Northfield Refugee Committee

One cannot talk about the stories of Asian Americans in Northfield without mentioning the Northfield Refugee Committee and its leader Judy Dirks, who has been a champion for Asian immigrants for decades. In 1975, several churches in the area banded together to form the Northfield Refugee Committee in order to assist immigrants and refugees in starting new lives in the United States. Over the next 24 years, it sponsored and helped many immigrant families, primarily from Vietnam and Southeast Asia, who had fled their homeland due to economic hardship, wars, and political conflicts.

Judy Dirks waiting for the Kieu Ham’s family at the airport (Jan 24, 1980). Photo courtesy of Judy Dirks.

As the Chairperson of the committee, Dirks always ensured that someone was waiting at the airport to personally greet every new arrival, though sometimes the committee only received word of new refugees hours before they arrived. This personal touch immediately assured the newcomers that they were welcome in the community. The members and volunteers from the various churches also donated clothes, food, time, and shelter to help all the immigrants begin their new lives on a different shore.

Even though local churches played a prominent role in sponsoring and assisting the immigrants, Dirks always made sure that the newcomers were not forced to convert to Christianity or abandon their own religious practices. However, she gave everyone the option of attending services or holding marriage ceremonies at her affiliated church. While few have accepted this kind offer, her church has held a small number of weddings for some of the refugees. The ceremonies can be altered to be as religious or non-religious as the couple desires.

Judy Dirks with children from Vietnamese families (May 30, 1980). Photo courtesy of Judy Dirks.

After almost a quarter century, the influx of Vietnamese refugees slowed to the point where a dedicated committee was no longer needed. The Northfield Refugee Committee was officially disbanded in 1999. Still, Dirks continues to help people, particularly from Asia, immigrate to the United States and begin their “American Dreams.” She has become so well known that people recommend her around the area as the person to go to for immigration advice. Her skill at navigating the immigration process is a great asset to anybody seeking citizenship.

Mother Daughter Banquet (May 5, 1980). Photo courtesy of Judy Dirks.

Judy Dirks and the Northfield Refugee Committee have touched, and indeed changed, the lives of many immigrants here. Many stay in contact with Dirks and even call her their American mother. Phuong Nguyen, one of the many individuals whom Dirks has helped, claimed he would never forget his “mom.”  “I love my mom,” he said in our interview, also stating that he owes his success to her.

References: Interview with Judy Dirks (June 18, 2014).