Sudanese Outreach Program
Sr. Rosemary Floersch; RSM, SM ’52 started the Sudanese Outreach Project in January, 2003, which provides basic needs such as food, clothing, household items, personal hygiene supplies, furniture, and appliances directly to the homes of the economically poor.
“I volunteer full time, working with seventeen Sudanese refugee families,” said Sr. Floersch. “I don’t think that my day would fit the definition of retired.” Her day usually begins about 5:30 a.m. and ends between 10:30 p.m. and midnight, seven days a week.
When Sr. Floersch first started working with these families, many had no jobs or housing. Often two families lived in a crowded apartment or home, sleeping on the floor, until one of the families found public housing. If they had housing, they had little or no furniture, appliances, etc. Most Sudanese parents either have a low-skilled or low paying job. It is a struggle for them to provide basic needs for their children and pay bills on their income. The services provided by the outreach program are needed for these families until members of the family can support the family financially. “The long-term goal of the outreach program is to help the Sudanese refugee families become self-sufficient.” Sr. Floersch said.
Through her efforts Sr. Floersch has seen the children receive their first Holy Communion, graduate from high school, and attend college. “One girl is in her first year of nurse’s training, and a young man has completed job corps training,” said Sr. Floersch. “These children are motivated to get a good education and get a better job than that of their parents.”
Funding and Volunteers
Two challenges for the Sudanese Outreach Program are funding and volunteers. Funding is needed especially for emergency assistance, such as an unexpected job loss. Volunteers are needed for transportation, to help take children to school or take family members to appointments. “The direct contact I have with those of another culture has helped me and those who assist to walk in their shoes,” Sr. Floersch said. “This ministry has helped me to truly embrace the Sudanese families and learn about their culture.”
If you would like to volunteer your time, talent, or resources to the Sudanese Outreach Project, please contact Sr. Rosemary Floersch, RSM at floersch1@cox.net
Omaha World Herald article – October 23, 2014