Moreau Center Social Justice Programs

IFJ 2017 blogs

Interns for Justice: August 7-11 (by Mikki Spangler)

By

It has been such an honor serving as the Volunteer Coordinator for The Starfish Foundation the last three months. I have learned countless valuable lessons about both my personal and professional lives. I have made more special memories than I can fit into one blog post but here are a few of my favorite…

  1. The first day I arrived back at The Foundation after a long year away, my host brother and new staff member Julio and I both started crying as soon as we saw each other.
  1. The first time that one of our volunteers, Mia, conjugated a verb in the past tense everyone in the room started cheering for her. She is relatively new to Spanish speaking so this was a very exciting accomplishment.
English Students/Soccer Coaches
  1. One night after working at The Foundation all day, I mentioned to my host brother, Anderson, that I have my Spanish grammar lessons with me. He was so excited and immediately had me pull them out. We took turns testing each other on how to conjugate different irregular verbs. He was much better at it than I was.
  1. At one of the regular Saturday movie nights at The Foundation, it was really cool to see Starfish Scholar Arelisa take charge. Arelisa was one of the first students I felt close to last year and coming back a year later I have been able to see so much growth. She stood at the main entry collecting money, making change, and maintaining order (not always an easy task when working with a bunch of kids!).
  1. This hilarious moment when a street vendor was trying to sell me candy that embodies many of my experiences in Ecuador:
  •  Vendor: Try this candy!
  • Me: What is it?
  • Vendor: Just try it.
  • Me: Ok, but what is it?
  • Vendor: Yeah, try it, it is delicious.
  • Me: Ok… Wow it actually is really good.
  • Vendor: Yes, I know.
  1.  After my host niece’s first birthday party the whole family was exhausted and no one wanted to cook. So Andres, my host brother, and I cooked Salchipapas. AKA French fries with fried hotdogs on top. We all ate on the couches (something we NEVER do) and watched a movie together. It was a perfect family day.
My Host Family
  1. In June, I had the opportunity to meet three Peace Corps volunteers at a different nonprofit here in Guayaquil. I am graduating from university in a year so Peace Corps has been one of my options for post-grad. After meeting them, I felt so inspired and excited by the work that they are doing. In July, I applied for the Peace Corps!
  1. My host mom is a Evangelical Christian so her family has some different customs and rules that I am not accustomed to. I often got teased and told on (in a fun, family way) when I painted my nails, wore makeup, and joked about my fake boyfriend. One of my favorite moments was with my host siblings when our mom was at church. As soon as she left, my host sister plucked my brother’s and my eyebrows. We felt so naughty and it was super fun. Lo siento mamá!
  1. A new and recurring moment that has been happening in my host home is Paula, the one year old, says “hola” and waves to me every time she sees me. Even if it is only five seconds later than the previous time. The whole family cracks up every time and it makes me feel so loved and included.
  1. At the end of the day, what excites me about this work is seeing the change that is made in our students’ lives. One very tangible moment of this was when one of our students, Maria, ran over to another volunteer and me with happy tears in her eyes to tell us that she was chosen to receive one of our scholarships. She told us how hard she has been working and how life has not been easy for her lately. These are the moments that matter.
Last day!

Thank you to all the staff and students of The Starfish Foundation for making my summer so memorable. Los quiero por siempre.

Interns for Justice July 22nd – July 28th

By

Hi everyone!

 

My name is Kate and I have been serving my time in the community of New Columbia! A lot has been happening since my last blog post, and I am tremendously excited to share with you what we have done! I currently work with a group of refugee children in the New Columbia neighborhood. I also began my own project in New Columbia in which I mentor high school students about college. This includes, deciding on schools, filling out applications, understanding financial aid and things such as simply deciding what to study. In addition to all of that, I attended a Congolese women’s group for five weeks and celebrated their official launch of their group called “Open Door.”

In New Columbia the group of youth I work alongside wonderful creative minds that have really engaged in the coursework that I have presented and facilitated with them. As a group we have learned about four main mental health challenges, which include, anxiety, post traumatic stress disorder, depression and eating disorders (anorexia, bulimia and binge eating). I teach the group a lesson and put together a group activity for each meeting. We began by trying to define these mental health challenges ourselves, then defining as a group and then defining them based on research. The youth have learned some of the signs and symptoms one might experience or face if they have one of the mental health challenges, and we are currently working on how to take action when someone is experiencing one of these challenges.

My heart rings for these youth because I know many of them experience at least one or more of these challenges, so I have focused our group activities mainly on expressive art therapy. The youth love to paint, and so we have painted garden pots and planted flowers to demonstrate that we can grow from our challenges. We also are currently working on a project where the youth are creating motivational posters that can be posted around the community, to raise awareness for helping those with mental illness, and providing them with resources to seek the care they might need to help and recover.

