FOCUS ON looks at Immigration Issues

Record numbers of participants, information about crucial services, and rich dialogue marked CISA's most recent Focus On: Immigration Issues and Services program March 6th at the Balsz District Office.  Offering an array of services and perspectives on immigration issues facing our community were presenters Lydia Guzman from Respect/Respeto, Jose Robles of the Phoenix Catholic Diocese, Jennifer Doran from The International Rescue Committee, Doris Roman for Valley Interfaith Project, and Sylvia Herrera and Salvador Reza of Tonatierra.

In addition to describing the services they offer for immigrant families, most presenters emphasized that, regardless of documentation status, immigrants to the United States pose unique challenges for the agencies and individuals who serve them.  From the language barrier between English speaking case managers and immigrants speaking indigenous dialects, to coping with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder in the rapidly rising number of Sudanese and Iraqi refugees, individuals assisting immigrant and refugee families must practice high levels of cultural competence and must educate themselves about the political, religious, and economic dynamics that are bringing their clients to the U.S.
Feedback received from the more than 80 program participants was overwhelmingly positive.  One case manager from a Phoenix children's agency commented, "We always expect to come away from Focus On workshops with resources, but you've outdone yourselves this time.  Thanks for recognizing and filling such a huge need!"  CISA staff members are now looking forward to coordinating the final Focus On program for 2007-2008 year, Focus On: Summer Programs and Opportunities to be held April 11th at the Isaac District Office.

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