Refugee Resettlement
05/07/2020
My heart is so full right now. I had an awful time at work trying to make plans and find the best ways to serve our refugee clients. I was so upset I didn’t think I could do any more.
Then late in the evening I held a Cultural Orientation session, and just like that, I remembered how worth it this work is. In my current role, because of Covid-19, I get to be the first person to introduce new refugees to so much possibility.
They open up to me as I discuss key elements of life in the US. I get to be the one to tell them the symptoms of Corona Virus and see the looks of relief when they know we will take care of them and help them navigate the healthcare system.
I get to be the one to tell them about job coaching and that if they are willing, we will help guide them from the first job they got out of necessity, into a job they could love. The way their eyes light up when they know they aren’t alone- it makes me want to cry tears of gratitude that I get to tell them the good news 😭😍
It is HARD to work for a relief or resettlement agency, because so often it can feel like we are failing our clients due to lack of funding, and staff, and time.
But then I see that what feels like a failure to me, is truly received as hope. They don’t see that I had to reschedule their CO four times because of conflicting schedules. They see that I took the time to talk to them, learn their story, and give them guidance that is genuinely personalized.
I have worked from many angles of the world’s refugee crisis and every single person I work with stays with me. More than anything, it’s the look of happiness in their eyes when they realize there is hope for something.
The ability to serve others is something I do not take lightly. It is everything to me. And I feel like sharing it because I want everyone-regardless of their nationality or status- to find happiness in hope. That is my wish to you ✨
Then late in the evening I held a Cultural Orientation session, and just like that, I remembered how worth it this work is. In my current role, because of Covid-19, I get to be the first person to introduce new refugees to so much possibility.
They open up to me as I discuss key elements of life in the US. I get to be the one to tell them the symptoms of Corona Virus and see the looks of relief when they know we will take care of them and help them navigate the healthcare system.
I get to be the one to tell them about job coaching and that if they are willing, we will help guide them from the first job they got out of necessity, into a job they could love. The way their eyes light up when they know they aren’t alone- it makes me want to cry tears of gratitude that I get to tell them the good news 😭😍
It is HARD to work for a relief or resettlement agency, because so often it can feel like we are failing our clients due to lack of funding, and staff, and time.
But then I see that what feels like a failure to me, is truly received as hope. They don’t see that I had to reschedule their CO four times because of conflicting schedules. They see that I took the time to talk to them, learn their story, and give them guidance that is genuinely personalized.
I have worked from many angles of the world’s refugee crisis and every single person I work with stays with me. More than anything, it’s the look of happiness in their eyes when they realize there is hope for something.
The ability to serve others is something I do not take lightly. It is everything to me. And I feel like sharing it because I want everyone-regardless of their nationality or status- to find happiness in hope. That is my wish to you ✨