STORY - "Responding To A Need"
Never see a need without trying to do something about it.
Julian Tenison Woods to the Sisters of St Joseph – 1870

Earlier this year, Aurora reported on the work of Sr Betty Brown RSJ settling and supporting African refugees in the Newcastle area. When many are looking to be settled and supported by others, Sr Betty was beginning a ‘new career’, and her enthusiasm has now led to the formation of the Josephite Refugee Support Network. (JRSN).

The Network is committed to the empowerment of refugees who have settled in Newcastle and the Hunter. Initially, many of the members were part of a special works conference of the St Vincent de Paul Society. However, when needs emerged which were beyond the scope and vision of that organisation, the members suggested forming another body to focus on issues not being addressed by other refugee support workers in the area. To do this, goals needed to be clarified, membership expanded and an action plan drawn up to attract sponsorship and funding to enable the projects envisioned. The JRSN works under the auspices of the Sisters of St Joseph of Lochinvar who have a strong tradition of care for the needy in our society.  

Sr Betty’s vision is “to move the refugees from dependence on services provided by others to a position where they take responsibility for providing services for one another and help to support new refugees as they arrive.” The Network envisages that to do this it will need a centrally located gathering space to provide social, educational and recreational facilities, tools, equipment and means of transport to engage the refugees in meaningful work, a resource directory and technology to link them to opportunities in the community, budget planning and banking facilities to encourage responsible use of limited finance and of course, funding!

This is a tall order but the members of the group are experienced volunteers who share vision and enthusiasm for mission. They work collegially using their talents and skills for the empowerment of people dispossessed of their homes and culture. Many refugees are struggling to establish themselves and their families in a new land where there are differing attitudes and prejudices towards the under privileged and marginalised in Australian society.   

Remember Gladys Williams, displaced by civil war in Liberia, whose story was told in Auroralast year?

We were shocked at the airport by the warm welcome from the Migrant Resource Centre workers and two Liberians who met us.  They were so loving, caring and kind.  In Newcastle there was food, drink and a comfortable house until a permanent house could be found. Since our arrival in January 2005, we have had help from so many.  Everyone is so happy to help us so we are happy too.  All my family is in school and I have a casual job.  I praise God for everything.  May He bless this land and its people.

Since Gladys told us her story, she has been helped further to begin her studies in nursing. She is doing Open Foundation Units at Newcastle University. She has a traineeship and job at St Joseph’s Home Sandgate.  Her twin sister Betsy is working at the Catholic Schools Office and attending TAFE to further her education. The JRSN’s goals involve advocacy and awareness-raising as well as practical assistance in areas such as housing, education and employment to make such things happen for refugees like Gladys and Betsy.

Underlying the Network’s approach is Christ’s mission, “that all might have life and have it to the full” (Jn 10:10). Activities that members of the Network envisage assisting with include gardening and moving house, child care, social activities, living skills, financial management and job placement.

If you would like more information, or to become involved, please contact Sr Betty Brown on 041 922 4505 or elizabeth.brown@ssjl.org.au 

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