Page 8 - Our Hands FALL 2019

NEW AMERICANS

CELEBRATING FREEDOM One day at a time

Gin is passing along this unconditional love in the work he does
for Samaritas every day. As a Matching Grant Caseworker, he
strives to help refugees and immigrants become self-sufficient.
Helping immigrants find and prepare for employment are the
core of his daily work.

“Being able to make someone’s life better by helping them solve
their problems is what motivates me,” said Gin. “The freedom
and joy of being in America is an experience I see in people
every day. I learn from each one of them, and it’s rewarding.”

Besides being able to vote in a democratic electoral process,
Gin’s most looking forward to using his American passport
to travel the world. The American passport is like a key to an
unlimited future - Gin is ready to unlock every door.
“After becoming a citizen earlier this year, I look forward
to voting for the first time as an American. “Voting is World Refugee Day
something I’ve never experienced in my life.”
~GINSUM PIANG NAULAK, Caseworker for Samaritas

As America eases into one the most consequential presidential
elections in history, New American Ginsum Piang Naulak is
ready for the challenge. For Gin, the 2020 presidential election
will be about more than picking the right candidate. Exercising
the freedom to vote, a task that so many worldwide are unable
to enjoy, is the ultimate privilege of being a U.S. citizen.
While Americans may seem more divided than ever before, it’s
nothing like the situation in Gin’s native country of Burma
(also known as Myanmar). Since 2010, Burma has struggled
with creating a western-style democracy. Despite the efforts to
give Burmese people the freedom to elect officials, the country
is experiencing disagreements between the military and elected On June 20 - World Refugee Day - Samaritas
civilian government. Freedom for this country is shaky at best. held celebrations on both sides of the state in
honor of the day. On the West Side, an evening
The situation was worse when Gin left Burma in 2007. event with Syrian food, Congolese performers
However, when he landed in Michigan in 2011, he had the and a bounce house and rock wall sponsored
support of his sister and a renewed desire to live life on his own by Thrivent was featured. On the East Side, a
terms. In three years after his arrival, Gin began working for soccer themed picnic was enjoyed by refugee
Samaritas in Grand Rapids, Michigan to support himself and families and staff. Both events featured notable
other new Americans like him.
dignitaries and supportive community partners.
“Samaritas is a great social services agency,” said Gin. “Helping To be a World Refugee Day Sponsor in 2020,
people unconditionally with no strings attached is remarkable. please contact Lauren Brosch at
Help without any expectation from the person you’re helping, LBros@samaritas.org
is a new experience for me.”

A Promise To Serve

"WHEN I GOT WITH SAMARITAS, THEY HELPED ME A LOT. ESPECIALLY WITH
LAWYERS, PAPERWORK AND THERAPY. THEY EVEN HELPED ME GET MY GREEN
CARD. I'M JUST SO THANKFUL FOR THEM!"
~ MARIA, New American Youth served through Samaritas Refugee Foster Care

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