Immigration Action Team Update for July 2024

Submitted by Sally Hartman

The Immigration Action Team is delighted to share happy news about the Cuban couple UUS is sponsoring.  Yoel landed a job using his chef skills and experience in the kitchen at Oaknoll. He says he loves his job as a cook, and is pleased that he works with other Spanish speakers. A perk of his job is that he is able to receive free English instruction at Oaknoll.

Carmen’s employment authorization is expected in a few weeks, so in the meantime, she attends four tutoring sessions a week, thanks to UUS volunteeers extraordinaire! She also is learning the bus system and takes excursions while Yoel is at work. Fanny and Tom, their hosts, have ensured that Yoel and Carmen are included in family events and hosted a birthday party for Carmen, which was her first away from her home country.

Stay tuned for more news about Yoel and Carmen. A “fiesta” for them will be held early in September. The team that assists them in completing forms, making medical appointments, finding employment, and connecting them to resources includes Fanny Carver and Tom Carver, their friend Bill Riker, Peg Bouska, Frank Wildensee and Sally Hattman. The team is grateful to others who have stepped up to tutor, take them shopping and provide transportation. Yoel and Carmen are truly grateful.