Twenty year-old John J. joined the Institute's AmeriCorps Program "Bringing New Jersey Together" when, for personal reasons, he took a year off from his studies as a pre-med student at a prestigious university. John, though obviously an astute young man, was extremely shy and unsure of his ability to serve the disadvantaged. He was placed in the Institute's Refugee Resettlement Program as a Refugee Medical Specialist. He was responsible for fulfilling the mandate from the national Office of Refugee Resettlement that refugees receive initial medical screenings and he ensured that clients obtained follow-up medical care. John accompanied clients who were apprehensive on these medical visits and interpreted when necessary. As part of his assignment, John served out of the Jersey City Family Health Center and the Center for Family Health in Hoboken. He also led group presentations to the Korean and Vietnamese communities on the availability of local medical services. John had never really been exposed to individuals who were forced to survive on very little income and who needed services for which they were unable to access easily. This experience lit his fire. He was tenacious in his responsibilities and he responded more sensitively to the needs of the disadvantaged. At the end of his service, John noted that he had blossomed during his tenure; he knew he would be a more compassionate doctor; and that, when the time came, he would be committed to devoting some of his practice to those who would not otherwise be able to access such services. In short, AmeriCorps helped nurture John's sense of service from which society will be the beneficiary. "Bringing New Jersey Together" places its members here at the Institute and at other partner agencies in Hudson County to carry out a variety of tasks aimed at assisting immigrants and refugees access needed services. Some partner agencies include The Jersey City Public Schools, The Jersey City Medical Center, The City Family Health Center, and The Committee for the Absorption of Soviet Emigres (C.A.S.E.). Services provided by members at their host sites are outreach, interpreting, translations, referrals, case work, tutoring, mentoring escorting clients to various government agencies, and coordinating events. AmeriCorps is a national service program that engages over a million Americans of all ages and backgrounds in rebuilding communities by meeting educational, public safety, environmental and human needs. In exchange for a year or two of service, full time members (1700 hrs a year; 35 hrs/week) receive a small stipend of $10,900 and an educational award of $4725. Part-time members (900 hrs a year; 20 hrs/week) receive a stipend of $5,450 and an educational award of $2,362.50. Childcare and health benefits are available to all full-time members. In addition, loan deferment for school loans and training to increase members' marketability are also provided. Program year begins August 31, 2006 and ends December 31, 2007. Recruitment is ongoing. Applicants must submit a completed AmeriCorps application, a copy of their resume, 2 letters of reference, a copy of their high school diploma or college transcript, a copy of their social security card and a copy of their American passport, American birth certificate, or green card ( www.americorps.gov ). For more
information, please call Sharon Fitzpatrick |
