1. Civic Engagement in Action: Unity in Learning Raelynn Grant & Diana Smith
Course Information
Career Development and Vocational Counseling, Coun 507 Spring 2010
Professor: Dr. Aida Hutz
Affiliated Agency: Agency for New Americans
Mission Statement:
To assist refugee families in achieving durable economic self-sufficiency within the shortest possible time after their arrival into the community
To facilitate the social integration of refugees into the larger community and to encourage full participation in American life
Project Purpose: To assist Refugee families in their adjustment to life in the US including preparing for, and obtaining work
Learning goals: To apply career counseling skills obtained through course work as well as develop compassion, empathy and confidence when working with people from various cultures
Service Activities
Home visits to build rapport and gain background information in order to appropriately assist family as needed
Trips to local businesses in job seeking efforts
Coaching family in online job search
Family dinners and social events
Grocery shopping together
Accompany parents on visits to their children’s school; to act a as liaison while fostering an understanding of the role parents may take in the American school system
Results
Over the past three months our family has demonstrated a greater level of comfort as new Americans, examples of this include:
Overcoming obstacles to obtain a drivers license
Finding Employment
Improved English skills and greater confidence in speaking English
Fuller understanding of opportunities and resources in Boise
Reflection
Through this process we gained valuable experience in applying practical career counseling skills and strategies, not only with the general population, but with special populations as well. We caught a glimpse of the difficulties and hurdles refugees might face as they acculturate into a foreign country. This experience has fostered great empathy and respect for our family as they have shown great resilience. At the onset of this assignment we viewed this experience as a job; we had no idea that a lasting friendship would develop. Although the language barrier was difficult at first, we learned to be creative in our communication which resulted in a stronger bond.