Jefferson University

Ellie Cheung: For my narrative project, I decided to use the format of a pamphlet/brochure to illustrate the experiences of a former case manager at Nationalities Service Center (NSC). The former case manager is now the manager of INSPIRE, a group within NSC that serves immigrants and refugees with complex medical needs. The brochure is meant to give a brief introduction into the community that is served by INSPIRE and insight into the experiences as a case manager. 

Madison Smith: I had the opportunity to talk to an incredibly resilient community member in South Philadelphia who moved here from Burundi a few years ago. In her journey to Philadelphia, she spent years in a refugee camp where she didn’t know when her next meal was coming, all while raising 8 children. That was a very difficult time. After arriving in Philadelphia, she was able to get everything she needed for her family and therefore has been much happier since her move. In addition, she has created a community through Church, which has provided her and her family with a sense of comfort and belonging in an unfamiliar place. The families she’s bonded with at Church have been through a similar journey to get here, and they have shared everything with one another from food to stories to traditions. Something else that has been important to her is to recreate the same cultural traditions that she grew up with so that her children are able to continue to understand their culture despite being in a new place. Through these methods she has been able to make Philadelphia home.