Over the past year, Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, supported by associates, friends, family members, and leaderships, have welcomed those seeking asylum in this country. Many Sisters and Associates have also made donations of go care packages, handmade scarves, and funds to purchase needed items for the Welcome Center.
"The whole experience in the Phoenix Welcome Center is framed in 'Thank You.' Those words became my spirit dewfall every day. Almost every asylum-seeker whom I greeted in the clothing room echoed those words. To have had the privilege of welcoming my neighbors has certainly been more a gift to me perhaps to these weary pilgrims. -- Sister Judi Clemens, SNDdeN, Welcome Center Volunteer.
"It is working with people at the Welcome Center, who believe that all people have a right to travel. Working here allows me to see the reign of God here in our city. It gives me hope that I do not have to wait until my earthly life is over to see it at work. These people hardly want to leave their homes, but violence, lack of work, and change in the land gives them no alternative, but to migrate. I feel blessed to have this opportunity that my life touches the path of others looking for a better way of life for their families and themselves. God is good and it is evident in this population I am serving." -- Sister Meg Walsh, SNDdeN
"What can we possibly do to help 82 million people experiencing hunger, violence, threats, discrimination, and lack of medical services? Like any other mind-blowing statistic, it changes when we put a face to a number and a name to the face. We can do good to one person at a time." -- Sister Bárbara Gutiérrez, SNDdeN