Forced Migrant Assistant Advocate

Forced Migrant Assistant Advocate

This summer I worked with Asylee Women Enterprise(AWE) in Baltimore, MD through Shepherd Higher Education Consortium on Poverty (SHECP). I worked as an in-person advocate and case management intern, administering intakes for asylum seeking clients to assess their needs, following up with clients, referring clients to the services and programs they needed, and ensuring forced migrants in the community were aware of the resources, services, and public benefits they deserve and are eligible for. This opportunity provided me with life changing experiences and lessons that have further expanded my understanding of poverty and the systems that uphold poverty in this country, especially as it relates to the immigrant community.

Lorena Bonet Velazquez

Baltimore, MD