper gift to experience Latinos overwhelmed with medical bills, receive a financial remedy and financial counseling; women and children in domestic abuse situations, given safe housing, counseling in Spanish and legal assistance when needed; and many given assistance with employment applications, job referrals, housing, food, back-rent/heat and medical issues. Recently several Latina women have received help and support, as they struggle with serious cancer issues.
One of the most life-changing services we offer is through our immigration legal services program, serving young Latinos applying for DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals), many Hispanics applying for and obtaining citizenship, others renewing green cards, petitioning for relatives and multiple other legal issues. This program changes lives forever!
As this Valentine day approaches, our hearts at Caminando Juntos expand with love and gratitude to you, our donors, supporters, partners, volunteers and fellow ministers. Our newly arrived Latino neighbors will never know all of your love and generosity that is gifting them as we all “walk together.” We thank those of you who recently supported us through your Christmas donation. We are already experiencing the fruits of those gifts.
We at Caminando Juntos could never do this ministry alone, and this is why we again reach out to those of you who would like to join our “Christmas supporters” in continuing to journey with and expand our ministry and services to our Latino neighbors. Supporting us financially is one half of the heart, the other is your love and prayers, as we together “welcome the stranger” (Mt. 25) with FULL HEARTS.
In God’s all- embracing heart,
Sister Sheila Schnell, Administrator, ESL Coordinator
Sister Janet Horstman, Immigration Legal Services
Sister Pegge Boehm, Supportive Services and Advocacy
Sister Jan Mengenhauser, Bilingual Counselor and Women’s Support Group
Astrid Rosario, Office Manager and Resource Director