Resettlement re-cap: a periodic report from the Cuban Refugee Center, December 1963

              SPONSOR CUBAN REFUGEES
Fulfill Their Faith in Freedom
DECEMBER 1963
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
J. ARTHUR LAZELL, Director, Refugee Center
JOHN FREDERICK THOMAS, Director, Washington, D. C.
ERROL T. BALLANFONTE, Chief, Center Operations HARRY B. LYFORD, Editor
WORDS OF THE LATE PRESIDENT KENNEDY INSPIRE A RENEWED
DEDICATION TO OBJECTIVES IN CUBAN REFUGEE RESETTLEMENT
He Expressed Hope That Program Indicated 'Firm Desire Of
The People Of The U.S. To Be Of Tangible Assistance
To The Refugees'
The appearance of President Kennedy in Miami's Orange Bowl on December
29, 1962 (pictured at the left), is recalled as a reminder of his words
of concern for Cuban refugees who fled from oppression in their homeland
to the freedom of the U.S.
Education "in the many skills and disciplines which will be necessary
when Cuba is once more free" was recommended by the President to the
thousands of exiles who gathered to see him honor members of Cuban Brigade 2506, newly
freed from Castro's prisons.  In the stirring scene, both the President and Mrs. Kennedy
spoke in commendation of the Brigade's bravery and conduct in the "cause of freedom."
Earlier, soon after his inauguration in 1961, Mr. Kennedy had directed the Secretary of
Health, Education, and Welfare to "provide all possible assistance...for many of the refugees, for resettling as many of them as possible, and for securing jobs for them."  Specifically, the Kennedy directive cited the need of "supplemental funds for the resettlement of
refugees in other areas (than Miami), including transportation and adjustment costs for the
new communities and for their eventual return to Miami for repatriation to their homeland
as soon as that is again possible."
"I hope," the President added, "that these measures will be understood as an immediate
expression of the firm desire of the people of the U.S. to be of tangible assistance to the
refugees until such time as better circumstances enable them to return to their permanent
homes in health, in confidence and with unimpaired pride."
BEAUMONT, TEXAS, BECOMES EMERGENCY PORT OF ENTRY FOR 60 CUBANS
By the chance of a rescue ship's destination, Beaumont, Texas, in late October, received
and assisted 60 Cuban refugees who had been taken off their disabled escape boat.  Today,
thanks to the Catholic Relief Services, the Beaumont Red Cross chapter, citizens, and other
agencies of the port city, the Cubans, ranging in age from 73 to 2, have been resettled
directly from Beaumont to distant, local or nearby communities where jobs and shelter were
made available.  Coordination of the unusual project was effected through the Cuban Refugee
Program, Washington.  Rev. William P. Robertson, Houston, Cuban resettlement director for
the Galveston-Houston Catholic diocese, directed the resettlement.
The long-planned escape in a 40-foot sailing vessel ran into storm and propeller trouble
between Yucatan and the tip of Cuba.  Its plight was seen from the British cargo ship
ESSEQUIBO, which effected the rescue.  The Cubans were at first apprehensive that the ship
was Russian, but, after seeing "London" on the stern, were glad to be taken aboard -- 28
men, 16 women and 16 children. Members of the crew provided hospitality and were especially
delighted to entertain and provide sweets for the children.  Beaumont officials were alerted
by radio and the Red Cross was prepared to offer temporary shelter at its Center.  Later,
families went to Beaumont homes until their resettlements were effected.  Distribution of
clothing was accomplished through community efforts.
(See pictures from Beaumont on Page 4)
CHRISTMAS
NEW YEAR'S DAY —
A time to emphasize helpfulness to those less fortunate.
Cuban refugees.)
A time of resolve to act on such emphasis.  (Suggestion:
refugee family and inspire others to do the same.)
(Example:
Sponsor a Cuban