NSC - just logo NSC's Voice
...in the Community
Serving Immigrants and Refugees since 1921

Spring 2009
In This Issue......
"Don't Forget Me"
Tickets Available Online! 2009 Global Tastes Event
PA Secretary of Aging Visits NSC's Senior Center
Jefferson Public Health Students Give Health Communication Workshops to ESL Students
NSC Welcomes New Service Corps Members
"Don't Forget Me"
 
"Don't forget me." Those were the words printed on the back of a photograph handed to Company E Ranger Chuck Vaughn, by Trinh Nguyen, as Chuck left the war in Vietnam behind him and headed back to the United States. He never did forget his friend and comrade through the years. Their friendship and camaraderie helped them survive the horrors of war. Years later, Nationalities Service Center played a pivotal role in reuniting these friends, by helping to bring Trinh and his family to the United States as refugees.
 
Nguyen, a sergeant in the South Vietnamese army, served as an interpreter for the US Army. He formed a close bond with Vaughn, saying that "we were as close as brothers." When it was time for the company to return home, Chuck worried about the consequences for his Vietnamese friend, fearing that his work with the US Army would place him in great danger. In fact, Trinh was captured, tortured, and sent to a re-education camp, where he lived under atrocious living conditions and was forced to work while shackled by the ankles to over one hundred men at a time. Trinh spent nearly a year and a half at this camp, and then spent 14 years in a work camp in a rural area in Vietnam. After release, he still feared persecution and could not work at jobs that required a detailed description of his past. It was difficult living a life of secrecy, always fearing that his past would be discovered. There was very little Trinh could do for work.
 
Eventually, Trinh was able to access a computer and found the Company E website. He emailed Chuck, saying he was, in fact, alive! Their relationship picked up again, through email at first, and then in August 2007 Chuck and his fellow Rangers worked together to bring Trinh and his wife to the United States for a reunion of their company. When Trinh returned to Vietnam from their visit Chuck enlisted the help of Nationalities Service Center. NSC helped obtain refugee status for Trinh, his wife and three children, through a program that provided refugee status in the US for Vietnamese re-education camp survivors.
 
This June, Trinh and his family arrived at Philadelphia International airport to a tearful welcome by Chuck and his family, NSC Case Manager Sarah Robyn, and NSC's Development Director Kathrin Ivanovic. Chuck explained at the airport that it is the Rangers' motto to "never leave a fallen Ranger behind."  He added, "We were proud to finally get the last man out."
 
Helping Trinh and his family come to the US was only the beginning of the services NSC provided.  NSC helps refugees to integrate into American society and become self reliant community members. In addition to the health screenings and vaccinations NSC helps arrange for all of our refugee clients, we are connecting him (through our partnership with Jefferson University Hospital) to expert medical treatment for the spinal cord and other physical injuries Trinh suffered as a result of being tortured.
 
Trinh is also benefiting from NSC's new Survivors of Torture program, which seeks to provide survivors of torture and their families access to comprehensive and culturally competent medical, mental health, legal, educational and social assistance to facilitate their recovery from trauma and successful integration into their new surroundings. NSC also offers families like the Nguyens ESL classes and employment placement, both vital aspects of success for newly arrived refugees. Both of Trinh's sons have found employment with NSC's help, and his daughter hopes to enroll in college courses in the near future. NSC is helping to prepare her, through ESL classes and tutoring, to pass the TOEFL English Proficiency Test and to improve her vocabulary and writing skills. NSC has also helped Trinh obtain a driver's license, an essential step in helping him find employment and move his family towards self sufficiency.
 
When asked of his new life here in the US, Trinh said he just wants to be a good citizen. Before coming to the US he made the decision to completely leave Vietnam, his way of thinking and his way of living behind. He began thinking of all the things he would need to change mentally to fully fit into American society. It is his nature to give the most to the country he hoped to call home.  He said, "I am American. All I can hope for Vietnam is peace. I will visit there, but I am an American and I will die in the US." Chuck and Trinh's friendship, which continues today in Philadelphia, is different now. They meet from time to time, and the only question of survival is helping Trinh and his family adjust to their new home.
 
If you would like to help refugee families like the Nguyens, please consider donating household goods to NSC's Refugee Resettlement Program. Please contact Zakariya Ismael at 215.893.8400 x 1556 or [email protected] for more information.

