Former U.N. officer knows value of a lift.Byline: Whitney Malkin The Register-Guard As political dissent Political dissent refers to any expression designed to convey dissatisfaction with or opposition to the policies of a governing body. Such expression may take forms from vocal disagreement to civil disobedience to the use of violence. in his home country of Togo, Africa, mounted, Peter Oni began to fear for his life. Concerned for his family's safety, the senior officer with the United Nations did what he knew he had to do. Flee. Abandoning the West African West Africa A region of western Africa between the Sahara Desert and the Gulf of Guinea. It was largely controlled by colonial powers until the 20th century. West African adj. & n. home he had known for his entire life, Oni and his family packed as much as they could carry, boarded a plane and landed almost half a world away - in Eugene, where their two daughters were students at the University of Oregon The University of Oregon is a public university located in Eugene, Oregon. The university was founded in 1876, graduating its first class two years later. The University of Oregon is one of 60 members of the Association of American Universities. . "It was a hard situation," he says. "We came here with empty hands and tears in our eyes." The once-top executive, who had worked assisting refugees in West Africa West Africa A region of western Africa between the Sahara Desert and the Gulf of Guinea. It was largely controlled by colonial powers until the 20th century. West African adj. & n. , was suddenly unemployed, and the simplest of things, such as finding clothes, a home or medical assistance, became enormous hurdles. Oni and his wife, struggling to provide for their six children, were alone in a city where they didn't know where to turn. Relief came in the form of United Way recipient agencies such as Catholic Community Services and the Salvation Army Salvation Army, Protestant denomination and international nonsectarian Christian organization for evangelical and philanthropic work. Organization and Beliefs The Salvation Army has established branches in 100 countries throughout the world. , where Oni and his family were able to receive food, clothing and a place to live. "We were a real product of the Community Solutions Funds," he says, referring to a network of human services supported by the United Way. Not having to worry about finding clothes for their children or where their next meal was coming from was, as Oni describes it, "like a big hug from the whole community." "In Togo, I worked with the United Nations to help the refugees," he explains, his voice thick with emotion. "But when we came here, I realized we had become refugees." Amazed a·maze v. a·mazed, a·maz·ing, a·maz·es v.tr. 1. To affect with great wonder; astonish. See Synonyms at surprise. 2. Obsolete To bewilder; perplex. v.intr. by the variety of resources he received through the United Way, Oni went to the agency, filled out paperwork and applied to volunteer. Now, the once-top executive sits behind a desk at the United Way of Lane County, where he works as a loaned executive, filing paperwork and assisting with community presentations. Half a world away, his country riots as tensions mount in anticipation of an October presidential election that international observers hope will strengthen the former French colony. Although he used to follow the news in Togo online, Oni says he now tries to stay focused on life in Eugene. "I could go back if I want to," he says. "But for me, where I put my feet is my land and that is here." Determined to succeed in his current position, Oni remains positive - focusing on his goal on starting Hands In poker, the starting hand is the initial set of cards dealt to each player before any voluntary betting takes place. For example, in seven-card stud this is two downcards and one upcard; in Texas hold 'em it is two downcards; in five-card draw it is five cards. Helping Humanity, a nonprofit organization Nonprofit Organization An association that is given tax-free status. Donations to a non-profit organization are often tax deductible as well. Notes: Examples of non-profit organizations are charities, hospitals and schools. focused on improving living conditions living conditions npl → condiciones fpl de vida living conditions npl → conditions fpl de vie living conditions living for women and children in Africa. "I want to invest the rest of my life helping and serving humanity," he says, explaining that he sees volunteering with the United Way as a way to start the process of learning how to help people. "My wife and I, we know we couldn't stay here without doing something for people in return for what they've done for us," he says. "The United Way is the right way to touch lives in this community and I know through my work here, I will reach large numbers of people." EDITOR'S NOTE Editor's Note (foaled in 1993 in Kentucky) is an American thoroughbred Stallion racehorse. He was sired by 1992 U.S. Champion 2 YO Colt Forty Niner, who in turn was a son of Champion sire Mr. Prospector and out of the mare, Beware Of The Cat. Trained by D. : This is the first in a series of eight weekly profiles of agencies and programs supported by United Way of Lane County, to coincide with United Way's annual fundraising drive. |
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