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Partner Congregations in Action

Sumara, a 17 year-old girl from West Africa arrived in Minnesota, in early 2006, with her parents and 12 year-old sister. Sumara and her family had spent the previous two years in a refugee camp after fleeing from the violence in their homeland. Sumara was pregnant upon arrival to the U.S. and feared the prospect of having the child on her own. Sumara’s parents struggled greatly in supporting her as this situation was ‘shameful’ in their culture. On many occasions, Sumara was asked to leave the home only weeks and days before the birth of her child.

In working with Episcopal Community Services, the family was counseled on the increased struggles Sumara would face if forced to leave the home at that point. A partner church, in collaboration with ECS, befriended the family and worked together in assisting the parents with their own resettlement challenges.  These “family mentors” provided invaluable support to Sumara, her parents, and the ECS Case Manager as they worked collaboratively to offer the family hope amongst their many challenges.

ECS worked closely with Sumara in preparing for the birth and provided referrals to area resources that could offer her additional support. One such referral, a school for young expectant mothers, served the entire family; as they involved all members of the family and assisted in easing the transition through family counseling. Sumara’s child, Miriam, has since been born healthy and happy. Sumara’s parents, through counseling, support of the ECS-partner church, and assistance from the ECS Case Manager, have moved beyond their previous apprehensions and have provided a loving environment for Sumara and Miriam. Sumara has been able to return to school and will graduate in May from high school.

To learn about the ECS Supportive Housing Program, please contact Mary Schatzlein at 612-874-8823 or mschatzlein@ecsmn.org.  Please consider joining the our other partner congregations in this invaluable hands-on outreach ministry. 

SHP Partners Include:

St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church of Edina

St. Mark’s Cathedral

Westminster Presbyterian Church

Christ Presbyterian Church

St. John’s the Evangelist Episcopal Church of St. Paul

First Presbyterian Church of Stillwater