Refugee Ministries Update

The Refugee Support Committee of the Olympia Methodist Church has been working with the Manguna family for 4.5 years. They are a Congolese family who had been in a Ugandan refugee camp for many years. The family consists of 2 mothers who are sisters and 6 children between them. Neither mother had been to school so learning English has been a challenge. The 6 children have learned English well in school. The 2 oldest have graduated from Capital High School and one (Imani) got married, moved to Albuquerque and has a 6 month old daughter. Zawadi is still at home and goes to SPSCC. Neremia and Priscilla will be seniors. Neremia has been participating in Running Start and Priscilla will attend New Market this fall. Samuel and Sifa will both be in Marshall Middle School.

Initially the family required lots of support but they have gradually become more independent. None of the members drive so the committee still provides lots of transportation. Neremia and Priscilla are taking driver’s ed this summer but it may be a while before they can afford a car and it’s upkeep. The family still lives in the same 3 bedroom apartment. The rent has gone up a lot but they have been able to make every payment. We have applied twice for Habitat for Humanity for a 4 bedroom home and have been turned down, but we are hoping we can try again this fall. Janet, Zawadi and Priscilla all work at McDonalds near their home.

The committee is thinking about helping World Relief, who started a refugee support office in Olympia several months ago. We will need new volunteers to join us so we plan to present to the church in September. If you have questions or would like to volunteer, please call Becca Brandt at 360-701-0253.