Why I'm Participating in the Big House 5K: Zaini Itito
3/5/2020 9:06:00 AM | Features, Community Engagement
The 2020 Big House 5K presented by Toyota will benefit six local, non-profit organizations selected based on the support they provide to our Washtenaw County community in key areas like housing, healthcare, the arts, youth programming and social services. In the weeks leading up to the race, MGoBlue.com will share stories from people inspired to participate this year because of one of the beneficiaries.
Please note: The University of Michigan Athletics Department and U-M health professionals are closely monitoring the spread of COVID-19 and the resulting impact on our communities. In alignment with the University's protocols, we have canceled the 2020 Big House 5K. However, the 2020 race has moved to a virtual format. In the interest of "social distancing," we are encouraging our registrants to support our beneficiaries and participate in our Virtual #BigHouse5K.
By Zaini Itito
In 2004, I fled my home country, Togo. There aren't words to describe what it was like to leave behind my wife, Sena, and our son, Kelly. When Sena and I agreed that I had to leave, I put three goals in my mind and stayed focused on achieving them: 1. Asylum; 2. Reuniting with Sena and Kelly; and 3. Employment. Throughout the asylum process, what kept me rooted, what drove me to keep going -- was reuniting with my wife and son.
I arrived at Freedom House Detroit in September 2004. It's difficult to explain what it is like to leave behind your family, home, job, friends, foods, traditions. It's something people can kind of imagine, but living it, that's different. There is so much uncertainty. There is so much loss and loneliness.
When I look back at my year at the House, the year it took to gain asylum, my attorney, Brad, comes to mind. He encouraged me throughout that year, and when you are waiting for asylum, encouragement is badly needed. The wait, the separation from my wife and son, the guilt, the fear ... at times, it can all be too much.
Thanks to Freedom House and Brad, today, more than 15 years later, my son, Kelly, is a U.S. citizen and playing soccer for Heidelberg University in Ohio. Sena and I are U.S. citizens, and our two youngest children, Jennifer and Elijah, were born in the U.S.
Freedom House took me in and helped me gain asylum -- the one thing I needed to start living again, the one thing I needed to bring my family back to me. I am connected to Freedom House. Back in 2008, I was preparing for a career in truck driving when Deb Drennan, the CEO, offered me a job. Twelve years later, I'm the site and facilities manager at the House. I stay because I want to show my gratitude, because I want to help the residents find their way. I like to be useful to others even when my personal situation seems to be negative. As long as I still have the strength, I am always ready.
I'm telling my story for Freedom House Detroit, to let people know that our residents need their support. I'm running in the Big House 5K for Freedom House Detroit's residents -- and to win!
About Freedom House Detroit
Since 1983, Freedom House Detroit (FHD) has offered a temporary home and lifetime community to indigent survivors of persecution from around the world who are seeking asylum in the US and Canada. FHD's mission is to uphold a fundamental American principle, one inscribed on the base of the Statue of Liberty: to provide safety for those yearning to breathe free. Because of their beliefs or affiliations, asylum seekers are persecuted by their governments or groups their governments could not or would not control. To survive, they must flee, leaving behind the entirety of their lives -- loved ones, resources, familiarity. By definition, they cannot return home. Delivering legal aid, shelter, and supportive services, FHD aims to help asylum seekers achieve three objectives: asylum, self-sufficiency, and community connection. Nightly, 52 seekers call FHD home. Nearly all (98%) are survivors of torture. FHD is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit located in Southwest Detroit.
For more information, visit freedomhousedetroit.org
