“I am grateful because God has given me a new opportunity for me and my family.”
Dozens of newly arrived immigrant families celebrated their first Thanksgiving with a hot lunch at a Washington Heights cultural center.
A tradition that the Arce Morales family, who arrived from Ecuador two and a half months ago after traveling hundreds of thousands of kilometers on a journey of great anguish, wants to integrate into their culture.
“I mean, it’s something new, something new for us. Our first time celebrating here, the people are very kind, very very attentive to us and thankful to God for all of this,” said Karen Morales.
Morales is grateful that organizations like these open the door for her and while adjusting for her little Gretel hasn’t been easy, she knows today’s meal is special because we are:
“Celebrating Turkey Day.” .
This special welcome to the city was organized by Catholic Charities and Alianza Division Youth Services at the Alianza Dominicana Cultural Center.
“We have invited immigrants who have recently arrived in our country and we want to give them this dinner today, on Thanksgiving Day, also to give them what is our custom and to welcome them,” explained Felipe Mejia, deputy director of The Piazza Program. .
Morales.
Food for the more than 100 people was blessed by Archbishop Kevin Sullivan, who says providing food on this day is a way to welcome them with dignity into the new culture.
“They want to participate fully in New York, working, educating their children and all other ways to be new neighbors of our great city,” said Monsignor Sullivan, executive director of Catholic Charities for the Archdiocese of New York.
In addition to integrating them into the celebration and new customs, the food prepared and served by the volunteers had a touch of Latin culture and flavor.
In a festive atmosphere, the families enjoyed a theatrical show by the collective ‘People’s Theater Project’, as well as a typical Dominican dance by the youth program ‘Alianza Dominicana Youth’.
Participants also received coats, personal hygiene items and Metrocards, which are essential for getting around this huge city.
