A Refugee Resettlement Success Story

photo courtesy of CCS

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Ali Abdicator and his wife, Alamo Mohamed brought their five children out of a refugee camp in Kenya to live in the United States. Ali had lost a leg during the violence of the civil war in Somalia. The United States Council of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) sent the family to Utah, where Catholic Community Services of Utah is assisting them as they get settled.

By Kathryn Brussard

Catholic Community Services

SALT LAKE CITY — Ali Abdicator, his wife, Alamo Mohamed and their five children were just a few of the Somali-Bantu refugees who arrived in Salt Lake City from Kenya recently.

Before coming to the United States Ali and his family were in a refugee camp in Kenya for 12 years. Ali and Halifax had overcome a past filled with violence, persecution and severe hardship. Ali lost his right leg during the civil war in Somalia. After 12 years in the desert refugee camps of Kenya they at last were where they consider their home, the United States.

Catholic Community Services (CCS) was able to place the family in a 3-bedroom townhouse. CCS set up the house with donated household goods and furniture from parishes and the community. When they arrived the family was greeted by other refugees who helped them to feel at home.

Ali began teaching English to other Somali Bantu refugees. He volunteers his time daily providing interpretation services for members of his community and for CCS.

While he waited for Medicaid to approve a prosthetic leg, he busied himself helping others. He had volunteered to help teach life skills classes to other Somali-Bantu refugees. He not only translates but he is an excellent as well as entertaining instructor.

Ali has received his prosthetic leg and CCS helped him apply for vocational rehabilitation services. Vocational Rehabilitation agreed to send him to college.

The family has accomplished a great deal. They still face additional hurdles but they remain enthusiastic when looking back over their achievements. The family was approved for public housing, which will reduce the amount of money they need to pay rent. With the help of CCS’ job developers, Ali got a job at an elementary school where he assists the teachers with the Somali-Bantu children.

Call Evonne at 801-428-1216 for further information about how you can help.