Kelsey Vice, a student from Xavier University, interned with Catholic Charities Southwestern Ohio last summer and shares her experience serving refugees: 

Prior to my internship at Catholic Charities Refugee Resettlement, I had limited knowledge and experience with refugees. However, through this experience I had the privilege to listen to the refugee stories first hand. I have learned of wars tearing families apart, religious leaders ostracizing people, governments persecuting people and much more.

One aspect of the internship that astounds me the most is the resilience of refugees. Their ability to go through an array of unthinkable circumstances in their home countries and then have the courage to move to an entirely new country to rebuild their lives is unbelievably inspiring. Despite the enormous obstacles in their way, their hearts are still full of love and compassion.

By being exposed to cultures and languages from places I had never heard of, I gained a greater awareness about the world we live in.

Furthermore I gained a better understanding about myself and the desires I have for my future. Since this internship, I have changed my major to Social Work in hope of continuing to work with populations such as the refugees.

As an intern at Catholic Charities Refugee Resettlement I had the opportunity to be an ally to our refugees. I was a welcoming face at the airport, an initial connection through intakes, a supporter during job search and much more. I was given the privilege and responsibility to address the needs of our clients directly which empowered me to ask questions, think critically, and engage deeply.

My title as an intern turned into a role far more meaningful and rewarding than I ever could have imagined. Thus, I encourage anyone who is interested in knowing more or getting involved to come volunteer at Catholic Charities. It is an opportunity that will change you for the better and leave you with relationships that will last a lifetime.

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Your generosity to One Faith, One Hope, One Love is helping Catholic Charities and Social Services assist refugees, in addition to much other important work. If you’d like volunteer, go here for Catholic Social Services of the Miami Valley (based in Dayton) or here for Catholic Charities Southwestern Ohio (based in Cincinnati). For more about refugee resettlement, go here. Photo courtesy of Catholic Charities: Kelsey Vice is on the left.