At Sacred Heart Greenwich, students embrace a tradition of service and a commitment to global citizenship. Among the many clubs dedicated to fostering these values, the Dedicated to Assisting Refugees (DAR) Club stands out as a beacon of hope and compassion. With its mission to provide refugee families with a warm welcome and the support they need, DAR is making a tangible difference in the lives of those seeking safety and stability in a new country.
Senior Hazel Carrion and junior Michaela White lead the DAR club, organizing initiatives designed to ease the transition for refugee families. Club members collaborate with local organizations, volunteer directly at immigrant households, and create enriching activities for their children. Through these activities, DAR ensures that new refugees feel supported and valued. Hazel reflected on her experience as a club head of DAR this year.
“I was very fortunate to inherit this club my junior year of high school,” Hazel said. “I joined my freshman year and, as an underclassman, I learned about the process of applying for refugee status and the reasons people migrate from their home countries, such as war, violence, persecution, and environmental disasters. Coming from a family of immigrants, I joined this club to learn more about the people who come into this country and the distinct reasons for migration.”
This year, DAR’s projects include trips with refugee families to trampoline parks and ice-skating rinks at local centers, such as Chelsea Piers. DAR partners with Stanford Interfaith Refugee Settlement (SIRS), a local refugee support organization. Together, they host welcome parties for these families, fostering a sense of community. These events create opportunities for Sacred Heart students to form meaningful connections with refugee children while learning about migration acculturation.
In addition to direct aid, DAR raises awareness about the global refugee crisis. Members begin each year by learning about refugee resettlement processes and then work to educate the broader Sacred Heart community. Through presentations and events, they share the stories of displaced individuals and highlight ways to support refugee families. By promoting empathy and understanding, the club inspires others to take action and make a difference. Hazel reflected on the significance of building community though volunteer support.
“It’s important to understand that our country is built on different cultures and traditions that make it beautifully diverse,” Hazel explained. “Refugees leave their countries for reasons that put their well-being at risk, and by supporting them, we honor their courage and resilience.”
As DAR Club continues its mission, its members remain steadfast in their commitment to Sacred Heart Goals and Criteria. Particularly, Goal III of educating for “a social awareness which impels to action.” They strive to make an impact on the lives of refugee families through thoughtful initiatives and ongoing support. Hazel commented on, by upholding these values, the club exemplifies Sacred Heart’s dedication to creating a more just and compassionate world.
“Our mission connects to Sacred Heart’s Goal Three because it begins with educating ourselves about refugee settlement and transitions,” Hazel said. “Later in the year, we directly interact with families through in-person activities and community events. It’s about creating a bridge between learning and action.”
Featured Image by Sofia Latrille ’25
