Twenty years ago, Amelia Lopez Patrykus stood outside Sacred Heart Catholic Church, waiting for a free meal and groceries. The line was just blocks from the Rio Grande, separating Mexico from her new home in the United States.
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Volunteers preparing bags of food for local residents.
Ivan Pierre Aguirre for The New York Times
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Founded in 1893 for Spanish-speaking Catholics and staffed by the Jesuits, Sacred Heart has a long history of outreach in its community.
Ivan Pierre Aguirre for The New York Times
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Amelia Lopez Patrykus, far left, set up takeout trays as Mr. Martinez showed Sally Chacón, a Sacred Heart volunteer, how to portion rice flavored with cilantro and chicken broth.
Ivan Pierre Aguirre for The New York Times
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