2009 Global Tastes
Buy Tickets Here

IWD - Burmese Woman

Celebrating Philadelphia's Diverse Communities Through Food


Join us as we honor
Mayor Michael A Nutter with NSC's 1st
Beacon of Justice Award


Entertainment by: Peter Tang's Chinese Ensemble

Wednesday, September 30, 2009
6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Penn Museum (University City)

Sponsorship Information

Entertainment Underwriting Opportunity

Participating Restaurants include:

Apamate
Chima Brazilian Steakhouse
Cuba! Restaurant
Dove Chocolate Discoveries
Gojjo Ethiopian Restaurant
Haitian Corner
Jamaican Jerk Hut
Pizza Rustica
Tequilas
The Rum Bar
Xochitl
Zesty's Greek Restaurant 

..and many more!

Event Platinum Sponsors


IWD - Burmese WomanIWD - Burmese Woman




Drucker (platinum sponsor)


PA Secretary of Aging Visits NSC's Senior Center Open House
 
NSC's Senior Center hosted an open House on June 1, 2009 to welcome new potential clients from the neighborhood. Elders decorated the Center and prepared Vietnamese, Cambodian and Chinese spring rolls and dumplings for all to enjoy. John Chen, owner of Dao Acupuncture Clinic, led a Tai Chi class.
 
NSC was honored to have Pennsylvania's Secretary of Aging, Michael Hall, in attendance at the event. The Open House served as an opportunity for him to learn more about the growing diversity in elder services for Philadelphia's elderly and for NSC to stress the importance of expanding services available to immigrant and refugee elders. The Open House allowed NSC to showcase the rich cultural opportunities offered at the Center. Thai Vat, a senior center member, created a traditional Vietnamese cut-out art piece that was presented to Secretary Hall during his visit to the Center. Mr. Hall commented later that NSC was one of the most unique senior centers he had seen during his tour of various senior centers in southeastern Pennsylvania.
 
The event was very successful, with over 90 people in attendance. We look forward to hosting this event next year.

To learn more about the many activities for provided at our Senior Center, contact Tara Swartzendruber-Landis at [email protected] or 215.324.7554.
Jefferson Public Health Students Give Health Communication Workshops to ESL Students

Members of Thomas Jefferson University's SAPHE group recently agreed to provide health communication lessons to NSC's English as a Second Language students on a volunteer basis. SAPHE (Safety Awareness and Public Health Education), a group of students involved primarily in the Public Health graduate program, create and administer health lessons on topics such as nutrition and exercise, patient-doctor communication, and recommended health screenings and immunizations.  

Aditi Kamdar, a Jefferson medical student, works with NSC's Education Department staff to prepare the lessons, while several Jefferson graduate students from the Public Health Program teach the classes.  

SAPHE students also share information about symptoms, prevention and basic medical care for common illnesses, good nutrition, exercise, and local health resources. The lessons, which are one hour long, have proved to be a great experience for both the Jefferson volunteers and NSC students.  

As a result of working with SAPHE volunteers, NSC's ESL students have become more self-confident about seeking medical attention and expressing their health concerns. The topics are an excellent addition to the Education Department's core curriculum, which focuses on English for everyday communication, finding and retaining employment, and helping parents help their school-aged children learn.
Advocating for Immigrants and Refugees

In addition to providing direct services to our immigrant and refugee clients, NSC advocates for change to federal and state policies regarding immigrants and refugees.  NSC is an active member of PICC (the Pennsylvania Immigration and Citizenship Coalition) and is a local member of the National Immigration Forum.
 
On June 3, 2009, Executive Director Dennis Mulligan led one of several advocacy teams for Pennsylvania Immigration and Citizenship Coalition's 1st Lobbying Day in Harrisburg. They spoke with four state representatives about the importance of comprehensive immigration reform, and reminded the elected officials of the vital contributions immigrants have made and continue to make to the state.
 
In May 2009 Dennis Mulligan and Director of Social Services Juliane Ramic met with legislative aids from Senators Specter and Senator Casey's offices in Washington, D.C. to press for increased federal funding for refugee resettlement programs.
 
