| Possumus Spring 2008 |
Human Migration |
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The resident rooms resemble dorm rooms: a single bed, a bureau, a desk, a chair, and a small closet originally designed to hold a Sister’s two habits. On the desk, there is a telephone that can be used to contact family left behind. The private phone number and the key to the house represent autonomy beyond these women’s wildest dreams. Indeed, Sister Margaret tells us, the first few days at Sarah’s can be overwhelming for these emotionally and physically exhausted women. One former resident, Naima (not her real name) from Somalia, walked the hallways at her residency interview tearfully exclaiming, “It is so beautiful here. How can a home be so beautiful? Is it just for me? Can this be my home?” |
In exchange for a secure, serene home and access to all the social services these women so desperately need, Sarah’s encourages responsibility. There are conditions to be met in order to remain here. Sister Margaret explains: “Our residents must be 19 years old or more, and enrolled in school to learn English. Ideally they should have a job. And of course, they must be willing to live responsibly in community.” That includes performing their share of the household chores.
By the time they leave Sarah’s, they’ll know what they need to know to manage an American home. It costs the Sisters of St. Joseph $700 a month to house each resident. There is no fee for the first two months. After that residents are asked to donate up to one-third of their income for room and board. “I break the rules when I need to,” Sister Margaret says. “But occasionally, I have to tell a woman this just isn’t the right place for her.” The pain of having to ask anyone to leave Sarah’s is visible on Sister Margaret’s face as she speaks.
The Associate Director at Sarah’s is Cheryl Steeves, who is responsible for day-to-day building operations, which includes the safety and security of all these women. In spite of the traumatic stories she hears in these halls, she enjoys this work. “I actually feel like I have some ongoing role in a person’s life. Here I can see the difference I’m making. I can feel it. That makes it so worth it.” Continued...
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