(Staff photo by Heather Cathleen Cox)
Pictured are the Sisters of La Posada Providencia — the San Benito News 2014 Citizens of the Year — and staff. Sitting (from left) are Sister Theresa O’Toole, SHSp – Volunteer; Sister Therese Cunningham, SHSp – Client Mentor; Sister Zita Telkamp, CDP – Program Director; and Sister JoAnn Mark, ASC – Volunteer. Also pictured are staff members, including: (standing from left) Monica Peña-Rasmussen – Client Coordinator; Francisca Gutierrez – Food Specialist; Joseph Rodriguez-Gonzalez – Program Coordinator; Michelle Yates – Data Entry Specialist; Sandra Rodriguez – Student Intern; and Alma Gonzalez – Development Coordinator. Not pictured is Sister Margaret Mertens, CDP – Volunteer Coordinator.
By HEATHER CATHLEEN COX
Staff Writer
reporter@sbnewspaper.com
Twenty-five years ago, the Sisters of Divine Providence in St. Louis, Missouri, established La Posada Providencia—a hospitality house in San Benito which serves as a safe harbor and fresh beginning for immigrants and asylees currently seeking legal recourse for gaining residency in the United States.
During this time, La Posada Providencia has served more than 8,000 clients from 72 countries. These individuals and children represent, “victims of political or religious persecution, violence, severe poverty, unjust imprisonment and even torture,” said Program Director Sister Zita Telkamp.
It is because of such commendable efforts that the sisters, staff and volunteers at La Posada Providencia have been named the San Benito News 2014 Citizens of the Year.
Among those being honored for their service to La Posada are: Sister Zita Telkamp, CDP – Program Director; Sister Theresa O’Toole, SHSp – Volunteer; Sister Therese Cunningham, SHSp – Client Mentor; Sister JoAnn Mark, ASC – Volunteer; Sister Margaret Mertens, CDP – Volunteer Coordinator; Monica Peña-Rasmussen, Client Coordinator; Francisca Gutierrez, Food Specialist; Joseph Rodriguez-Gonzalez, Program Coordinator; Michelle Yates, Data Entry Specialist; Sandra Rodriguez, Student Intern; and Alma Gonzalez, Development Coordinator.
Of this honor, Sister Zita said, “We, Sisters, feel privileged to be honored by the San Benito News. During our 25 years (spent) following the Gospel mandate to ‘Welcome the Stranger,’ many Sisters from religious communities not only have volunteered their time as tutors, but they have also contributed with grants.”
Sister Zeta was sure to mention such grant donors, because the organization would not be able to operate without private funding. Dominican Sisters, Incarnate Word, St. Mary of the Woods, Most Precious Blood Community, Sisters of the Holy Spirit and Sisters of Divine Providence are among financial contributors whose generosity allows La Posada Providencia to exist and thrive.
The Sisters help clients in a plethora of ways. Some assistance offered at La Posada provides assistance in the following ways: how to find jobs; how to fill out job applications; how to read the newspaper and search classified ads; how to use US currency; how to write a check; and how to utilize proper grammar.
Formal classes are held from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. When available, a volunteer visiting nurse provides health screenings at the facility.
Additionally, La Posada provides step-by-step assistance with regard to obtaining US citizenship. Sisters and volunteers chauffeur clients to offices such as Social Security, WIC and the Cameron County Health Department, where asylees receive medical care.
“Clients all help with some type of work and are responsible for cleaning up after themselves,” said Sister Zita. She explained it is each client’s responsibility to clean their own living space.”
Located on their property is a working garden. “We do our planting in September and harvest around Thanksgiving. Then we plant (again) in February,” Sister Zita said. “We have irrigation which was designed by a former client; you turn the switch, and water comes out straight from the Resaca.”
La Posada has accommodations for 12 men and is presently housing two mothers and three children who are waiting to be reunited with their husbands who are still in detainment. “Our shelter was not founded for families,” said Sister Zita, “but we accommodate mothers with children in the case of emergencies.”
“Our clients arrive because they are experiencing persecution in their home countries,” said Sister Zita. She explained that one such victim of persecution, a young student, was tormented in his homeland due to a malady to his head. “He is a chess champion, and he will probably teach chess with the City of San Benito (once he becomes documented). He is also a classical guitar player,” Sister Zita expanded.
This is merely one example of the lives forever changed by the kindness and care provided by the sisters, volunteers and workers at La Posada.
La Posada offers temporary shelter for refugees and asylees who are destitute, most of whom have only the clothes on their backs at the time of arrival. “Everyone gets toothpaste, a bar of soap and new underwear,” said Sister Zita. Additionally, everyone receives free meals, clothing and necessities.
Sister Zita expressed that the organization is in dire need of monetary donations to keep up with demand for personal items, diapers and baby formula. Individuals interested in donating money or items may call (956) 399-3826. Also encouraged to call are those interested in becoming a volunteer.
“We could not do what we do without the help of our volunteers, help from others and donations,” said Sister Zita. Originally from the small town of Brussels, Illinois, Sister Zita said she’s happily living in San Benito, indefinitely.
“Our motto here is: Many cultures, one family under God,” said Sister Zita. “Three sisters live (on property) all year long. Every morning, we pray together, and we ask God to bless all those who touch our lives and the lives of our asylees and refugees. Their kindness, donations, time, talents and treasure keep us going.”
For more information on La Posada Providencia, visit: Lppshelter.org.
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