James Ofloma and his children David, Sandra, Charles and Simon came to the United States on December 16th, 2006. They had traveled from the countryside of Kenya, where tribal affiliations, violence and the quest for power forced them to leave. In Kenya, James had worked for a meat processing company and had a start-up business working with transportation.
His wife Margaret came to Minnesota in 2004 to visit relatives, but found a home. She loved the United States and the welcome she received from many Kenyans living in the community. She decided to apply for asylum, and after many months she heard that she had been accepted! Margaret began working as a Certified Nursing Assistant and filed for her husband and children to come to America. When they finally arrived in December of 2006, they were excited to be in Minnesota and anxious to explore the many opportunities that were available to them.
Upon coming to America, the family received immediate assistance from Refugee Services. Asylee case manager Williametta Saydee worked a great deal with the Oflomas and began referring them to services that were available through MCC. The whole family attended both Extended Orientation and Employment Orientation, which were offered by Refugee Services in order to grasp life in America more easily. At the orientations they learned about medical coverage, housing, safety issues, how to use public transportation and a variety of other topics. With help from Eligibility Counselor Anna Plumb, the two oldest children David and Sandra began receiving federal cash assistance to help them as they began looking for jobs. The youngest child, Simon, received a present from Toys for Tots.
Sandra, the oldest daughter, began Certified Nursing Assistant training while James and David began looking for jobs. Charles and Simon began attending school. After only a few months of searching, both James and David were employed full-time! David began working at American Medical Systems and James accepted a position at St. Jude Medical Assembly. Soon after, Sandra finished her training and started her career at an assisted living community. Even though many months of eligibility still remained for her and David to receive financial assistance, it was no longer needed!
Currently, both David and James are working at new positions and enjoying them very much. James is attending CNA training and is looking to work in the very same field that both his wife and daughter currently enjoy. Charles has graduated high school and is looking to work full-time before he pursues more education. James reports that the family is doing well and that because of the strong Kenyan culture in the Twin Cities, he feels very comfortable in Minnesota. “It just feels like I’m home. Minnesota’s a good place!”
*The names of the clients have been changed for the sake of privacy
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