In rural Mexico, Maria was targeted at a young age by a local human trafficker. He intended to sell her for profit, subjecting her to unspeakable abuse. She fled for her life to the United States, only to be abused by a man on this side of the border.
Maria opted for unwavering resilience, poured her heart into her work, paid taxes, contributed tirelessly to her community, and nurtured bonds within her beloved church.
Now, Catholic Charities Immigration Legal Services is helping guide Maria through the labyrinth of legalities toward legal residency and citizenship.
In Southeast Portland, Bobbie is a human anchor at one Catholic Charities of Oregon senior housing site. The 75-year-old Navy veteran, amiable and centered, has lived in the building since 2009. She’s become a popular resident who navigates group trips to concerts and festivals.
Bobbie explains that if she weren’t living there, she would miss friendships and togetherness. “And Catholic Charities is a good advantage here,” she adds. “They help us a lot with different things. We are all low income here; we need the help.”
These are just two stories from the thousands of people Catholic Charities of Oregon has helped with support like that which came this year from the Light the World Giving Machines, an initiative of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
Dennis Gibson, retired CEO of Fred Meyer and chairman of the Light the World Committee, speaks during a March 14 check presentation at Catholic Charities of Oregon.
A team from the LDS Light the World committee came to Catholic Charities Offices March 14 to present a check of more than $29,000. The money came from donors who at Christmas gave via the big red reverse vending machines at Washington Square Mall. Donors can see cards representing good works from various agencies and donate to support those causes.
“Your work is amazing. Thanks for 365 days of what you do,” said Dennis Gibson, the former Fred Meyer CEO who chairs the Light the World committee.
Dennis Gibson, retired CEO of Fred Meyer and chairman of the Light the World Committee, shows a display of the Light the World donation cards for Catholic Charities of Oregon.
Donors in Oregon gave a total of $232,000 in three weeks. Proceeds were spread among seven charitable organizations.
Light the World Giving Machines committee members give a check for more than $29,000 to Catholic Charities leaders.
Natalie Wood, executive director of Catholic Charities of Oregon, thanked Gibson and the committee.
“What you do makes a difference in people’s lives,” she said.
Natalie Wood, executive director of Catholic Charities, thanks the Light the World Giving Machine committee during a March 14 check presentation.
Wood also highlighted the food and refugee assistance that LDS teams have given to Catholic Charities.
Laura Foley, manager of donor relations, explained how helpful the donations will be to refugee families, who get temporary government aid that does not go very far in the Oregon economy. Foley called the refugees “beautiful, beautiful people.”
Laura Foley, manager of donor relations for Catholic Charities, describes the refugee experience during a March 14 check presentation by the Light the World Giving Machine committee.
Valerie Wilkinson and Sabra Killen of the Light the World Giving Machines committee stay warm with Catholic Charities sweatshirts during a March 14 check ceremony at Catholic Charities.