THE FINAL WORD

Building A Better Community

WELCOMING REFUGEES ENHANCES LOCAL CULTURE.

BY FRED PARRY

At a time when immigration is an explosive political tinderbox in the national narrative, there’s a wildly different sentiment being expressed right here in our community where hundreds of refugees have settled in recent years. At last count, local officials estimate that nearly 2,000 refugees from other countries have made Columbia their home in the previous five years. On top of that, there may be just as many secondary migrants, immigrants who originally settled elsewhere but later chose to come to Columbia to be close to family members or to access the breadth of services available here.

All in all, it’s been a relatively quiet migration that has largely avoided controversy, resistance or any type of sensationalized media coverage. A large number of the refugees who have come to Columbia in recent years have been from Burma, Afghanistan and, more recently, Ukraine. Most have come to the United States to escape murderous regimes and dictators who have gained power in their countries of origin. Last year, when the United States pulled its troops out of Afghanistan and relinquished power to the Taliban, there was a mass exodus from that country, especially among those who had, in one way or another, assisted U.S. military officials in their efforts to rid that country of terrorist factions.

Much of the credit for helping these refugees successfully resettle in Columbia goes to Catholic Charities of Central and Northern Missouri and an organization called City of Refuge. These agencies have helped with housing needs, nutritional assistance and job placement. City of Refuge provides case management services in language training, health care coordination, financial literacy, transportation needs and mental health services. Their ultimate goal is focused on reuniting families and smoothing the transition for those escaping global conflicts who are likely suffering from the mental anguish of losing their families and their lifelong homes.

Thanks to the good work being done by these social service agencies, many of these refugees quickly transition to becoming productive members of our local society. Refugees have filled a significant gap in our workforce by working jobs in the hard-hit sectors of manufacturing, hospitality and other service industries. Oftentimes, these refugees are working at jobs far beneath their education and expertise. Once they adapt to their new surroundings, they often rise through the ranks due to their superior work ethic and desire to live a better life.

A few years ago, my wife, Melody, worked with City of Refuge to adopt a family that had recently come to Columbia from Burma. Once a week, she would pay a visit to their home and help them sort through mail, navigate the rigors of the local school system and help with any of the other challenges associated with transitioning to a completely different way of life. Even though it was considered beneath his previous station in life, the father of this family took a nightshift job unloading trucks at one of the local Walmarts. In spite of the language barriers and the significant cut in compensation, this family managed to purchase their own home in Columbia within two years of arrival. After receiving initial assistance and support from City of Refuge, this family now stands on their own pursuing their new American dream. In so many respects, the story of these refugees is an inspiring reminder of what is truly possible in this country if you’re willing to work hard and have the fortitude to overcome a wide variety of challenges.

One of the things I appreciate about our refugee community is what they add to our local culture. Many of these newcomers have opened restaurants, grocery stores and have made possible a multitude of other amenities and services. We are a better community because of these refugees who now call Columbia home.

Given the continuing conflicts in Ukraine and in other parts of the world, the need to accommodate refugees in our community is likely to grow. Recognizing this need, City of Refuge has recently announced plans to purchase a building at the intersection of East Walnut Street and North Garth Avenue that will give them nearly three times the amount of space to serve Columbia’s refugee population. This larger space will allow them to provide child care, English language instruction, a preschool as well as an entrepreneurial program and market space designed for refugees wishing to provide goods and services to the community.

As a community, we should do all that we can to support these types of efforts. City of Refuge is in the process of setting up a capital campaign to raise the money needed to open its new facilities. You can donate online at cityofrefugecolumbia.org/ capital-campaign. City of Refuge is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and all gifts are tax deductible to the full extent of the law.

Fred Parry Founder & Publisher Emeritus fred@insidecolumbia.net

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