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March 2024
“A refugee is someone who survived and who can create the future.
Amela Koluder
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During Women's History Month, as we reflect on the remarkable qualities of hard work, perseverance, and dedication demonstrated by women throughout history, we are inspired to seek out contemporary exemplars of these traits. Nidhal Mohsin, the current Cultural Orientation Specialist at NCASC, shines brightly as one such example.
Originally from Baghdad, Iraq, Nidhal pursued her education at the Baghdad College of Arts in the 1990s. Her professional journey began with roles at Iraq TV and later the National Democratic Institute of Iraq and RTI International, headquartered in Durham, NC. However, with Iraq's escalating instability post-2003, Nidhal grew increasingly concerned about her children's future amidst the violence. Her family qualified for a special immigrant visa (SIV), allowing them to resettle in High Point, facilitated by World Relief in 2009. Despite not working initially, Nidhal remained engaged by volunteering at High Point Library and later with High Point Head Start, where she discovered AmeriCorps. Joining AmeriCorps from 2014 to 2016, she taught citizenship classes at the Center for New North Carolinians’ community center and later did the same at Church World Service. She concurrently pursued further education at GTCC and NCAT, graduating with a Master's Degree in Adult Education. Additionally, she balanced the above with teaching Arabic at a local mosque for seven years and worked as a substitute teacher for Guilford County Schools. Nidhal joined NCASC in 2018, serving first as Volunteer Coordinator before assuming her current role as Cultural Orientation Specialist.
When asked about her passion for her work at NCASC, Nidhal emphasizes her love for people and her commitment to guiding them through their resettlement journey. Drawing from her own experiences, she strives to set realistic expectations and address significant challenges, such as language barriers, acknowledging the reluctance of some to adapt to their new lives in the US. Despite the hurdles, Nidhal remains steadfast, advocating for resilience and adaptability, qualities she embodies herself.
| M.O.R.E. Financial Literacy training | |
The Links, Incorporated Greensboro Chapter is a long standing community partner who provides annual financial literacy sessions in partnership with NCASC. We are grateful for your dedication to improve the lives of others through service. The M.O.R.E Financial literacy training provides invaluable information and resources to help newly arrived refugees gain a better understanding of how to be financially savvy in their new community
| Spotlighting NCASC's Social Workers | |
Kalyn Brown
-Preferred Communities Coordinator/Lead Intensive Case Manager
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Kalyn Brown, a commited social worker at the North Carolina African Services Coalition (NCASC), reflects on her journey into the field with a profound sense of calling. She believes that it wasn't she who chose social work, but rather that "social work chose me." For Kalyn, being a social worker is not just a profession, but a deeply ingrained lived experience that allows her to connect with individuals on a profound level. Having overcome challenges with the help of mentors and family members, Kalyn is driven by a desire to give back and empower others to do the same.
The most fulfilling aspect of Kalyn's work lies in witnessing positive outcomes. She is motivated by the opportunity to enhance people's lives, and seeing tangible improvements is what fuels her passion every day. Kalyn finds immense joy in observing the transformation of individuals from the moment they seek assistance to the moment they leave, visibly transformed and empowered by their own success.
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Aichatou Katakpaou, a dedicated social worker, and case manager in NCASC’s PC program, was initially drawn to the field due to her personal connection as an immigrant. Her own experiences of adjusting to a new life imbued her with a profound empathy for immigrants and refugees, fueling her desire to assist others facing similar challenges. Within the flexible and versatile realm of social work, Aichetou finds fulfillment in supporting diverse groups in need.
When reflecting on the most rewarding aspect of their work,
Aichetou expresses a deep satisfaction in helping individuals achieve self-sufficiency. Witnessing her clients flourish in the United States and ultimately attain citizenship fills Aichetou with a sense of purpose and passion each day. This journey of empowerment is a uniquely beautiful process,one that Aichetou cherishes as a privilege to witness and be a part of.
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Wosen Negussie
-R.A.C.E. Counselor
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Wosen Negusie, Refugee Academic and Cultural Education Program (RACE) coordinator at NCASC is originally from Ethiopia and immigrated to the United States with a Bachelor's degree in Sociology from her home country. However, she encountered challenges in securing employment with her Ethiopian degree, leading her to pursue further education. UNC Greensboro accepted some of her credits, and she ultimately graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology before obtaining her Master's in Social Work in 2017.
Motivated by a desire to draw from her own experience as a guide in assisting others, Wosen aimed to support young people, particularly refugees, in navigating the US educational system. When asked about her favorite aspect of her job, Wosen expresses immense satisfaction in helping refugee youth achieve their educational goals and complete college. She considers them her "kids" and finds attending their graduation ceremonies to be incredibly rewarding, symbolizing the culmination of their hard work and determination.
