Helping Refugees Get Settled in Twin Falls, ID Sustainability Project By: Marina Manafi-Busby

Summary I decided to do a sustainability project to help refugees because most of my family immigrated to the United States and other countries when the King of Iran was over thrown. My nuclear family was fortunate in their position that we received plenty of assistance in getting the right documentation submitted and having a much more easier transition than most immigrants and refugees experience. For some of my family it was very difficult transitioning simply due to lack of knowledge. I came up with the idea to make attractive brochures and posters of local attractions and resources and then simply handing them to refugees and general public in hopes that they will take the information into their family and community networks. I supplied these brochures at local shopping centers and government buildings where I knew the refugees would be most likely to see them. I also asked for the assistance of some of the employees to help bring attention to the brochures and posters. With the Department of Health and Welfare I submitted my brochures and posters for them to be approved by the Directors and Managers before I was allowed to have them displayed. My biggest success though was simply approaching general public in the mall, of course I was mostly targeting a specific demographic, but because I myself have often been wrongly profiled, I also decided to give the posters and brochures to locals as well. I figured that there is a possibility even the Caucasian demographic can be new to the area and would appreciate the information. I know that when I first moved to Idaho from California in 2012 I would have liked the information on local attractions than having to discover them over time. My husband figured I wouldn’t be interested so he never mentioned them.

Brochure for Shoshone Falls and Dierkes Lake I included the brochure for Shoshone Falls and Dierkes Lake in my presentation. I wanted families to experience the change of seasons at the park and also different geographical phenomenon's that happen in the dessert near water lines like the Snake River.

Poster for Centennial Park I included the poster for Centennial Park to inform families on the waterfront park that has amusements such as a zip line and plenty of water recreation.

Twin Falls Library & Local Events The Twin Falls Public Library has a sing along story time for young children. The library often has events and movie nights and books clubs for children of all ages and adults. The library also has a computer center and librarians who are ready to help all students and visitors find what they are looking for along with suggestions that are relevant to the topics. The City of Twin Falls web page often has community events listed with dates, times along with registration and fees if necessary. The city web page is a great place to get involved with your new community and learn the culture. It is also a great place to look for employment and other local resources.

Twin Falls Park Central! Central Park Harmon Park Central Park

Documentation Letter to Twin Falls Health and Welfare Letter to Twin Falls Public Library Marina Manafi-Busby (209) Dear Sir or Madam, I am enrolled in the Early Child Education program at CSI and working on a sustainability project. You may contact my professor Dr. Evin Fox at to check if you would like. I am inquiring if I may bring in some posters and brochures to supply to new residents, immigrants and all others who visit the Health and Welfare department. My posters and brochures are to educate the visitors on local attractions and resources. They are strictly informative on general information. They would appeal mostly to families and individuals who are new to Twin Falls or Idaho. I am on a time sensitive schedule and would appreciate a response by Friday, March 14 th. Sincerely, Marina Manafi-Busby (209) Dear Sir or Madam, I am enrolled in the Early Child Education program at CSI and working on a sustainability project. You may contact my professor Dr. Evin Fox at to check if you would like. I am inquiring if I may bring in some posters and brochures to display in the front lobby of the library and at the visitor desks on each floor in the library. My posters and brochures are to educate the visitors on local attractions and resources. They are strictly informative on general information. They would appeal mostly to families and individuals who are new to Twin Falls or Idaho. I am on a time sensitive schedule and would appreciate a response by Friday, March 14 th. Sincerely, Marina Manafi-Busby

Resources  City of Twin Falls  Twin Falls Visitor Center  Twin Falls Public Library  CSI Refugee Program

Reflection This project was a very challenging one. I met a lot of resistance at the beginning and a little confusion as well. After I explained my project and the purpose to familiarize new residents to Twin Falls, ID and near attractions, I received much more support and interest. Interesting enough the groups that were most interested in the information I provided were families and individuals who actually have lived here for a while and also were Caucasian. The refugees and immigrants I had to approach much more tactfully. With the Middle Eastern individuals I received help by speaking the little Farsi I know and also had my parents translate for me via phone. Once the immigrants understood that I was reaching out they were much more receptive. As for the families and individuals who lived here for some time, the most common feedback was, “I never thought of it that interesting, funny how you can’t appreciate something in front of you until someone else presents it in a new way.” –Shopper at Magic Valley Mall I learned a great deal of humility. I realized that for the most part the immigrants and refugees were not very appreciative of my attempts to familiarize them with their new community. For most of the cultures a woman is suppose to be submissive in the presence of men and for me to go forward and be assertive was more of an insult than aide. However, I learned that the general community truly appreciated the effort to establish a sense of pride in the city of Twin Falls and the most appreciative demographics were families and individuals who have lived here and grew up here and really appreciated the effort I put into the posters and brochures. I truly did enjoy meeting a lot of locals who had more information on the local attractions and even told personal stories and events that happened there when they were growing up. It was a very touching blast from the past for most. Next time I would choose a project that targets the general public instead of a targeted demographic. My project worked well, but did not have the sustainability effect I was hoping it would have. Some immigrant families did take the brochures and asked genuine questions about the area. But for the most part, the refugees and immigrants did not trust me to take interest in the brochures and posters or to really even talk with me.