Our Refugee Family: Read about here!

It has been a busy summer for Agnes, George, Daniel and Jennie.

George attended ETHS summer school for six weeks and then participated in the Y Achievers Program through the McGraw YMCA Evanston. The program provides tutors from Northwestern University, social worker interns from the University of Chicago and community volunteers to a ensure successful high school and continuing academic or vocational education. George is entering ETHS this fall as a sophomore.

Jennie, Daniel and George

Daniel and Jennie attended summer school at Nichols Middle School Evanston and, in the afternoon, attended a free summer day camp where they went on weekly field trips. They auditioned for the Evanston Children’s Choir, they will begin rehearsals in the fall. Daniel will enter 8^th grade and Jennie will enter 6^th.

Agnes continues her work in housekeeping at Evanston Hospital in the afternoon/evening shift. We are working to get her changed to the morning shift so that she can be with the children in the evening. Agnes completed the paperwork required to obtain a green card and we took them to be fingerprinted. Agnes should receive her green card in a few months.

 

Agnes and her family!

Agnes and her family celebrated their first 4^th of July fireworks … a joyful celebration for them. We took them on field trips to swimming pools and Six Flags. They went to a dentist and an optometrist. George and Jennie were fitted with glasses. We had their bikes repaired and bought them new backpacks and school supplies. Their backpacks are packed and they are excited for their first day of school!

Occasionally we needs supplies for our family so check back here to see what they may need. Can't wait to see what the year brings

Susan Gottlieb on behalf of the Lakeside Social Action committee

August 2017 Visit with Makandja and Bobasha

The highlight of today's visit was to present a bicycle to Makandja and Bobasha which was donated by Roberta Heinrich. Smiles and joy radiated from both men. The bike was immediately test driven by both men, who gave their experiences a double thumbs up. (Unfortunately, I left my phone charging at home, so I was unable to get a photo to include.) Even though the bike came with a lock, Bobasha insisted it be kept in the apartment for safe keeping. The men are delighted that they can use the bike to get to some places rather than their dependency on the Chicago bus system. 

We located the nearest library and plan a return visit to apply for library cards and explore all of its offerings.

To date, the men have not found a nearby full service grocery store. Thus far, volunteers have driven them to chain stores to stock up. There is one small market that we found today within a couple of blocks of the men's apartment that they can use for convenience items.

Jackie Cohen

Welcoming the Stranger: July 4th American Style

Makandja, Bobasha and their friend Bwaya shared a picnic with us on the 4th of July at a beautiful park near their apartment. After lunch we played Uno and a dice game that all three young men quickly learned and enjoyed. Games are a fun way to interact with limited language skills on an equal playing field.

We spent an hour or two laughing, getting to know each other better and trying hard to win small prizes. When the afternoon ended, we took the friends to Farwell Beach in Chicago, where they saw their first fireworks display in the USA.  So happy Lakeside Congregation has been able to sponsor a Refugee.