THE REFUGEE COMMUNITY IN AMARILLO—AND HOW YOU CAN HELP

A Safe Place to Land

Just Imagine…

You’re in your bed. It’s the middle of the night. Suddenly, you hear shouts and gunshots. You realize your village is under attack, and you

must get to safety. You don’t have time to grab anything—not even extra clothes. You

just leave.

This is what happens to refugees.

- - FO RC ED TO FLEE THEIR HO MES, DU E TO PER S EC UTIO N AND/ O R V IO LEN C E.

- -THEY ARE V IC TIMS O F DIS C R IMINATIO N, GREED, WAR , AND HATRED.

- - IN C O NTR AS T TO IMMIGR AN TS, R EFUGEES DO N’ T HAVE A C HO IC E .

Who are the Refugees?

Why do refugees end up here?

What happens to the refugees once they get to

Amarillo?

• AIRPORT• APARTMENT• ESL• HEALTH SCREENINGS• SCHOOL• ORIENTATION• JOB PLACEMENT

What kind of people are the refugees?

All occupations

All countries & religions

All education/ economic

levels

All generations

All in need of help

RICH CULTURAL DIVERSITYGLOBAL PERSPECTIVE

GRATITUDE AND PATRIOTISMNEW BUSINESSES AND CHURCHES

REVENUE (TAXES) LOYAL, RELIABLE LABOR FORCEREAL COMMUNITY/NEIGHBORS

What Do the Refugees Contribute to Amarillo?

Why Should You Help?

"For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I

was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was

a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and

you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me...

whatever you did for one of the least brothers of mine,

you did for me." Matthew 25:35, 40

Compassionate Response

“Much is required to whom much is given.” Luke 12:48

"Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute." Proverbs 31:8

"Defend the cause of the weak and fatherless; maintain the rights of the poor and oppressed." Psalm 82:3

“Throughout history, an authentic faith has been marked by a compassionate response toward those the world tends to forget.” Gary Thomas, Authentic Faith

What Would Jesus Do?

What Can You Do?

We’re so glad you asked! There are a variety of ways to help refugees through Catholic Family Service:

Befriend a refugee/family.Hire a refugee! Shop for and set up an apartment

for a refugee family.Assist with orientation.Donate money, goods or services

(dental care, document preparation, vehicles, health care).

Take refugees shopping, to the library or park (esp. their kids), to social events.

Help with ESL classes.Assist with clerical/administrative

tasks.

What’s in it for You?

Better health (mentally, physically, emotionally)

Investment in local communityValuable life/career experience.Meet new people.Learn about other cultures.Make a tangible difference.

Will You Welcome Them?