Let us be clear – at the Catherine McAuley Center, we stand in solidarity with the many calling for justice and an end to the racial inequities and killings of our black and brown neighbors and fellow human beings. As an organization that was founded by the Sisters of Mercy, we are dedicated to addressing their Critical Concerns, including an end to racism and violence by promoting action resulting in a peaceful world. Our future depends on inclusive communities that welcome, respect, and support a diversity of individuals and ideas.
We are thankful for the dialogue that has been created by the demonstrations in our own community, and we hope that the voices of those marching and speaking out will continue to be heard as we work towards systemic change. It is inspiring to see the outpouring of support as so many of our neighbors, of all backgrounds, come together to march and say “Enough, this must stop.” This is a time to speak up, a time to listen, a time to enact and embrace change, and a time to heal.
The history of the Black Lives Matter movement and the roots of the protests stem from centuries of racial injustice, oppression, and violence – often at the hands of police, lawmakers, and those in positions of power. We support it because it affects both the generations of black Americans who have built and lived in this country, as well as the future generations who will make this place their home. At the Catherine McAuley Center, we work with people every day who have experienced oppression, discrimination, injustice based on their color, their race, their ethnicity, or their socioeconomic status. We say, “You are welcome here. We see you, we honor you. We are here to walk alongside you on your journey. In our home, you are respected and you are cared about.” As we welcome refugees into our community, we want to tell them they will be safe from violence and persecution they may have experienced in their home country. The changes that are being demanded in our country and communities will make hope for safety a reality for all people of color.
At CMC we take great care to create a safe and welcoming environment. We can’t do this by ourselves. Creating a Place of Welcome requires a commitment by ALL who enter our space – by our neighbors, our volunteers, and by those who are charged with ensuring our safety and protecting our human and civil rights. It requires honest reflection of our attitudes and beliefs around the idea that every life has value – all lives cannot matter until black lives matter.
However, there is MORE we can do. We must continue to listen to listen to the voices of the marginalized, to understand their pain, to hear their desire to be seen and respected. These are the voices of our clients, the voices of our staff members, the voices of our neighbors. Let us all continue to learn together, to challenge our own assumptions, and to uphold the values that define who we are as an organization.
Beginning next month, the Catherine McAuley Center will begin offering a monthly Advocacy e-newsletter with insight into the issues that most deeply impact the women, adult learners, immigrants and refugees who find support at the Catherine McAuley Center. Our hope is that this will be an ongoing resource for our community of supporters to keep learning about and take proactive steps to change our community and our culture.
Please subscribe to these Advocacy updates, while also spending time getting to know your neighbors who look different than you, who speak differently than you, who have had different life experiences. Most importantly, let us seek peace and love in our homes, our streets, our community, and our world.
A recent executive order allowing states and municipalities to opt out of resettlement continues to create a culture of mistrust and can send a message that refugees are not welcome in our communities.
As the coronavirus continues to spread, CMC asks all clients, volunteers, and staff to take reasonable precaution to prevent further spread of the virus. By taking the following proactive steps, we ensure that volunteers, staff, adult learners, women healing from crisis, immigrants, and refugees can stay healthy and continue working together for an inclusive community!
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
This growing season, Daniel and Rachel are finding belonging and hope in the Catherine McAuley Center’s (CMC) community garden, where they will work side by side with other students, residents, and refugee newcomers to grow produce for their families and CMC’s food pantry.
Last week at the Cedar Rapids Public Library the 