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Elrick Richburg
-Social Work Intern
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After serving over two decades in the military, Elrick Richburg needed to figure out his next steps. He had always enjoyed serving others in the community through volunteering and thought about a career where he could help others. “I just love people, I love to see them succeed and do better,” he says.” Elrick chose the Social Work program through UNCG and NCA&T and was placed with NCASC through an internship. Elrick says his time at NCASC has been amazing. “I love it here,” he says. “I get to meet so many different people from all over the world. And they treat you like family here. It’s a great place to intern.” When asked about his plans next month when he graduates, he says he wants to find a career where he can continue helping others make the most of their lives.
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Dadoush Alyamama Ghasan, a Syrian refugee who arrived late last year, is a devoted housewife aspiring to support her family financially while staying at home. Possessing a talent for baking desserts and pastries, she recognized an opportunity to turn her skill into a viable business venture. Determined to realize her goal, she approached the NCASC’s Triad Refugee Business Center (TRBC) seeking support and guidance. TRBC assists refugees in achieving economic self-sufficiency, supports refugee communities in building capital resources, and aids refugees in establishing credit history and improving their credit scores. Tailored to empower individuals seeking to establish small businesses, the program provides financial support in the form of accessible loans. Recognizing the potential of skilled refugees, particularly women, the agency prioritizes initiatives that enable economic self-sufficiency while respecting cultural and familial responsibilities. Alymama’s loan is helping to kickstart her pastry-making enterprise, allowing her to harness her baking talent to generate income for her family while maintaining her role as a caregiver. With the agency’s assistance, her loan application was approved, marking the beginning of her entrepreneurial journey. | |
RACE SCHOLARS OF THE MONTH | |
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Ebthial Gebrel is a junior at Dudley High School. Since her arrival, Ebthial has participated in a number of our Refugee Academic & Cultural Enrichment (RACE) Program camps and workshops. In addition to being fluent in Arabic and English, She has completed professional interpreter training. Originally from Sudan, she continues her successful transition and serves as a great example for her siblings to follow.
Ebthial Gebrel’s hard work will continue to reap big rewards for her in the future. She is very active in our community through her participation in our Annual Unity Walk and World Refugee Day events. Ebthial’s work in the University of North Carolina at Greensboro’s (UNCG) Writing and Coding Boot Camps has provided her with invaluable knowledge and experience. She plans to continue utilizing her opportunities to work with us and our community partners to narrow her decisions regarding her career and educational paths.
We look forward to working with Ebthial Gebrel an additional year. We congratulate Ebthial for being one of our Scholars of the Month and look forward to her continued success within our program and beyond.
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Nawafel Mohamed is a junior at Western Guilford High School. Originally from Sudan, Nawafel spent some time in Egypt before arriving in the United States of America. She is fluent in Arabic and English and has been an active and motivated member of our Refugee Academic & Cultural Engagement (RACE) Program upon her arrival in Guilford County. Nawafel’s interests include arts and crafts and completing service-learning hours. She is also a member of Western Guilford’s Service Learning Club.
Nawafel Mohamed has been tremendously active in her pursuit of post-secondary educational opportunities. Currently, Nawafel desires to major in Interior Design. She is also looking to minor in a field that is complementary to an Interior Design degree. Nawafel has participated in a number RACE structured camps and workshops to prepare herself for college and beyond. Her participation in UNCG’s Coding Boot Camp and Community Writing Voice Camps has been instrumental to her success.
We are tremendously proud of Nawafel Mohamed and the example she has been for her siblings. We look forward to celebrating her continued success. Congratulations to Nawafel Mohamed for being one of our Scholars of the Month!
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What's Happening in Burlington | |
Obtaining Self Sufficency through Employment | |
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Since the opening of NCASC’s Burlington office in October, several of our clients and their families have begun to make new lives in the area. One of the most important aspects of self-sufficiency and integration in the community is employment, and assisting our clients find jobs is one of the agency’s top priorities. The key to achieving this is building strong relationships with local employers, demonstrating to them the benefits of hiring hardworking newcomers. Ange Imani and Dezy Iloco are two recent success stories. They both arrived around Christmas and by March case manager Yadiel Shiferaw had secured them both full time jobs that could support their families.
Imani is very grateful and says, “I want to thank the North Carolina African Services Coalition for helping me as I start a new chapter in America. Your Support for newcomers like me is excellent, especially in learning about life in America. Thanks for assisting me getting my first job here. With your help, I believe I can make a positive impact in my new surroundings. Thanks for your time and support.”
Iloko shares the sentiment. “I want to thank the American government for accepting me and for all the support it's giving to me and the American people who have welcomed me and showed me love and made me feel like home. I'm more grateful to you than words can express.”
NCASC is proud to be part of their journey and will continue to help make our newcomer families successful in transitioning to their new lives.
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Scan the QR code or click the image to see ways you can get involved to partner with ASC to help welcome and serve our newest neighbors! Please share with friends! | | | | |
