Our Social Justice Partners Blog

 The recent events that occurred in Afghanistan have led to a large number of Afghan migrants coming to the United States seeking refugee assistance and asylum.  As of the first week in September, Ft McCoy nearby in Wisconsin has housed many Afghan Refugees.  Catholic Charities La Crosse, Lutheran Social Services, and Team Rubicon, a non profit of former veterans serving their community have taken charge of the migrant assistance at Ft McCoy. Because much of this situation was unforeseen and unprecedented, many of these refugees have come with nothing but the clothes on their back and have received little federal assistance to meet their basic needs. Because of this the three non profits listed above have asked for assistance to help care for the Afghan Refugees in their charge. Many of these refugees were former allies to US troops, US NGOs and included families with women and children.  Assisting our Catholic Wisconsin neighbors in their efforts not only allows us to help Afghan families who helped the United States but also allows us to follow the Lord's command to "Love the stranger, for you were once strangers in the land of Egypt," which is especially true for the Catholic Church in America that was formed by Catholic immigrants. The Church's Social Teaching has taught that all people have a right to migrate when their home countries do not provide them the opportunities to provide for themselves and their families. Like the Holy Family fleeing Bethlehem to Egypt shortly after the birth of Christ, this right becomes stronger when individual lives and families are in danger. The Bishops also teach because of this it is important for richer countries to assist migrants. Because of this, we have decided as a parish that we can help live out the Church's teaching by serving Christ in the faces of these refugees who have lost their homes, their countries and all their hopes for the future of Afghanistan. Many of them will still have many troubles transitioning to a new life in a new country. To assist Catholic Charities, Lutheran Social Services, and Team Rubicon with their efforts we have decided to collect items they have  requested so that we can give to those in need. For information on items needed see the link for the pdf form below. We have also posted reflection from a parishioner of ours concerning the situation in Afghanistan.

 Afghan Refugee Supply List Catholic Charities (Clothes a Priority, New Items Only Please, not Used)

Why Afghanistan Matters: The Catholic Spirit - Sergio Barrera

Growing up Catholic and attending Catholic schools, led Michael J. Allen towards a path of service at a young age.  Through a service-learning program at Benilde-St. Margaret, Michael found himself volunteering with Sharing and Caring Hands.  This early work instilled the importance of giving back and steered Michael later in life as a housing case manager for the homeless.  When his father died in 2014, Michael wanted to honor him.  With no real money to his name, Michael received $200.00 for Christmas that year.  As a housing case manager, he realized a crucial need for beds for children entering stable housing.  He took that Christmas money and hired an attorney to form a non-profit called Boom Boom’s Bed’s, named after his father Michael “Boom Boom” Allen.  That first year, 14 beds were delivered to children and it laid the foundation for My Very Own Bed.  My Very Own Bed’s mission is to provide beds to children moving into stable housing.

As a family moves into stable housing, items such as beds may not be available for each member.  Some children sleep on couches, in beds with other family members and even on the floor.  Studies on sleep health in children find that the amount and quality of sleep children receive can affect safety, alertness, behavior and learning abilities.  When a child or teenager is in stable housing and can sleep in a bed, this improves the person’s development. Not only does a child or teenager receive a brand-new twin bed from My Very Own Bed, they also a Dream Kit that includes sheets, a pillow, mattress pad, a book and a stuffed animal.  And the staff at My Very Own Bed sends a survey to every family they have been able to help.  Improved sleep and prolonged sleep, along with improved behaviors at home and school habits are reported.  Most of all, families express gratitude for the help from My Very Own Bed.  Their website is rich with testimonies from families that have been helped and the 2019 Impact Statement speaks volumes to the amazing work that My Very Own Bed has been providing. 

My Very Own Bed has been able to increase the number of families they can help.  In 2020, they expect to provide beds and Dream Kits to over 750 children!  My Very Own Bed delivers over 60% of the beds to children in Minneapolis and St. Paul with the remaining percentage in the surrounding suburbs. 
Michael and My Very Own Bed are always heroes for the security of a bed that they provide children entering stable housing.  Yet, they are even larger heroes for continuing to reach as many children as they possibly can during these demanding times.  With the unprecedented challenges that COVID-19 has generated for our world and community, My Very Own Bed has been impacted.  Essential needs such as beds and linens along with remain during this pandemic and referrals for beds continue to grow. 
The COVID-19 pandemic hasn’t halted the need for donations however.  As businesses and local groups transitioned to working remotely, this has resulted in a negative impact on donation drives.  Currently, My Very Own Bed is experiencing depleted inventory to extremely low levels.  MVOB needs help restocking their shelves with new twin-sized bedding sheets, blankets and pillows. 

You can help! There are several ways to donate.  You can order items from one of four on-line registries Amazon Wishlist, Walmart Registry for Good , Macy’s Registry or Target Registry.  You can make a monetary donation at their website.  You can volunteer to deliver and set up beds on Friday mornings. Or you can purchase new bedding items and drop them off at their home office at 34 13th Ave NE in Minneapolis.  We recommend contacting their office to ensure someone is there to meet you - info@myveryownbed.org. Thanks for giving children the gift (dignity) of a good night's sleep. This positively impacts so many other areas of their life.
 

Rooted in the 7 Tenents of Catholic Social Teaching, the Our Lady of Lourdes Justice and Charity Committee seeks to engage with and promote the work of our local partners in social justice work. In this section, parishoners and community members will find resources and narratives to increase their understanding of social justice and advocacy, as well as information about partners who are doing this work on a local, national, and international level. The Time, Talent, and Treasure section at the end of each posting offers different levels of meaningful opportunities for Lourdes parishioners and community members to engage with our social justice partners.