WRQC has partnered with Muscatine to assist with Ukrainian refugees and launch its first pilot office. For Pascal, this opens a world of opportunities.
Work that Hits Home
Pascal Ramadhani is Congolese, but has never lived in the Democratic Republic of Congo. He was born in Tanzania. His family fled the war in Congo a generation before. Soon after his birth, his family moved to a refugee settlement in Tanzania where they lived for twelve years.
The entire family was able to immigrate to the U.S. when Pascal was thirteen. They settled in Glen Ellyn, IL, later moving to Moline. Pascal finished high school at United Township High School and then attended the College of DuPage for two years before he had to go to work to help support his family.
WRQC hired Pascal as a caseworker in summer 2021. The work, assisting refugees from a variety of countries, quickly became Pascal’s life passion.
Helping Muscatine Welcome
In June 2022, the Muscatine Rotary Club invited WRQC Executive Director Laura Fontaine to speak at a meeting. She brought along two of her staffers, one of which was Pascal Ramadhani.
After the meeting, Dr. Naomi DeWinter, president of Muscatine Community College, invited Laura and her two staff members to tour the college. In the course of conversation, Pascal mentioned that it was a lifelong dream of his and his mother’s to finish a college degree.
One thing led to another. Pascal is now living in Muscatine and has begun classes at MCC. He continues his work as a case worker at World Relief, but his eye is on the prize: a college degree.
A Welcome to Muscatine Potluck was held at Trinity Episcopal Church on Friday, September 9, to honor Pascal, Ketsia Faraja, and the Luka family from Ukraine.
Donations for Pascal, Ketsia, the Lukas and other new arrivals may be made to the Community Foundation of Muscatine’s World Relief Muscatine County Fund and sent to Community Foundation of Greater Muscatine, 104 West Second Street, Muscatine, IA 52761.
Direct volunteer help will be welcome in the form of friendship, introduction to Muscatine services and amenities, shopping expeditions and other assistance.
For more information, contact Ric Smith at stceciliason@machlink.com or leave a message at 563 272-1646.
Written by Ric Smith