Faith, Support From Catholic Charities and Parish Help Pull Family Through Storm

By Connie Blaney
Catholic Charities

OKLAHOMA CITY — They are a close knit family, grateful to be alive and together. Life is different for them since Hurricane Katrina, but their faith in God, perseverance, and true grit has kept them going.

Since moving into Catholic Charities’ Elizabeth House, the New Orleans family members take one day at a time, facing many up-hill battles. Just a few days before the Hurricane hit the Gulf Coast, the family packed into their cousin Howard Mason’s cab, and headed for Oklahoma, never dreaming the real nightmare was just a few days away.

“It happened so fast, we just left everything in our home and evacuated immediately,” said Manuella Washington. “We had weathered hurricanes before but always came home after a few days. It wouldn’t be the case this time.”

Nine months later, Manuella, her parents John and Sylvia Washington, her daughter Renee and son-in-law Andre Broomfield, and her sister Ramona Washington, are residing in Oklahoma City. Andre’s mother, Velma Broomfield, has also joined them, living nearby in housing sponsored by Catholic Charities.

The families have found a strong support system in Oklahoma City. Manuella’s sister, Ellenor Marquez, and her husband Michael, are residents of Oklahoma City and members of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church. After the hurricane, the family temporarily lived with the Marquez family until they could find housing. Their growing support system now includes staff at Catholic Charities and members of St. Francis Parish. “We appreciate everything that Catholic Charities and St. Francis Church has done for us,” Manuella said.

Father Richard Stansberry, Pastor of St. Francis, expressed his admiration for the family. “You can’t help but admire this family,” he said. “They have been uprooted. Not only did they lose their homes, possessions, and jobs, but their whole way of life. What has sustained them is their faith in God and their gratitude for family and friends.” Father Stansberry thanked members of his church who have stepped up to the plate to help. “I am very grateful for everyone’s generosity and commitment to helping this family,” he said. The church has helped with financial donations, household items, furniture, and other needed items as well as spiritual and moral support.

Catholic Charities continues to be supportive of the family. Mary Diane Steltenkamp, parish nurse of Catholic Charities and St. Francis Parish, shared her role in working with the family. “An immediate need was to guide them in the right direction for medical needs,” she said. She arranged for Ramona, who has special needs, to attend Easter Seals’ Adult Day Care. Mary Diane continues to be a liaison between the family and St. Francis Church. “I felt an instant connection to all of them. They are loving, warm, gracious people who are determined to move forward,” she said.

Nancy Martinez, caseworker for Catholic Charities Family Hope program, complimented Manuella Washington’s leadership role in taking care of family business since arriving in Oklahoma. “Because of all the red tape, it hasn’t been an easy process trying to work with FEMA, insurance and loan companies, and so many other entities. I admire Manuella for staying positive in spite of the hardship and challenges. She is a loyal daughter to John and Sylvia, a devoted sister, and a good mother to her adult children,” Nancy said. “Manuella is the “glue” that keeps the family together. Her family loves her very much.” Manuella became a single mother when her children were nine and 11. Now as adults, her son Ricky and daughter Renee express their appreciation to her by honoring her on both Mother’s Day and Father’s Day.

Manuella believes what has sustained her is faith in God and love for family. “We may have lost almost everything, but we are alive and still have each other,” she said. She also claims her “good luck” angel played a symbolic role in her healing process. “In our rush to leave New Orleans, I left my angel in my larger suitcase which got left behind. Several weeks after the hurricane, her son, Ricky Santiago, returned to New Orleans to check the damage of his own home and his mother’s. Manuella’s home was in ruins. While rummaging through the devastation, he found her angel and suitcase still sitting on top of her bed. The water had come within inches of reaching the suitcase.

“I believe this was my sign from God that all of us would get through this horrible ordeal through prayer, faith, and hope,” Manuella said.

Another miracle discovery in the home was two photographs important to her parents, their wedding picture and a picture of Sylvia’s parents. All of John and Sylvia’s possessions were also destroyed since they lived with Manuella. Manuella said one of the most heart-breaking moments was when her son told her all her photographs taken over her lifetime, as well as her parents’ photographs, had been destroyed.

She complimented her parents, John, 83, and Sylvia, 79, for their strength of character and courage. “My parents are getting ready to celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary this summer. Their love for each other has sustained us all.” Since the couple had lived in New Orleans all their life, the transition to their new home hasn’t been easy, but they have adjusted. The couple also expressed their gratitude to St. Francis Church, Catholic Charities, and the Catholic community. The couple plans to renew their vows celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary during Mass on July 1 at St. Francis.

The recovery process for each member of the family has been an individual journey with ups and downs along the way. Renee Broomfield, who worked at the Social Security Office in New Orleans, was one of the first to get a job here at the Oklahoma City Social Security Office. Manuella is currently working at St. Anthony Hospital. Manuella’s son, Ricky and his wife, Monique, whose house was also devastated by the flood, are living and working in Houston.

“I can’t blame people who say they are tired of hearing about Katrina, but I just want them to know we are tired of living it. We know it will be a long road to recovery, but I trust that God will direct us and protect us. He has placed good people in our paths. We would not be where we are today without this tremendous support from everyone,” Manuella said.