The Diocese of Wichita, known for its contributions during World War II by sending soldiers and nurses to Europe and providing aid post-war, made a significant gesture through St. Joseph Parish in Andale. The parish facilitated the relocation of a European refugee family to Kansas, offering them a fresh start.

On May 11, 1949, the St. Joseph Society purchased a six-room house along with four and a half acres on the western edge of Andale. This was intended to provide shelter for a displaced family from Europe, as noted in the June 10 edition of the "Advance Register." The purchase was funded by $3,900 collected from parishioners. In addition to housing, employment was arranged for the family's head at the Andale Farmers’ Co-Op.

The article mentioned plans for the family to repay upon arrival. "The furnishings of the house and other necessities will be contributed by organizations and individuals," it stated, though details on their arrival were initially unavailable.

On August 19, 1949, Janis and Tamara Velde arrived in Wichita with their children Renata and Aristide. They were greeted at Union Station by representatives from St. Joseph Parish. The Veldes originated from Latvia but had been registered as displaced persons in Nuremberg, Germany.

"The Veldes came from Nuremberg, Germany, where they were registered as displaced persons originally from Latvia," said an article about their arrival. The St. Joseph Society facilitated their new home purchase and renovations through community efforts.

Originally from Riga, Latvia, the Velde family had been taken to Sudetenland as war laborers in 1944 before moving to Nuremberg. It was there they learned about their invitation to America. Their journey ended with an emotional reunion at Wichita's depot.

The parents were relieved that some greeters spoke German and remarked on America's bright lights compared to wartime darkness in Germany. Mrs. Velde shared her impressions: "When we were riding on the train...you see there is hardly enough over there to keep people alive."

During travel across America, fellow passengers noticed their foreign appearance possibly due to clothing or demeanor. Despite this attention, Mrs. Velde described friendly encounters but admitted feeling self-conscious at times.

Expressing delight about experiencing snow again due to Kansas' climate resembling northern conditions familiar back home; she said: “My that’s good.”

Apologizing for her children's exuberance after weeks confined during transit; she explained how living conditions forced multiple families into cramped quarters over five years since leaving Riga when Aristide was just months old.

Before departing for Andale via car following Bishop Mark K Carroll's residence visit; they stopped briefly at Cathedral expressing gratitude tearfully while preparing eagerly en route towards seeing what awaited them ahead—a place called 'home.'