By Ron Cooley & Ken Jarvis
From the end of March through most of May unaccompanied migrant boys who crossed into Texas from Mexico were sheltered at the Freeman Coliseum in San Antonio.
Several San Antonio area JustServe volunteers worked with Catholic Charities to care for these young boys ages 13 to 17. At one time, there were as many as 2,400 boys housed at the Coliseum. Most of them were from Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador. Acting as mentors and counselors, the volunteers ensured their safety, provided proper treatment and even taught them some English.
Area JustServe Coordinator, Ron Cooley, said that just being a listening ear to their hardships and aspirations for a new future was very beneficial. “As I got to know these young men, I would ask what made them decide to come to the US? ‘Did you just say I’m going or did your parents tell you to go?’ Most said that their parents told them, ‘Just go…go. Life will be better for you.’”
Cooley said he could tell it was a sacrifice based on faith for a young boy to leave home. “I could sense overall a deep respect for God. That was quite evident when I saw several boys wake up and kneel down next to their cots to say their morning prayers.”
He was impressed with their commitment. “The journey was hard, but their eyes were filled with hope for a better future.”