Remembering History

REMEMBERING HISTORY – A LETTER FROM THE CEO

History is not a burden on the memory but an illumination of the soul. Lord Acton

Dear Friends and Supporters,

It is my honor to present this version of our regular newsletter. We begin by reflecting on the incredibly positive impact that has occurred over the decades because of our mission to help refugees through our refugee resettlement program. That is why the center infographic chronicles the number of refugees we have helped start new lives here in Lansing. It is one impressive number which represents thousands, and thousands of hours of help on the part of so many wonderful and committed St. Vincent Catholic Charities employees and volunteers over the years.

In our newsletter we often feature current stories about people we have served. Stories which reflect our commitment to providing help, creating hope, and transforming lives. This time, two of our feature stories are historic in nature, but are no less heartening and confirming of our work.

In our cover story we reach back to 1961 when we first began to help Cuban refugees. Ironically we find that in the recounting of this story of Teresa and Manuel Araoz, we can trace back our commitment to helping refugees. This story also shows the seeds of change that have now grown into an extraordinary commitment to children in crisis through our Children’s Home and child welfare programs.

Our story of the Davis family adoption begins 25 years ago. This story is a heart-warming look at how a family, friends, and extended family can grow deeper in their love and commitment to one another. Through those 25 years you will see the impact of our adoption program and our counseling program. Please note that the Davis story is so long that we have broken it into two sections …you can read part two NOW on our website by going to www.stvcc.org/davisadoption.

Because of this newsletter I have come to understand that the gift of looking at the past is that we can make sense of today and find a vision for where we are headed tomorrow. I am so grateful for those of you who have been with us on this journey for so many years. For those of you who have just joined us, won’t you help us make some new history?

Faithfully yours,

Andrea E. Seyka
Chief Executive Officer