When Lucy arrived in Minnesota in 2008 as a young adult from South Sudan, her family connected with Arrive Ministries (previously called World Relief Minnesota) which assisted her in getting her Nursing Assistant certificate through the American Red Cross.
“As a child my education was often interrupted since we were forced to flee many times for safety,” said Lucy.
When I arrived in America, the land of opportunity, I felt like ‘I’m in heaven!’
Lucy’s family moved to St. Cloud the next year, where she spent the next decade working as a Nursing Assistant (CNA). Lucy finally found a sense of stability that she had always yearned for.
After living in one place for 10 years, I was finally able to dream of my future.
“I asked myself, ‘What can I do?’ Realizing I want to go to school!’” said Lucy.
On Lucy’s 5,000th day in America she earned her bachelor’s degree in Social Work. This milestone accomplishment prompted Lucy to pursue a career that assists refugees when they arrive in Minnesota.
Lucy got connected to Arrive Ministries St. Cloud through our refugee gardening program, working side by side with our staff and volunteers. Lucy’s guiding principle for the future is to help other immigrants make Minnesota home and to give back to the community that has supported her family.
