Dear Editor,
On Monday, May 22nd, thirty-three members of Faith Based Organizations and Community Organizations met to organize their charitable response to the Asylum Seekers in Dutchess County. Members of the following organizations attended: Reunite Migrant Families, Grannies Respond, Vassar Temple, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Dutchess County Progressive Action Agency, Dutchess County Interfaith Council, Poughkeepsie Friend’s Meeting, Unitarian Universalist Friendship Fellowship, Beacon Climate Action Network, All for One, One For All, New Hackensack Reformed Church, Christ Episcopal Church, County Legislators, Migrant Ministry and the New York Civil Liberties Union.
A local physician offered to provide free medical care to the Asylum Seekers. A local English teacher will provide English lessons. Volunteers were organized to handle and distribute collections. A commitment was made by this group to meet weekly.
Local news organizations have been reporting the response from our local politicians but should also follow and report the efforts of the Faith Based Organizations and Community Organizations that are working together to welcome and assist the Asylum Seekers. One of the most important tenets of many Faith Based Organizations is welcoming the stranger among us.
Robin Licari
Wappingers Falls, NY
