Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice, Inc.

Haitian refugee finds success in Naples,
helps others to do the same

By Dick Connelly
Board of Directors Member

Naples—Guy Clervil is a classic “diamond-in-the-rough.”

Looking for guidance, the quiet, soft-spoken young man came to the Family Resource Center, a Catholic Charities agency in Naples, less than a year ago. He was a Haitian refugee just approved by the Immigration and Naturalization Service as a new prospective American citizen. Because the staff at the Catholic Charities agency was so impressed by his determination to start a new life, he now is employed by the organization as a caseworker and helps other refugees find their way in a new country.

“He was most impressive,” said Yolanda Herrera, co-worker and a caseworker at the agency.  “Not only could he speak English but he spoke Spanish, French and his native Creole.  Also, he was computer literate, having been a school teacher back in Haiti, and he quickly adapted to the software we use,” she said.

Refugees who come to Catholic Charities are handled through the Federal Refugee Employed And Productive (REAP) program. They are people looking to establish themselves in a new country.

“Our immediate challenge is to analyze the skills of refugees that come to us, teach them English and help them find a job where they can use their skills,” said Loren Whipple, program director of the Family Resource Center.

Clervil, 38, left Haiti because he wanted a safe life for his wife, 4 year-old-son and himself. He had two cousins living in Southwest Florida and they were his bridge to freedom. A college graduate, he had been a schoolteacher for 10 years in Haiti but his first job in Naples was part-time at a gas station. But it was a start.

Then he came to Catholic Charities.  Within two months, because of his intelligence, language and computer skills, Clervil became a caseworker for the agency, interviewing and finding refugees employment.

“He is a refugee himself and he has learned so much so quickly. He is doubly motivated to help those who are so like himself,” said Whipple.

Each month, Clervil sees about 15 refugees who are referred to Catholic Charities by the Florida Department of Children and Family plus another half dozen who simply walk through the agency’s door. After analyzing the candidate’s background and talents, he goes through a list of employers to try and make a match. While many of the refugees have sponsors in the United States who can help them, many like Clervil, do not.

“Because I am one of them, I understand the problems they face in trying to fit in culturally and economically in a foreign country,” Clervil said. Many jobs he finds for people are tourist-related and while that usually doesn’t match with the candidate’s background, it is nevertheless a new beginning.

Clervil enjoys his job at Catholic Charities as it relates somewhat to his career in education. He likes helping other refugees like himself. But it’s been a year since he last saw his wife and son. He is working tirelessly to bring them to Naples too. They are the refugees he most cares about.