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 train- ings designed to equip police with knowledge on the cus- toms 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 pro- gram. 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 ses- sions 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 com- munity 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 employ- ment gap and building a workforce community throughout Erie and Northwestern Pennsylvania.
The agency’s staff has more than 40 years of combined experience in placing individuals with local companies and building lasting, durable business relationships.
For more information on how we can help you as an employer look- ing for candidates, or as a job seeker looking for employment, con- tact an employment specialist at 814-464-0970. You can also stop by the Mosaico office located at 254 East 10th Street in Erie.
MCRC Partners with Porreco College
MCRC is pleased to partner with Porreco College of MCRC Elder Program would like to extend a thank you to Lois Edinboro University in its Thompson with Quantum Balance Erie and Selina Uglow with The Career Pathways program. W.A.Y. to Healthy Living for presenting a 45-minute Qi Gong session The program assists adult for the elders on June 17. Qi Gong is a practice of using slow con- and dislocated workers to trolled postures and deep breathing to help find balance and inner return to careers with fami- peace. It is rooted in Chinese medicine, philosophy and martial arts ly-sustaining wages, provid- and focuses on improving overall mind and body health. ing support in career deci- sion-making; job math, reading, and writing; and job search and readiness training.
MCRC sent its first group of clients to the program in June with completion set for July. Be sure to read the July Noticias for an update on this partnership. V OLUME 4 , I SSUE 6 P AGE 5 MCRC in the Community ...
Members of the MCRC community gathered for a photo before the June 7 Highmark Walk at Presque Isle State Park. The walk was held under beautiful skies and drew many employees and friends of the agency.
Instructor Ron Fye (center) with new GED graduates Sanchi Ral Dhungel and Khadga Mahat. GED Graduates Honored
This year, the Multicultural Community Resource Center and the John E. Horan Garden Apartments participated in Members of Tracy Short’s Beginning ESL class prepare for their trip the 45th Annual GED graduation. Together eight individu- to the Blasco Library. als obtained their GED this past year. The ceremony was ESL Class Visits Blasco Library held Thursday, June 19, at the Jefferson Education Society. The Erie County Adult Graduation Ceremony is comprised of GECAC, Intermediate Unit #5 and Stairways Behavioral The students from the morning Beginning ESL class recently Health. took a trip to the Blasco Library. Prior to the trip, the students learned vocabulary words concerning a library visit. They filled out library card applications and learned how to check out The student speaker representing the MCRC was Khadga books and return them. Mahat. Khadga completed his first year at Mercyhurst North East campus this year. He is majoring in Medical Lab Techni- On June 17, the students were given an informative library tour. They received library cards, saw a presentation about the rules cian. of the library, and were shown the different departments within the library. Some students checked out their first library books, ESL books with translations in Ukrainian and Arabic! In addition to the tour, the Brig Niagara happened to be taking off for a sail on this particular day! The students were able to see this historical ship of Lake Erie firsthand. V OLUME 4 , I SSUE 6 P AGE 6
Erie Fire Department Makes Friendly Call on Elder Program
On June 26, a team of firefighters from the Erie Fire Depart- ment Engine Co. 8 visited MCRC’s Cultural Enrichment Cen- ter parking lot to give a presentation to the Elder Program and the Department of Education morning Beginning ESL class. This presentation was arranged as part of ongoing education that helps integrate the Elder refugees into the Erie Community. As the fire truck was backing into the park- ing lot, one of the participants pointed out that it looked just like trucks we see on television.
The presentation showed the participants up close what a fire truck looks like, where they keep fire hoses and other tools and how they prepare to fight fires and perform res- cues. One highlight was the giant cutters used to help pry off the roofs of cars in automobile accidents. After seeing how the firefighters use the tools to help them, the partici- pants had the chance to see all of the gear that the firefight- ers use to protect themselves when they go into a fire. The specialized boots, pants, jacket, ski mask, air tank and helmet add about 75 to 100 pounds extra to what the firefighters have to carry around with them when they enter a burning building. Becoming more familiar with all of this equipment helps participants to better understand the job that the fire- fighters do when they respond to a call in the community. For some, the United States is the first place that they have experienced a professional fire department system.
At the end of the presentation the firefighters shared with the group why they chose to become firefighters and asked the group if they knew how to call the fire department. A few participants chimed in with “9-1-1,” excited that this was an answer they had practiced. The group also asked a few questions about what information they would have to give once they called the emergency number. This information will be a focus in classes in the coming weeks. MCRC would like to thank all of our men and women who serve our com- munity but especially Engine Co. 8 for this very valuable community interaction. MULTICULTURAL COMMUNITY RESOURCE CENTER
554 East 10th Street Erie, PA 16503 Phone: 814-455-0212 Fax: 814-453-2363 Web: www.multiculturalcrc.org Rabbit, Rabbit!
On July 1, 2007, I heard the expression “Rabbit, Rabbit!” for the first time from a friend of mine. I wasn’t sure what it meant exactly. She explained to me that it is a common British superstition that if you say this to someone at the beginning of a month, you will receive good luck for the duration of the month. My friend, know- ing that I am a finance person and of British descent, decided telling me on July 1st would make the whole fiscal year prosperous. Nice philosophy to follow – even though it is a superstition! The exact origin of the superstition is unknown, though it has appeared in print at least as early as 1922: Your Donation is Appreciated “Why,” the man in the brown hat laughed at him, “I thought everybody knew ’Rabbit, rabbit, rabbit.’ If you say ‘Rabbit, rabbit, rabbit’—three times, just like that—first To make a financial gift to MCRC, send it to Joanna thing in the morning on the first of the month, even before you say your prayers, Cherpak, Executive Director, you’ll get a present before the end of the month.” 554 East 10th St., Erie, PA 16503 or donate online at www.multiculturalcrc.org. However, some reports place its origins even earlier, into the 1800s. Today it has spread to most of the English-speaking countries of the world, although, like all folk- lore, determining its exact area of distribution is difficult. This superstition is related to MCRC volunteer opportunities exist for one-time or continuing activities. the broader belief in the rabbit or hare being a “lucky” animal, as exhibited in the Please visit the practice of carrying a rabbit’s foot for luck. Some have also believed it represents Volunteer tab at our Website at jumping into the future and moving ahead with life and happiness. www.multiculturalcrc.org or look for us on the Erie Chamber of As we enter into this month of July, MCRC is entering into a new fiscal year. The last Commerce site at year has been full of change at our agency which has led to strong growth. As we www.eriepaconnect.com move into this fiscal period, the plan is to continue on this growth path and explore
To inquire, send an email to more opportunities. The first six months of my time as Executive Director of MCRC [email protected]. Be sure has been an experience that I am so very grateful and blessed to given. The adver- to include your name and phone number tising campaign the Army used years ago sums up pretty much how I feel about my in your message. work at MCRC, “It not just a job; it’s an adventure!”
Rabbit, Rabbit everyone ! Genuinely yours,
Joanna R. Cherpak Executive Director
Proudly serving the needs of the Hispanic and refugee communities since 1975.