Yoanki Hernandez Leyva, a former La Posada client from Cuba, recently visited La Posada Providencia’s Development Office in St. Louis, Mo., and shared words of gratitude with the Sisters of Divine Providence and staff.
Yoanki, who was visiting St. Louis for business with his wife, said he wanted to stop and say thanks to some of those who helped him during his journey in America.
(From left) Former La Posada client Yoanki Hernandez Leyva
with La Posada Development Director Ana Schulz.
“I was in St. Louis and wanted to take this chance to say hello and thank you because La Posada and the sisters represent for me the beginning of a new life,” Yoanki said.
Yoanki was a client of La Posada more than 10 years ago, when he made a his journey by sea from Cuba to the U.S. in 2005.
Thanks to the help of Sister Zita Telkamp, La Posada’s program director, Yoanki enrolled at La Roche College and graduated with a degree in facilities management.
Today, Yoanki lives with his wife in Fort Lauderdale, Fl, and works as a maritime technical superintendent.
“I would describe La Posada as an oasis in a desert,” Yoanki said. “So many of us arrive there full of hopes and dreams after going through such tough times. The sisters made those dreams possible for me.”
La Posada’s Development Director Ana Schulz was elated by Yoanki’s surprise visit.
“We are all so proud of you,” she said.
Yoanki said that even though ten years have passed since he first set foot at La Posada, he will always carry the mission of the sisters and the shelter in his heart.
“It’s written in the Bible, ‘For you were a stranger and you welcomed me,’ (Matthew 25:35),” Yoanki said. “I will never forget that. I will always be grateful for the kindness and compassion the sisters and the people of this country gave me.”
Snowmen Sale to Benefit Brunch
La Posada staff, volunteers, board members, brunch committee members and their friends and family got together this past Sunday, Nov. 15, to decorate snowmen that will benefit the 2016 Hands & Hearts Brunch and Auction.
“Back in September we had a mini-fundraiser event called ‘Wreaths and Margaritas’ party, where we made Christmas wreaths and raised a little money toward the brunch,” said Brunch Committee member Paula Olivarez. “It went so well, we decided to have another small event.”
The snowmen will be sold at the Christmas Bazaar, held from 8 a.m. until noon Saturday, Dec. 5, at the Park Place Estates Resort in Harlingen.
“Our main goal is to raise awareness and let everyone know about our wonderful brunch fundraiser,” Olivarez said.
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La Posada Providencia, founded and sponsored by the Sisters of Divine Providence, is a ministry for people in crisis from around the world, who are seeking legal refuge in this country. The shelter staff provides a safe and welcoming home; mentors to promote self-sufficiency and cultural integration; and imparts values which witness God’s Providence in our world.
Yoanki Hernandez Leyva, a former La Posada client from Cuba, recently visited La Posada Providencia’s Development Office in St. Louis, Mo., and shared words of gratitude with the Sisters of Divine Providence and staff.
