After learning about families separated at the border, a group of friends decided to do something to make a difference.

Mary Jo Miller of the Refugee Aid group was one of the speakers at the Fountain Hills Democratic Club meeting Jan. 10. She said the group currently provides clothing, necessities, transportation, food and shelter to immigrants who have been dropped off by ICE at locations around the Valley.

Miller said many arrive with almost nothing, having been cleared to enter the country as asylum seekers and awaiting transfer to their sponsors. Her passion and humanity for the refugees sparked interest among club members and guests. Those wishing to help or to obtain additional information may contact Miller at refugeeaid@icloud.com.

Democrats also heard from Dr. Elizabeth Segal, professor of social work at Arizona State University. A Fountain Hills resident, Segal presented a conversation about her newly-published book, “Social Empathy.”She described her growing interest in the subject, which led to extensive research on how empathy can be transferred from individual concern to concern about public policy.

She cited the LBGTQ movement and how it was able to accomplish its goal of obtaining equal rights for all. The general public has demonstrated its ability to feel empathy for the LBGTQ community, creating a change to their rights.

Segal is past secretary of the Fountain Hills Democratic Club. A copy of her book was raffled off, along with two copies of Stephen Colbert’s book, “Whose Boat is This?”

Club members discussed the Saturday, Jan. 19, Women’s March at the state capitol. Members and guests still can sign up for the chartered bus by contacting Naomi Lerman, nlerman@cox.net.

The club’s next meeting is set for Thursday, Feb. 14, at 6 p.m. at the Community Center. Pastor David Felten from The Fountains United Methodist Church is speaker, along with a board member who will discuss separation of church and state.