My Role as a Helper and a Finder has Increased my Compassion

Over the past month, my service at the International Rescue Committee has resulted in an increase of compassion toward new families coming into the United States of America. I spent time preparing, setting up, and contacting families of refugee status coming into the Salt Lake City area. I was able to use my Spanish knowledge to communicate with families coming from Latin America and have seen their appreciation as they have walked into their new homes. The Housing Team at the IRC works to find sufficient housing. The IRC receives funds to help pay the rent for these families for a temporary amount of time through the oversight of the Housing Team. My role in the Housing Team has become the helper and the finder. I help with moving the furniture while I also find where to receive donations from. My management over this portion at the IRC has been enjoyable as I have gotten to communicate with donors and represent the IRC in doing so. I have also understood how to work in a team with differences amongst us that can be used for our good. We have some team members that are knowledgeable about finances and others that enjoy lifting and moving. We have team members who have good people skills when talking with our clients and we have members of the team that can lay the law down in a clear sense for those that may attempt to take advantage of what the IRC provides.

—Nathan Abel