I was born in Cuba, where I faced persecution due to my religious beliefs. Luckily, as a young man, I was able to escape and come to America during the Mariel Boatlift in 1980.
Soon after I got here, I learned that there were scores of unaccompanied minors who had also made it onto the boats and out of Cuba. They were here alone, with no adult relatives. I was hired to assist them in Indiantown Gap, PA during a 4-month temporary assignment with the University of Miami. Later in 1981, a temporary position with Migration and Refugee services of the US Catholic Conference turned into a 27-year career helping refugees of all ages become self-sufficient through employment and eventually US Citizens. In 2011, I became a member of my church, where I now help anyone who walks through the door needing assistance.
As a Christian, I try to follow the teachings of Jesus: love your neighbor. And I believe that means everyone. I was given a great gift to be able to come here and live in freedom. How could I not want to share that gift with others?
Soon after I got here, I learned that there were scores of unaccompanied minors who had also made it onto the boats and out of Cuba. They were here alone, with no adult relatives. I was hired to assist them in Indiantown Gap, PA during a 4-month temporary assignment with the University of Miami. Later in 1981, a temporary position with Migration and Refugee services of the US Catholic Conference turned into a 27-year career helping refugees of all ages become self-sufficient through employment and eventually US Citizens. In 2011, I became a member of my church, where I now help anyone who walks through the door needing assistance.
As a Christian, I try to follow the teachings of Jesus: love your neighbor. And I believe that means everyone. I was given a great gift to be able to come here and live in freedom. How could I not want to share that gift with others?