Resettlement re-cap: a periodic report from the Cuban Refugee Center, October 1966

              SPONSOR CUBAN  REFUGEES
Fulfill Their Faith in Freedom
OCTOBER 1966
RESETTLEMENT RE-CAP
FOR   ADMINISTRATIVE    USE
A PERIODIC REPORT FROM THE CUBAN REFUGEE CENTER — FREEDOM TOWER, MIAMI 32, FLORIDA
U.  S.   DEPARTMENT OF  HEALTH,  EDUCATION,  AND   WELFARE     —     WELFARE  ADMINISTRATION
U.S.  CUBAN  REFUGEE  PROGRAM
JOHN FREDERICK THOMAS, Director, Washington, D. C.
HOWARD   H.   PALMATIER,  Assistant   Program   Director
HARRY B.  LYFORD,  Editor
THE EXCITEMENT OF GREETING
IN THE FAMILY REUNION PHASE OF THE CUBAN REFUGEE PROGRAM
The excitement of greeting in the family reunion phase of the Cuban Refugee Program
is caught by a photographer as 78-year-old Adolfo Ramos Galan walks from the Miami
processing area into the arms of his relatives.  Even the newspaper camera man found
it difficult to hold back tears as daughters, son-in-law, and grandchildren hurried
to embrace the long-waited member of the family.  -- Photo by Norman Matheny,
Courtesy CHIRSTIAN SCIENCE MONITOR.
MICHIGAN GOVERNOR GROUP KEEPS
ALERT TO REFUGEE NEEDS
The continuing interest of the
state government of Michigan in the
Cuban Refugee Program was indicated
early this month when Program Director Thomas was invited to address a
meeting of Governor Romney's Committee on Human Relations.  Some 40
community and organization representatives gathered in Lansing to learn
the progress of refugee resettlement
and to discuss local problems attending it.  The subject of housing,
employment, language training and
general education were covered, and
there was agreement that the Governor's office continue its attention
to Cuban refugee needs, keeping in
touch with the national program and
activities related to it in Michigan
communities.  Director Thomas also
addressed a meeting in Marquette,
Mich., held under the auspices of
the HEW Bureau of Family Services
and attended by welfare program
workers from Michigan, Wisconsin
and Illinois.
U.S. STRENGTH RESTS IN ABILITY TO TOLERATE OPINION DIFFERENCES -- THOMAS
Invited recently to address the Cuban Sertoma Club of Miami, associated with the many Sertoma Clubs
across the United States, Program Director John F. Thomas spoke in a vein that lends well to editorial consideration anywhere.  The thoughts in the following lines may suggest to club bulletins and
other publications their pertinency not only to the Cuban Refugee Program but to all projects and
campaigns carried on in the interest of world freedom.
"The Cuban Refugee Program means many different things to many different people.  Some agree with its objectives -- others disagree.  However, there is one aspect on which I hope we all agree and that is: that the Program means what I see in this auditorium -- people.  And, because of the unfortunate circumstances that led to
the need of a program, we have people who need help.  It is that plain and that simple.  We have always viewed
our job from that angle, a job to take care of people.
"In a country as large and as diverse as the United States, there are bound to be differences of opinions.
In a country as dedicated to the principles of democracy as is the United States, there are bound to be open
expressions of these differences.  But, other countries should not take stock in this for the strength of the
United States rests in this ability to tolerate differences of opinions.
"It is due to the existence of this principle of freedom that we are able to be successful in assuring the
right to asylum to persons fleeing communism, and in obtaining cooperation from the American people in providing a program dedicated to assist the freedom seekers. With the help of the voluntary agencies and through
the generosity of the American people, we find Cubans living in more than 2,000 communities across this country.
"We are proud that we have been able to introduce so many Americans to Cubans.  We are pleased that so many
Cubans have met Americans in so many different parts of this vast nation.  For, just as the name of your club
indicates, the service to man is one of the most rewarding experiences anyone could ask for.  Throughout this
nation we are witnessing man's willingness to help his fellowman, and the Cuban people in this country hold our
greatest respect for their energies, their responsiveness to our way of life, and their dedicated patience with
our shortcomings.
"The Sertoma Club plays an important role in helping to bring about mutual understanding and serves as a
vital link in the communication between the Dade county community and its Cuban guests.  My congratulations to
the officers and members, and my hopes for continued success go to you."