The Migrant Welcome Team from the First Congregational Church of Western Springs is partnering with BEDS to support both BEDS families and newly arrived refugees. Lisa McTigue and Clare Kralovec are leaders in this collaborative effort. Lisa’s passion for volunteering was sparked during her youth, while Clare was moved by the dire circumstances faced by refugees over the years.
Together with their team, they swiftly mobilized to provide essential support. They began with the arrival of buses of migrants in the Western Suburbs, prompting swift action in collaboration with the Western Springs Police Department to gather essential items such as food and winter clothing.
Their support extends beyond material assistance. The team provides essential supplies, furnishes apartments and offers companionship to those in need. They assist with language lessons, job searches, tutoring for children, outings, and facilitate access to vaccinations, all with the aim of empowering families to stabilize and become independent in their new environment. Clare also stresses the importance of legal assistance and employment opportunities for these families to fully integrate into society.
Clare shares, “When we saw the need, we knew we had to act. The inhumane treatment of Venezuelan refugees deeply troubled us. That’s why we started the Migrant Welcome Team, to ensure these families receive the warmth and support they deserve. By partnering with BEDS, we can make a real difference in the lives of these families. Together, we're providing not just resources, but also a sense of community and belonging.”
Lisa reflects, “Volunteering has always been a part of who I am. It's about more than just helping; it’s about personal growth and witnessing the incredible resilience of families like the one we’re supporting. Their journey inspires me every day.”
Mary Lee Larsen (a team member) summed it up perfectly. She was elbow-deep in cleaning the kitchen stove and expressing how glad she was to be helping, saying, “I’d rather light a candle than curse the darkness.” The darkness can sometimes seem overwhelming, but it is such a gift to be given the opportunity to provide some light — to help even one family among the thousands in need.
Despite challenges, the team finds joy in building relationships and bringing light to darkness through their volunteer efforts. Their collaboration with BEDS exemplifies the power of communities coming together to provide support and hope to those in need.