Leaving our home was hard, and we struggled a lot. However, a shared community farm plot helped us hold on. My family split what we grew in half — a portion for meals and sending the rest to the market. Agriculture was a source of livelihood for many families and helped people support one another during the conflict.
I am the child of an immigrant.
I remember being teased as a child in a north Georgia elementary school for having “slanty eyes” and looking different.
It wasn’t easy to leave home, but Christian had no choice. Honduras in 2014 was no place for a 16-year-old boy.
At St. Vincent de Paul Outreach Ministries, our mission begins with meeting basic needs and respecting one’s dignity. That requires trust — and sometimes building trust takes time.
I have often heard it said that Louisville is a welcoming city.
In fact, Louisville was the second city in the U.S. to become a certified “Welcoming City” for immigrants and refugees by the independent non-profit organization, Welcoming America. More than 150 languages are spoken in our public schools.
Donna Simmons’ lived experience is different than most. But the trauma she endured as a child and young adult — the torment she faced for years — has made her who she is today.
As a child, I didn’t know that I would become an MS warrior. I was the one who fell down the steps, broke bones during backyard kickball games, randomly dropped things or couldn’t walk a straight line. I was the one who got teased for being the “klutz.”
I am a proud Cuban, born and raised in Havana, but my journey to the Language Services Department of Catholic Charities began in the Netherlands. As a biochemistry student there, I never imagined that speaking English would be the way I made my living.
Each week, the staff and volunteers distribute fresh vegetables, meat, and other food staples to hundreds of individuals and families who line up outside the pantry — rain or shine, hot or cold — to receive the help they need.
Bakhita’s case managers responded immediately, and in partnership with the shelter, they orchestrated an incredible multi-agency effort.
Every gift, every hour, and every act of kindness makes a difference for the people we serve. Whether you give financially, volunteer your time, or partner with us through your business, you help create hope, restore dignity, and strengthen our community.