LSF Staff Goes the Extra Mile

for Former Sudanese Refugee

27 January 2009 - TW

The year 2008 was not a good year for former Sudanese refugee Ibrahim Yagoub, and his wife and five children.  As reported in an article in the St. Petersburg Times on December 30, Yagoub lost his job, and then the family lost the home that they had purchased to foreclosure, and then his wife Khadiga was hospitalized at Tampa General just before Christmas with an unknown disease and that's where she remains today as she undergoes tests.

Although Yagoub was resettled in Pasco County in 2001 and services to refugees end after five years, Lutheran Services of Florida staff members have continued to respond to the extraordinary needs of this former refugee and his family because "most of my staff came to this country as a refugee and they feel a common bond," said Raul da Silva, a manager in LSF's Refugee Resettlement and Employment Program.

"Ibrahim had become one of the victims of the housing turn," explained da Silva.  "He came to the U.S. as a refugee from the Sudan, and he worked hard to build a life for his family here in the U.S.  He finally was able to purchase a home.  But to do so he over-extended himself" with an adjustable rate mortage.  "It was OK until the market turned, and he lost his job and eventually his home," said da Silva.

LSF staffers aren't the only ones who have rallied to help this former refuge and his family.  Other refugees from Sudan who have settled in the Pasco area have also come together help a fellow refugee out.

"They pool their money to help pay his bills, and Daniel took him and his family in," said da Silva, referring to LSF employee and former Sudanese refugee Daniel Agau.  "They came up with the deposit for rent and each month would make sure there was enough for rent."

A number of people also sent donations to LSF on behalf of the Yagoub family after the December article appeared in the St. Petersburg Times.  (See follow-up article on donations appearing Jan. 12.)

"I personally had a check sent to my house for him since my name was mentioned in the story, and a friend wanted to make a small contribution," said da Silva.

In addition, Pastor Robert "Buz" Van Horne sent a donation on behalf of Trinity Lutheran Church in downtown St. Petersburg to help with rent (see picture above).

"Pastor Van Horne has always been a help to the refugees," said da Silva.  "Even though many of his church members are now also in need, he gave what he was able to afford.  We would like to thank him for always hearing our calls for help."

The combination of Yagoub's unemployment and his wife's unresolved medical condition continues to impact the whole family.

"I am certain that this instability is disturbing to the two young children at home," said da Silva.  "Our staff is trying to help him find a job.  Hopefully we will get him reemployed, and his family situation will again be stable."

Such are the extra mile efforts of the committed staff of Lutheran Services Florida on behalf of those in need.

UPDATE:  Raul da Silva reported late on Jan. 27 that the LSF staff found employment for Ibrahim Yagoub.  He was expected to begin work by Jan. 30.

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