World Cup Fever Hits MCRC Coming Events  July 4—Independence Day  July 4—MCRC CLOSED

MULTICULTURAL COMMUNITY RESOURCE CENTER Volume 4, Issue 6 June 2014 o World Cup Fever Hits MCRC Coming Events July 4—Independence Day July 4—MCRC CLOSED Unataka kuangalia mpira wa miguu? July 5-27 — Tour de France You might hear that question in Swahili some- July 6-14 — Running of the Bulls where in East Africa or here in Erie as the World in Spain Cup is in full swing: “Do you want to watch soc- July 13—World Cup Final cer?” July 14 — Bastille Day In fact, you may hear it in many languages at the Multicultural Community Resource Center. July 28 — Ramadan Ends As televisions in homes, restaurants, and pubs are tuned into the Brazil games, some of the keenest followers of the World Cup can be found at the corner of East 10th and Ash Street where MCRC clients and employees – from five continents and countries large and small – have been talking about each and every game. Many nationalities competing in this year’s World Cup -- from Bosnia to Colombia -- are among MCRC’s client base. While their home countries Multicultural Community and the United States are their sentimental favor- Resource Center of Erie ites, many think other countries will hoist the tro- Richard Perhacs, Esq., Board President phy later in June. Joanna Cherpak, Executive Director Many in the MCRC community feel one of the tra- ditional powers from Europe or Latin America will MCRC Noticias Editorial Team: emerge victorious in the July 13 final. That’s the opinion of Albania native Salih Sejdiu, who thinks Cathie Whitmire, Education Manager Germany will capture its fourth title (the three previous were pre-unification as West Germany). Carol Pifer, RSS Elderly Program Manager Nathan Koble, Marketing Specialist Mirso Pruzljanin of Bosnia concurs with the Germany pick, though he saw his native country bow out dur- ing the first stage of the event. 554 East 10th St., Erie, PA 16503 Some are staying with their home country, as is the case with Elida Flores. She thinks Mexico will win its Ph: 814.455.0212 FAX: 814.453.2363 first World Cup this year. Email: [email protected] Indeed, spirit for the sport is strong at MCRC and in Erie, where from June 19-21 Erie hosted the fourth annual Bhutanese National Interstate Soccer Tournament, boasting 40 clubs from 23 states. Whether you call it soccer, futbol, or mpira wa miguu, you can always get a lively discussion about the world’s most popular sport at MCRC. V OLUME 4 , I SSUE 6 P AGE 2 Diversity Training and Consulting Program Completes Police Trainings The City of Erie Police Department recently partnered with the Multicultural Community Resource Center on a series of trainings designed to equip police with knowledge on the customs and cultures of some of Erie’s newest immigrant and refugee populations. The four-hour training sessions began in early April and extended until the end of May and were conducted by MCRC’s Diversity Training and Consulting program. Erie has received a large number of immigrants and refugees in recent years from Bhutan, Nepal, the Middle East, Africa, and Eastern Europe among other locations. The training sessions centered on the histories, cultures, and customs of the recent arrivals to assist police in servicing these populations. Specifically, the sessions addressed the refugee resettlement journey, diversity in communication, how to use interpreters effectively, and getting to know the Bhutanese/Nepali community of Erie. NAACP honoree and MCRC caseworker Fatima Ali Mohamed surround- ed by colleagues and friends at the Ambassador Center May 31. “The face of the Erie community has changed significantly in the last few years. In order for our law enforcement to better MCRC Caseworker Honored By NAACP serve the public, having knowledge of these cultures is para- mount in their jobs. We are honored that Chief (Randy) Bow- On May 31, Refugee Social Services caseworker Fatima Ali Mohamed ers has engaged our Diversity Program to assist with the edu- was honored by the local chapter of the NAACP. She was presented cation of his officers,” said MCRC Executive Director Joanna with the NAACP’s Freedom Award in recognition of her ongoing Cherpak. work with Erie’s African American community and immigrants. A staff member here at MCRC since 2004, Fatima has also been an ac- Safety a Priority at MCRC tive member of the African Women Association of Erie since 2001. In both organizations, she assists families: in becoming accustomed to The recent rash of gun violence in east Erie’s neighborhoods American society and culture, accessing local services, and building have caught the attention of the area’s residents and the the skills they need to become