In the heart of Jersey City
(Members and volunteers: Catholic Action of Mary, National Federation of Filipino American Associations, Philippine Consulate General, New York, and Filipino American Legal Defense & Education Fund, Inc.)
Outside, the sun shone brightly, intruding in every open nook and corner that kind of soft warmth every one expects from a burgeoning Indian summer. All the while, a cool breeze blew steadily, creating a lazy weekend kind of day. The weather was truly perfect for the city’s first taste of fall this year. But what rather made this day even more palpably remarkable is the fact that instead of being outside in a park riding a bike or taking a stroll in the city, 15 people chose to be in a large church basement, patiently waiting for people who needed assistance! The volunteers were cheerful and oozing with eagerness. They paid no mind to what they were missing outside. They were committed to being there for their community from 9:00am to 4:00pm that day. Among those were a group of young men who could have been playing hoops, skateboarding or playing video games. Instead they were there, in full force, ready, willing and able!
(The Filipino youth volunteers)
Perhaps it was the weather or maybe there were other reasons why those who came to be served were less than expected. It mattered little. However, this is not a numbers game. Volunteers were clear that this was a possibility but regardless of that, they would gladly come for one person. The PATH for DREAMs Program, actually, had more than one person who availed of its services. This program is the joint initiative of PCGNY, NaFFAA and FALDEF to assist applicants of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals. A father came with inquiries regarding his children who live in another state. He was happy that he had access to information and free assistance for them. A father and son came all the way from another state. Both looked extremely pleased in the end as they gathered their paperwork ready for filing. Some only came to see and get a sense of what they needed in order to qualify and apply. The Consulate was able to register successfully more than a handful. Newly empowered, the newly registered voters will be able to voice their choice in the future of their land of birth. As one of the volunteers commented, “one vote, one voice.”
As the day came to a close, one ponders how it all turned out. True, the responses could be as different as perspectives vary from one person to another. But we are all one, as they say. Collectively, it can be seen nothing but successful when those in need and vulnerable are able to find a truly secure and safe place where they find answers and assistance that could empower them to live their lives even more fully than before.
The next PATH for DREAMs clinic is scheduled on October 13 and October 20 at Queens and the Bronx . For details, please visit the FALDEF website at www.faldef.org.
by: Marie Aunio, FALDEF - Special Assistant to the President
by: Marie Aunio, FALDEF - Special Assistant to the President