Transcript Document
Class: Career Development and Vocational Counseling Course Number: COUN 507 Semester: Spring 2010 Instructor Name: Dr. Aida Hutz Community Partner Name: Agency for New Americans Community Partner’s Mission Statement: •To assist refugee families to achieve durable economic self-sufficiency within the shortest possible time after their arrival in our community. •To facilitate the social integration of refugees into the larger community and to encourage full participation in American life. Service Project Purpose: •To mentor a refugee family by sharing cultural information and to practice job searching skills •Write a brochure about job search skills for the Agency for New Americans to use as a resource for their clients Learning Goals: •To experience career counseling from a multicultural perspective •To learn to build relationships and develop cultural awareness •To gain an understanding of obstacles and limitations for those of other cultures who are seeking employment • To participate in a research project that explores the refugee experience Service Activities: Practiced English speaking skills, which included job searching role-plays and practiced filling out applications. Collaborated with Immanuel Lutheran Church to connect the family with their established religion. Involved them in community settings such as: The local market Enrolling at the YMCA Accessing library resources Provided information about local transportation Worked with an African culture group to encourage support and relationships for the family. Community Value Diverse Cultures New Americans Education Employment Reflection: This has been a very rewarding and eye- opening learning experience. Our refugee family is from the Congo and we had no previous exposure to an African culture. Through our volunteer work we observed many of the obstacles that refugees have to overcome including; the language barrier, cultural differences, transportation, isolation, and lack of general awareness among the community about refugees and their experience. We have made friendships and relationships with our refugee family and broadened our own community network to aid this family. We have seen many people willing to help in our community, but there is still more that we can do. There needs to be more public awareness of Boise’s refugee population. We see a need for advocacy for more employment opportunities for New Americans. We feel there is a need not only for community awareness but also for community involvement in enriching cultural activities that involve ALL members of the community.