As my time in New Columbia is nearing it’s end we decided on doing one big group community outreach. Since, we have used expressive art therapy as an activity to process our own experiences we have decided we are going to do a giant mural on a canvas. One of the youth came up with the idea that we would paint a giant smiling face, and inside the smiling face would be the faces of hundreds of different emotions. I wish I could show you the final result because many of these youth are extremely talented when it comes to art! I loved working with the youth, so I have decided that I will help facilitate the group once or twice a month when my IFJ position ends. I value this community so deeply, and I love to see them thrive.

My mentoring position is something I find a lot of joy in. Many of the students I work with have never imagined or even dreamed of going to college and getting an education, but after being connected with resources they realize they have the amazing opportunity to discover themselves and further their education. I currently mentoring a refugee who wants to study international studies because she aspires to work in refugee camps one day. I also am mentoring a student who just completed their nursing school application for Concordia University. I am also working with another student, who is preparing to enter college in one week at Fisk University. I have helped her gain access to her resources, and guided her on her beginning journey towards medical school. I mentor many other students, and the time I spend with all these students fills my heart with so much joy because I know they will thrive in any path they strive towards during their college career.

Lastly, I have been attending a Congolese women’s group which has been, so incredibly inspiring. These women have started this group themselves, and within the group they have found joy in sharing their culture, language and home with many. We celebrated their official naming of their group which is, “Open Door.” The story behind this is absolutely amazing. When many of these families arrived from overseas to the United States, they experienced an overwhelming sense of loneliness many of them did not yet have a place to live, and they were forced and blessed to live with one another, until time could provide for them. As they have grown and began their new lives here in the United States, they take pride in always having their doors open for anyone who is experiencing homelessness amidst their transition to life in America, and have provided them with the love, care and support they might need to begin their new life here. This group truly inspires me and I am so lucky to have witnessed such strong women grow together for a wonderful purpose.

I love the time I have spent in New Columbia; it has been one of the most rewarding experiences I have ever been able to be a part of. I have decided to leave you with this quote that one of the youth shared with me other day. It is something that she holds close to her heart in times of struggle.

 

“When the world says “give up”, hope whispers “try it one more time.”

 

Interns for Justice: July 10-14 (by Gabriela)

By

Hello, I am Gabriela Riegos and I am doing my Interns for Justice at Providence Medical Center’s Summer Camp and Randall’s Children’s Hospital as a floor volunteer.

This week I have CJ as a buddy, I have been hearing about her for a while and its this news story that makes her journey at Providence very special.

http://www.oregonlive.com/portland/index.ssf/2015/03/a_tender_love_story_played_out.html

My favorite quote from this article:

“You may feel that it was I who gave CJ something,” Alsbury said. “She taught me what real love is all about.”

Being at Providence as an Intern for Justice has truly taught me about love.

If you choose to read the story, you may have noted the mention of CJ’s mom. I actually meet her today, her and CJ’s young sister named Arianna.  It felt surreal to meet a parent of a child in a place like Providence. They know its for the best, but I could see a sense of sadness in her eyes as she rubbed CJ’s arm. She was worried that Arianna was bored so I invited the 7 year old to come to to our last activity of the day. It was fun to see thru Arianna’s eyes, who I am sure has come to Providence many a times, she was familiar with a few faces and really wanted to engage in the baseball/hang man game we were playing in the multi-purpose room of the children center. She had her hand on CJ’s chair the whole time, we pushed her together, running to bases or to the ball or to tag an unlucky member of the other time. Arianna was giggling and having such a fun time. Cj was as well, she expresses herself in shaking the toy she has attached to her chair and sometimes even random burst of gleeful exclamations. Though the week is not over yet, this was on of the best days yet! Maybe even for the summer! Being able to see the love that these sisters have for each other, the love the Therapeutic aids (the people in charge of documenting the development of the children and creating activities to further their development) have for their jobs and the love that the children have for their buddies -it all just gives a new meaning to what love means.

Interns for Justice: June 26-30 (by Mikki Spangler)

By

Hola a todos!

My name is Mikki Spangler and I have the pleasure of being an Intern for Justice this summer. I am going into my senior year at UP with a psychology major and a Spanish minor. Although the University of Portland has been my home for the last three years and I can’t wait to return to the bluff, this summer has made me more excited for graduation than ever. My current internship has made me feel motivated and empowered to continue doing similar work to that which I am currently doing.

This summer, I am serving in Guayaquil, Ecuador with The Starfish Foundation. Starfish is a relatively new foundation that functions as a before or afterschool supplement to the education that the kids are receiving at school. We are located in Flor de Bastión, a very impoverished neighborhood in Guayaquil. We have three main principles: scholarship, tutoring, and leadership development. First, scholarship is very important because many of these students would not be able to afford school without it. Although the public schools here are technically free, students have to provide their own supplies, uniforms, and transportation fare. Second, tutoring is what we do on a daily basis. Students come for four to six hours weekly for homework help and reinforcement. This is great because it is very easy for students to get overlooked here and to stay behind if they don’t understand something. Our staff makes sure that each student receives the individual attention that they deserve. Staff also provides different lessons that encourage creative thinking and can appeal to all types of learners. Finally, all scholarship students participate in regular leadership development days. These all have different themes and activities that encourage students to work together and build each other up.

