Child refugees receive Christmas gift from archdiocese

By Cristina Cabrera Jarro -

MIAMI | As part of his Christmas gift to the needy, Archbishop Thomas Wenski donated 20 Target gift cards, worth $25 each, to children in Catholic Charities’ Unaccompanied Refugee Minor Program.

The money came from his personal charity fund, which receives donations from Catholics throughout the year. The refugee minor program tends to immigrant children up to the age of 23 who are in the U.S. without a parent or a guardian.

“They are orphaned because of war, earthquakes in Haiti and other tragedy related to refugees,” said Monica Farias, clinical coordinator at Catholic Charities and the Unaccompanied Refugee Minor Program.

At present, minors in the program include children from the Caribbean, Central and South America. In March 2016, the program is expected to receive children from the Middle East and Africa. While the separation from their families is tragic, Catholic Charities and their foster families welcome them with open arms.

Growing up in a foster home helps these children and teens acquire the skills that will lead to productive lives in this country.

“It’s a lot,” Farias said. “They have to learn the language. The language is the huge thing. We work and they work hard. These kids really work hard because they learn the language in three or four years and they start moving fast.”

Farias noted how some of those who grew up in the program have gone on to successfully complete college. One is even one graduating with a bachelor’s and moving on to his master’s degree.

She added that, on the minors’ behalf, she was grateful for the archbishop’s contribution during the holidays.

Another donation � from Madroño Restaurant in Sweetwater � allowed the kids to enjoy a night of bowling at Strike Miami along with some Nicaraguan dining.

Though the group of 20 minors was split in two for bowling, Farias said, “I have the feeling that everybody’s going to win.”