One of the first stops for some refugees upon arrival in Rome is the basement of an American Episcopal church. Facing an Italian culture in which they're frequently met with hostility, these people find a safe haven beneath St. Paul Within The Walls.
REV. AUSTIN K. RIOS
Director, Joel Nafuma Refugee Center
“My hope is, regardless of where people are in terms of the services they access, that they will experience the warmth of welcome in this place, a sense of being treated as human beings, and not as numbers or a faceless entity coming across on boats.”
Each day, more than 200 homeless refugees come to the Joel Nafuma Refugee Center, where they're invited to a wide range of amenities. Whether it's a short visit to pick up some daily toiletries and clothing... or attending weekly English and Italian classes, each guest's transition to his or her new country is made a bit easier.
As every visitor finds himself or herself at a different stage of integration, the center allows attendees to participate however they'd like and give feedback on services.
ANNIKA MILISIC-STANLEY
Program Fundraiser
“The essence of our mission is to serve the needs and aspirations of asylum seekers in Rome, whatever they may be. We're very open to suggestions from the refugees themselves and we're refugee-led. We do what you want us to do, not what we want you to do.”
The center relies on public donations and assistance from around 60 volunteers, many of whom are former refugees who want to give back to the program that once helped them.
As they know the feeling of being alone in a foreign country, these volunteers are able to provide comfort and inspire new arrivals.
MANSUR NADRI
Peacekeeper & Cultural Mediator
“If you work hard, if you look around for your goals and achievements, you'll find it everywhere. It doesn't matter where you are. It makes me happy to work with guests with different cultures, from different countries.”
Refugees find out about the center through word-of-mouth. Once they make their way to this Episcopal church, they're met with a peaceful and understanding environment, one free of discrimination and full of warmth.
