More Manna, More Stories - The recent coinciding spring breaks for Chicago and Oak Park public schools and Archdiocesan schools resulted in a wonderful influx of children spending the morning at Centro San Edmundo. In addition to the increased number of migrant children, some of the volunteers brought their own children and grandchildren to help in the playroom and with clothing distribution. Almost half of the migrant guests on Thursday were children. The result? Lots of energy! Lots of fun!

We work hard to make Centro San Edmundo a place of joy and happiness, especially in the playroom, where children can be children, with dress-ups, dolls, trucks, a play kitchen, crafts, and so many other fun activities. The reality for our migrant brothers and sisters is much harsher, especially with the end of Temporary Protective Status and Humanitarian Parole in April for so many. For that reason, we are rushing to help as many migrants as possible to complete and submit their asylum applications.

We are also preparing Family Action Packets which, sadly, will cover such difficult topics as assigning temporary custody of one’s children in case parents are separated from their children and deported. The packet includes advice on how to talk to one’s children about deportation. See illustration / image above!

Pray for our beloved migrant brothers and sisters. We are entering a very difficult time.