Meet Our New Neighbors (Part VI)

A big thank you to Queen of All Saints for the generous donation to Building Peaceful Bridges. This donation will go directly to the families that live in our parish boundaries for rent assistance, which is a critical issue for refugee families.

Our new neighbors are extremely grateful for all the good wishes and donations that QAS parishioners have provided. They are still learning about life in the United States, in particular, Chicago, after less than a year in Chicago. The lives of refugees are unsettling, with concerns for those left behind in their former country, and concerns about future living here. BPB representatives spoke to Senator Durbin’s and Senator Duckworth’s offices in support of the Afghan Adjustment Act, which would allow the newcomers to begin the citizenship process and relieve some of the uncertainty of their status. This Act would put the Afghan refugees on the same path as the newly arrived Ukrainian refugees.

For those who are interested, one of the educational programs that BPB sponsors is a refuge book club. Recently, Professor Wendy Pearlman of Northwestern University addressed our online participants about her book, We Crossed a Bridge and it Trembled. The recording of this informative discussion of stories from Syria is available on our website (www.buildingpeacefulbridges.org). BPB has also organized a junior refugee book club for young adults. The upcoming book is The Night Diary, written by Veera Iranandani. This book is available in e-format at the Chicago Public Library. For those who would like to assist the young refugees in their understanding and learn about the refugee experience, email [email protected].

Finally, a big ask is for a used car for the family. Basharmal passed his driving test and has his license, but the family does not have a car to allow them to go to the grocery store in the winter, or to go to doctor appoint- ments. They have relied on public transportation but as we know, it is much more difficult in the winter to get around. Any donation of a used car would be fully tax deductible. If you are able to help email me at [email protected]. Thank you again to all who have made donations or provided assistance to our new neighbors - you have made a big difference in their lives