I had the opportunity to volunteer with The Starfish Foundation last summer for one month. On a day-to-day basis I would help students with English homework, translate for another volunteer’s English class, assist with other tasks, but most importantly I would spend time with the kids. My favorite part of every day was when tutoring was over and everyone would go outside for snack and soccer (fútbol!). This year I am back for three months as the volunteer coordinator. I am busy working with volunteers while at the same time trying to improve the program for the future.

At the end of the day, we are building community, connection, and relationships. That is why I am spending my summer in Ecuador.

Parque Historico de Guayaquil, Ecuador

 

Paz y amor,

Mikki Spangler

Interns for Justice: June 19-23 (by Katie Sierka)

By

Hello, my name is Katie and I am one of the Interns for Justice this summer. This summer I am pursuing my service in the Northeast Portland community of New Columbia. I am working alongside Assefash Melles who is a mental health therapist that works with the African communities of Portland. In New Columbia, Assefash has developed a small group of youth that come together every Tuesday and Thursday to talk about certain topics. Together, this summer we are working together to develop a program that is centered upon Mental Health Literacy (MHL).

 

I decided I wanted to be an Intern for Justice this summer because I believe there is something beautiful about giving your time and energy to something your passionate about with your whole heart. There is something so incredibly overpowering and unique about just BEING with others. It is something so simple yet, I find myself too often times then not struggling to live in the moment and really devoting my time and energy to those around me. I love that with this project I am able to devote my whole heart to the people of New Columbia. Although, I will be sharing my knowledge of mental health with the community here, I know I am going to learn far more from the people that I am with. Living and being in community with one another has sparked so much joy in my heart.

 

A little more about the group I am working with this summer…

 

Many of the youth we work with are refugees who recently arrived in the United States, or whose families have found refuge in the United States for many years. The youth we are working with range from 5th graders to 8th graders. They are an energetic young group full of many ideas and opinions. We recently just began our Mental Health Literacy Project this week. Our days are full of conversation, activities and laughter. This week’s topic is Mental Wellness, and we have been strategizing and coming up with ways we can keep our mind healthy and strong.  We also have discussed how important our physical health helps maintain our mental health.

 

One of my favorite memories from this week was when at the end of our session, we each shared one thing that brings us joy. One of the girls shared how much she loves singing. She shared how when life gets overwhelming or when she feels sad, she sings. Singing for her helps let everything go and reminds her of her happiest memories. Thus, in light of our discussion she sang Amazing Grace for us, and her voice was one of the most beautiful and influential thing I have heard. It was a beautiful way to end our session.

 

Many of the youth we work have been through some sort of trauma, along with adjusting to a new life in the United States, and with this in mind we have create four core components for our community work. The first core component of our community work is recognizing mental health issues and their cause. Second, supporting youth with access to services. Third, to possess an attitude conducive to seeking help. Fourth, increasing community acceptance and understanding. The ultimate purpose of creating this group is helping youth in their journey to healing. I am more than excited to begin jumping into the curriculum I have been preparing for this group, and I can’t wait to share more with you.

 

In addition to my Mental Health Literacy project, I have recently begun the process of developing a mentoring program for high school students and high school graduates in New Columbia. This weekend I will be meeting with a small group of students to discuss establishing a formal group. The vision for this group is to provide information, resources and mentorship in each student’s journey towards pursuing a college education.

 

Although, my time in New Columbia has just begun, I look forward to all the challenges and victories that are ahead of us. I have attached a photograph of the youth space we facilitate our group discussions in. Thank you to everyone for the unending support to get this project started!

 

Well wishes,

Katie

 

 

Interns for Justice: June 12-16 (by Gabriela)

By

Hello, my name is Gabriela and I am an IFJ this summer at Providence Center for Medically Fragile Children and Randall’s Children Hospital. I love working with children and with the support of the Moreau Center I am able to give my time to both of these amazing health care centers. Though I am not looking for a career in the medical field, I chose to work with children in hospital settings due to the amount of vulnerability that occurs. I am hoping to become a Child Life Specialist, which is a non-medical resource that really plays into the mental health aspect of being in a hospital.

I have been in the application process with both of these organization for over a month now, from applications to interviews to background checks and trainings,  this has been a very detailed and organized process. Through this I have learned about all of the tiny but important details that go into working in a hospital setting. Being an IFJ is such an honor and I really hope that I can end this summer having built a community that will want me to continue volunteering into the fall. Just from the first initial people I have interacted with have been so excited and honest about the work they do, like Maddie the Child Life Assistant who will be my point person at Randall’s and Karen the volunteer coordinator/program director at Providence.

Here are links to the places I am volunteering if you would like to learn more:

http://www.legacyhealth.org/health-services-and-information/health-services/for-children-a-z/child-life-program.aspx
http://oregon.providence.org/our-services/c/center-for-medically-fragile-children/

I am excited to really hit the ground running come June 26th, which will include my last training at Randall’s before I am officially a volunteer and my first day at Providence.

 

Wish me luck!

-Gabriela