For hundreds of years, the Quakers have been supporting and working with refugees to America and their children. I became a Quaker when I was fourteen, and have always tried to embrace the values of this gentle and empathic faith. Sometimes I succeed, sometimes i don’t, but it is always the light shining in front of me.

I was very happy today, the refugee soccer team, the Albany Warriors, went to the first of three scheduled meetings at the Powell House, the Youth and Family Retreat and Conference Center operated by the New York Yearly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends.

I wasn’t there, but Ali said it was wonderful the counselors and youth leaders at the Powell House walked the refugee children – most from Asia today – through games and activities designed to build confidence and safety in young people who have suffered trauma.

The youth center also offers games, a library and some snacks. There is nothing to break or knock over, this facility is built to promote well-being and recovery in young people who have not always had that experience.

There are two more Saturday sessions, they are inexpensive and essential, I believe, for these children. \ Ali agrees, he and I will talk more tomorrow about the program and our plans for the next two sessions. Different members of the team will go to each one.

These visits are inexpensive and valuable. I hope we can send these children there many times int the coming year.

Thanks for your support of this work. If you wish to contribute to the soccer team and the work we are doing with them, you can send a contribution to The Gus Fund, c/o Jon Katz, Post Office Box 205, Cambridge, N.Y., 12816 or via Paypal, [email protected].