Ann Kirkpatrick: “I am standing here today to recognize my southern Arizona community. While in Tucson for the work period, I saw goodness…”

“I am standing here today to recognize my southern Arizona community. While in Tucson for the work period, I saw goodness in action. The city of Tucson, the county, Catholic Community Services, and other local churches and nonprofits came together with open arms and hearts to welcome and care for the hundreds of families seeking asylum across our southern border. With limited resources and fleeting time, southern Arizonans stepped up to provide shelter, transportation, food, clothing, and childcare. City volunteers ran with little children who hadn't played in weeks and weeks. The families fleeing their birthplace journeyed to the United States for a safer and better life for their children. Their stories are gut- wrenching, and the response I have seen and heard from the Tucson community has been unparalleled. No walls or cages, I saw goodness in action. We must come together like Tucson to find humane and proactive solutions to help these families. ____________________”