Family Focus: Charlotte faith center helps refugees adapt to American culture

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Every year, about 700 refugees come to the Charlotte area, trying to navigate a new country and a new way of life.

K’Sang Bonyo left his native Vietnam for North Carolina 30 years ago, not knowing much about America.

“I was really shocked, because it was a new way of life with no English and new culture,” Bonyo said.

he’s working with young refugees and immigrants at Catholic Charities who are learning about American culture and technology. Bonyo is the head of the after-school program. It Is part of Galilee Ministries, which helps newcomers learn English and get cultural counseling.

“When they come to this country they need a lot of help to be able to stand on their own feet,” Bonyo said.

“When they get here, they want to hit the ground running,” said program coordinator of Galilee Ministries Toni Hagerman. “They’re very motivated to learn, to become citizens, to be employed, to raise their children, to have better lives than they’ve had.”

While Channel 9 was at the ministry, Hagerman asked to not show the refugees faces, citing a current climate of mistrust toward refugees. That’s why she believes Galilee is so important for Charlotte.

“The mission here really is to break down barriers between people,” Hagerman said.

The ministry also wants to show newcomers they can thrive, just like Bonyo has in his new home.

“It’s a great privilege to help the newcomer, because I’m looking for their future,” Bonyo said.

Galilee Ministries is collecting new or gently-used books for infants up to 15 years old as a gift for refugee support services.

Cox Media Group