Announcement
The inclusion of linguistic support has proven valuable in fostering an engaging cohort learning space.
From October 2023 to April 2024, the International Rescue Committee in New Jersey (IRC in NJ) offered its second cohort cycle of the Women in Action (WIA) program to women arriving as refugees. Building on the success of last year's cohort, the IRC in NJ served seven women compared to five in cohort one. The program ran for 15 weeks, compared to the first cycle, which ran for 11 weeks.
Maryam Kardoush, the Career Development Specialist, continues to deliver an enriching curriculum to participants. Topics included Introduction and Orientation, Goal Setting, Health and Wellness, a Community Engagement trip to the Jersey City Public Library, Working in America, and Family Finance. Women in the program especially enjoyed the topics of financial literacy and job readiness!
The WIA program saw notable enhancements in participants' linguistic and literacy needs, which resulted from successful enrollments in ESL classes at the Jersey City public library. Partnership with Welcome Home Jersey City played a key role in the program's success. Welcome Home has been a cornerstone in providing essential wrap-around services, including demonstrations on how to use EBT cards, community-based support, and interpretation services. They have collaborated with the IRC in NJ since 2021, offering financial capabilities programs, such as tax season assistance and employment support.
When presented with the opportunity to partner with Welcome Home, the IRC in NJ was pleased to align its programming with their Fun Club. Participants enjoyed dinners, arts and crafts, games, and conversational ESL practice as part of this enrichment club. By addressing fundamental barriers such as transportation, food, and, where possible, childcare, the Fun Club helped optimize the impact of the Women in Action program.
Maryam explains: " Many Afghan ladies who are members of the Welcome Home Fun Club program shared an interest in Women in Action. Some couldn't join this cohort due to childcare constraints, yet seeing their eagerness to participate in future sessions was delightful. This enthusiasm underscored for me the positive community demand for such initiatives."
As mentioned, childcare was still a challenge. Many participants were mothers who juggled multiple responsibilities. To address this, the IRC in NJ collaborated with families to arrange childcare, with many fathers stepping in to support.
Thanks to the supportive environment fostered by Welcome Home's private classroom and partnership, participants could engage in honest conversations and have a fruitful learning experience.
Women in Action Graduation
Photo: Maryam Kardoush
Kenna from Welcome Home New Jersey also reflects, sharing: "I noticed how women attending WIA are so confident in themselves and dress their best every week. It was so nice to see. They felt the importance of being valued and appreciated."