self-sufficient. Fatima says, “I love businesses and social service agencies that serve them. working at MCRC and helping the people we serve.” Her colleagues here at MCRC wish to extend our congratulations on her receipt of The Multicultural Community Resource Center has long prid- this award, and thank her for her continued work on behalf of our ed itself on its role in the immediate neighborhood. Not clients and the city at large. only has it provided some of the city’s most effective social services for many years, it also provides a feeling of safe ha- ven for anyone who enters its doors. Erie Gives Day set for August 12 MCRC will continue to serve these roles as the summer of One of the simplest ways to donate to 2014 continues with the same steadfast approach that has MCRC will take place August 12. That’s marked its nearly 40 years. This was expressed in a recent when the Fourth Annual Erie Gives Day message to the MCRC community from Executive Director will take place, an event that allows you to Joanna Cherpak. donate online and support the agency’s ongoing programming. “This is our neighborhood, our building and our agency,” wrote Cherpak. “We need to stand up to the violence and Simply visit www.eriegives.org between 8 say ‘no more.’“ a.m. and 8 p.m. that day to securely donate via credit card. You can also visit the site before August 12 to learn more about the event or contact MCRC at any time to learn how your donations can support the work of the agency. V OLUME 4 , I SSUE 6 P AGE 3 Chris Laird (center) with students Rafad Gadu of Sudan and Guan Fang of China. Volunteer Spotlight: Chris Laird This month we're featuring Chris Laird in our volunteer spotlight. Chris began volunteering with MCRC in February 2014. He re- tired from his career as an engineer in June 2013 and moved back up to Erie from Pittsburgh to spend his summers sailing on Lake Erie. Prior to finding MCRC, a friend had asked Chris if he was aware of the 5,000 Bhutanese refugees living in Erie. This conversation sparked his curiosity and he wanted to learn more. He found out about MCRC and applied as a general volunteer. He was placed within the education department as a volunteer instructor and tutor. He teaches 3 hours a week, one hour every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Over the past few months, Chris has learned to teach an interest- ing and dynamic class to classes ranging from 2-5 students. When asked about teaching, he stated, "If you want to under- Meet Your Neighbor at stand something, teach it to someone else." That proves to be completely true for Chris. He has learned much more than just Horan Garden Apartments the fact that there are 5,000 Bhutanese in the city. He uses many different materials, bringing the real world into the classroom. Examples include newspapers, pictures, and the history of Erie. On Friday June 6, the Learning Center participated in the annual On one occasion, a student saw a job listing in the newspaper Meet Your Neighbor Day Celebration. The purpose is to invite all and Chris arranged an interview. He also uses pictures as a way the residents of the apartments to meet one another, build a sense for students to expand their vocabulary. of community and to learn about the services that are provided to When asked what his favorite part about volunteering at MCRC them. For the past three years, the Multicultural Community Re- is, Chris excitedly said, "The clicks! When a student understands source Center – Learning Center has participated and continued something, whether that be a new word or new concept. The more clicks the better!" Chris has definitely been helping the with the theme of Diversity. The goal is to encourage individuals to students attain these "clicks" and here at MCRC we are so thank- learn about each other’s cultures through food and activities. Resi- ful to have him helping our students expand their English profi- dents were encouraged to buy tickets and sample the foods that ciency. Thank you for your enthusiasm and creative approaches are made by students attending the ESL classes at the Learning to English with the students, Chris! Center. V OLUME 4 , I SSUE 6 P AGE 4 Let Mosaico Give you a Boost Does the summertime have you thinking of a career change? Are you a business owner looking to hire? Then visit www.mosaicoerie.com to learn of Mosaico Employment Services and what may be the next step in your career or business pursuits. Mosaico meets the needs of both the employer and the employee in the hiring process, with the goal of helping to bridge the employment gap and building a workforce community throughout Erie and Northwestern Pennsylvania.

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