Political Instability has created a humanitarian crisis of epic proportions, and many have had to leave everything behind, including their families. People got onto planes without knowing where they would land. Some have been brought to our city- Worcester, MA. How can people reestablish their lives after all they have been through? How do you meet your basic needs in a culture where nothing is familiar, and you may not speak the language? The outpouring of help amidst so much uncertainty has been inspirational. However, our good intentions can put our new arrivals and their families at risk. We will hear from people with lived experience and expertise on resettlement efforts.
Dr. Karen Clark-Hoey is an Assistant Professor of Social Work at Springfield College. Dr. Sarah Stanlick is an Assistant Professor of Integrative and Global Studies at Worcester Polytechnic Institute. Mona Ives is the President of Ansaar of Worcester, Somaya Rajai is with RIAC, Captain Christopher Bersani, Psy.D is Behavioral Health Officer in Charge at the US Health Resources Services Administration and Noreen Johnson-Smith leads Central MA Afghan Resettlement and Response