To the Editor:
Wi-ACT expresses its deep appreciation to Homefront and its many volunteers for the wonderful work done all day this past Saturday, May 7 on the house owned by the School Sisters of Notre Dame that is serving as transitional housing for our Syrian refugee family thanks to the generosity of the Sisters.
Thanks also for the generosity shown by many Wiltonians and others to our family over the past two months since their arrival: to those who have donated gently used clothing, bikes, books, toys and other items, to those who have provided free medical, dental and eye care, to those who have offered scholarships for the two youngest to preschool and for soccer programs in Town, and to those who have provided computer equipment for homework use.
The result has been that Wi-ACT has had limited need to spend to support our family (though we have been providing much volunteer assistance and always welcome donations), and other than the usual schooling for the three oldest children, our town government has spent absolutely nothing on the family’s care nor has it ever been asked to.
Their widowed mother has been doing very well with her English language instruction with Wi-ACT’s ESL team and also has been learning machine sewing under highly-skilled volunteer instruction with a view to successful long-term employment.
In short, thanks to the generosity of all of us—of which the Homefront work is such a wonderful example—our family is doing very well indeed, and our family expresses its deep appreciation to all of you for your very warm welcome of them to America!
It is also worth noting that the example that Wilton has set is being picked up by surrounding communities and indeed by other towns all over our state whose residents are now creating their own town interfaith groups to do similar refugee-resettlement work and, in multiple cases, looking to Wi-ACT for guidance in their efforts.
Wi-ACT’s 34-member Steering Committee