MDC lost one of its most dedicated leaders on May 3, 2010 with the death of Chuck Breen after a courageous battle with melanoma cancer. From the day he learned of his illness until two weeks before he died, Chuck’s devotion to MDC never diminished. MDC started with a small group of people who didn’t know each other, believed in different religions and came from different cities across Michigan. Chuck was like a “one-man band” for the entire west side of the state.
Through Chuck, MDC learned that Grand Rapids, Michigan would become home to some fortunate enough to leave Sudan. Shortly after they arrived, he spent time with each of the new refugees to find out their needs and determine how MDC might help. As he got to know each of them, he suggested that some MDC funds be devoted to the Darfuris arriving as they transitioned to a new country, learning a new culture and adapting to a new way of life. Chuck’s passion for humanity was best evidenced in a homily he delivered on Sudan at Western Theological Seminary on November 10, which can be found at http://blog.sojo.net/2010/05/10/psalm-94-and-sudan/.
At Chuck’s urging, MDC officially launched the Refugee Assistance Program (RAP) in August, 2009 to provide funding, based on need and realistic goals. We assist with tuition, transportation costs, fees for GED classes and driver’s training school, and some living expenses — all with the goal of helping our new friends become self-reliant.
It’s fitting that we honor Chuck by creating the Charlton Breen Refugee Assistance Program Fund. RAP was Chuck’s vision and it will be his lasting legacy. He will be sorely missed.
The opinions expressed here are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the position of the Save Darfur Coalition.