In May 2009, Director of Education Ellen Polsky was appointed to the Board of Directors of Teachers Against Prejudice, a grass roots non-profit organization focused on increasing awareness of prejudice and discrimination and to examining its causes.  The group seeks open dialogue with and between students and educators from elementary school through college, and promotes understanding and respect for all through the critical exploration and analysis of films, television, and other media.
 
On January 23, 2009, Executive Director Dennis Mulligan testified before the Inter-American Committee on Human Rights about U.S. immigrant detention policies.
NSC Welcomes Six Service Corps
Members to Team! 

NSC is committed to improving lives, strengthening communities, and fostering civic engagement through service and volunteering. We are excited to welcome six new VISTA and Jesuit Volunteer Corps members to our agency!  

For 40 years VISTA has been helping bring communities and individuals out of poverty. Today, nearly 7,000 VISTA members serve in hundreds of nonprofit organizations and public agencies throughout the country - working to fight illiteracy, improve health services, increase housing opportunities, and bridge the digital divide.

VISTAThis year Nadia Barclay, Jennifer Ralston, Ingrid Pimsner, and Zakariya Ismael will serve NSC as AmeriCorps*VISTA members, helping us address our clients' growing social needs resulting from the economic downturn.

Nadia is a member of the Arab-American Resource Corp, a one-year AmeriCorp national direct service program. In this position, Nadia helps build the partnership between NSC and the Arab-American Community Development Corporation in Philadelphia. At NSC, she provides social services to Iraqi refugees, teaches orientation and transitional ESL classes.

Jennifer will serve as Development Associate working to expand NSC's capacity to provide vital housing and education services to immigrants in the Philadelphia area.

Ingrid will serve as Job Developer. In this important role on our employment team she will reach out to companies that might employ refugees, working to help them meet their need for hard-working, talented employees.

Zakariya will serve as Resource Development Associate in our Social Services Department, expanding NSC's resources for refugee resettlement. He will expand the capacity of our resettlement services by developing new partnerships for in-kind donations. He will also manage NSC's Social Services volunteer program. JVC

The Jesuit Volunteer Corps is a national and international program based in Baltimore and operated by five local program offices. Jesuit Volunteers make a commitment to serve where the need is greatest, to work with people who are marginalized by society, and to live in community with other Jesuit Volunteers.

This year Aimee Sarah George and Rachel Arciaga will serve as Jesuit Volunteer Corps members, providing vital resources to low-income clients who are served by our Legal and Social Services departments.  all.) She will be the coordinator for naturalization and citizenship services and will assist asylees and refugees applying for permanent resident status.

Aimee will continue the work of John Thompson, also a Jesuit Corps member, in our Legal Department. (John starts law school in Colorado this F
Rachel will play an important role in NSC's refugee resettlement program by supporting our case managers as a case aide.  In this role, she'll be tasked with locating housing, and setting up housing prior to our clients' arrival, and assisting with applications for public entitlements. 
Make A Contribution Today!

We hope that you have found this edition of NSC's Voice enjoyable and informative. Please take the time to forward this newsletter to your family, friends and colleagues. You are an integral part of our outreach efforts.

We also invite you to take an active role in our mission by donating to NSC. Your generous donation can make a significant impact in the lives of the individuals and families we serve. Your financial gift recognizes the special needs of newcomers by welcoming them and helping them to overcome obstacles to rebuilding their lives, connecting them to their new homes and facilitating access to resources, and empowering them to become self-sufficient and contributing members of the Greater Philadelphia community.

If you have any questions or wish to discuss your contribution to NSC, please contact Kathrin P. Ivanovic in our Development Department.
 
Join Our Mailing List
NSC On the Web
Nationalities Service Center:

Nationalities Service Center (NSC) is a nonprofit organization that provides social, educational, senior, translation and interpretation, and legal services to immigrants and refugees in the Greater Philadelphia area. Each year, we help approximately 4,000 individuals from over 90 countries.

Our mission is to help immigrants and refugees participate fully in American society. We implement this mission by meeting four main objectives:

  • Protecting legal rights
  • Strengthening families and promoting self-sufficiency
  • Eliminating barriers caused by language and cultural differences
  • Promoting public awareness of the benefits of diversity in American society

Contact Information:
1216 Arch Street
4th Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19107

Phone: 215.893.8400
Fax: 215.735.9718
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.nscphila.org