Organizers Pleased With South Jersey Immigration Forum Turnout

MEDFORD, NJ — An immigration forum held in South Jersey on Nov. 20 drew 62 attendees, according to event organizers. The event was held at the Medford Friends Meetinghouse, and was co-hosted by the South Jersey National Organization for Women (NOW), Medford Friends Meeting, and Medford Volunteer Center.

“Including the presenters, those who had information tables, event volunteers, and attendees, we had 62 people,” Planning Committee Chair Dory Dickson said. “Many of the forum attendees expressed an interest in reaching out to immigrants who have recently arrived in New Jersey.”

Presentations were made by Michael Bortnowski, of the Southern Jersey Family Medical Centers; Connie Troilo, of the Gloucester County Special Services School District; Luis Lacourt, of the Burlington County Library System; and Jeanne Hoffner, of the International Women's Friendship Group.

They each spoke about their experiences working with immigrants at a medical clinic, in education programs, at public libraries and through a social club.

“It was a pleasure speaking at the South Jersey Immigration Forum and explaining how SJFMC helps migrants overcome barriers to healthcare access,” Bortnowski said. “We bridge the gap in areas where healthcare disparities occur in the migrant population. Our mission is to provide high quality healthcare to the uninsured or underserved, and to migrant workers in southern New Jersey, regardless of their ability to pay.”

“I was pleased to speak about the Migrant Education Programs operated by GCSSSD,” Troilo said. “We cover the nine southernmost counties in New Jersey. Our program services are designed to help migrant children overcome any obstacles to a successful educational experience. Our goal is to enable each student to achieve the same high standards expected of all students. We provide supplemental instruction in all academic areas, including learning English as a Second Language, and an array of other services.”

“Public libraries throughout New Jersey offer services that can better the lives of immigrants,” Lacourt said. “Here in Burlington County, at our main library and at various branch libraries, we offer many free programs including English as a Second Language classes, computer help, and assistance with identifying local resources many immigrants need. In addition, programs for youth and adults help immigrants and other newcomers gain skills, have fun, and make connections in a community that is new to them.”

“I founded the friendship group in 2003, to bring together International and American women with a multi-layered mission,” Hoffner said. “The group's goals include learning about each others countries and cultures, improving communication skills, having fun, and making friends. Over the years the group has met at different times of the day and at various locations, including churches and libraries, two places with a welcoming attitude toward newcomers.”

They each also had information tables set up. There were also tables for the Medford-based Migrant Worker Outreach and the Princeton-based American Red Cross. The information tables were set up in the social hall, where attendees could get refreshments and speak directly with those who work with immigrants. This followed presentations and an informal discussion session.

Three volunteers manned the Migrant Worker Outreach (MWO) table.

“When we bring food and clothing and other items to migrant families, it helps us build trust with them,” said Copelia Morales, Head of the MWO Nutrition Program for families with young children. “Children like the coloring books and crayons. Mothers like the clothes and baby toys and cardboard picture books. When we visit we encourage pregnant workers to get a prenatal check up. We try to communicate that we appreciate the hard work they do, and we want to make them feel welcome in New Jersey.”

Andre Biehl is a senior at Princeton High School, teaches English as a Second Language and is a Youth Editor/Reporter for Latino Migrant Teen Journal.

“My second year volunteering with MWO, I taught English as a Second Language at a migrant camp in Hammonton,” Biehl said. “There, I helped adults and children improve their command of the English language. To reinforce the lessons, we had Spanish-English dictionaries to give the adult students and dual language picture books for the children. All of my students were eager to learn, and it was a great pleasure teaching them.”

“One of our most popular field trips was co-hosted by Pinelands Adventures,” Char Jennings, MWO Field trip volunteer & driver, said. “Pinelands educator John Volpa led a nature discovery hike at Atsion Lake Recreation Area, for two groups of migrant youth. Of course, we had to stop for ice cream afterward. It's not just the youth who appreciate our field trips. The parents are very happy to see their children having fun.”

Dr. Elma Kaiser, of the American Red Cross, spoke about the organization’s Restoring Family Links Program, which reunites people who lose contact because of a humanitarian emergency, including armed conflict, disasters, migration or other situations requiring a humanitarian response.

“As long as family members were in communication prior to the event, we will help them locate each other,” Kaiser said. “When regular channels of communication are unavailable, we also have a messaging service.”

Kaiser is also an Assistant Professor in the Department of Social Work at Stockton University, where she also teaches in the Migration Studies Program.

Dickson encourages those who are interested in helping immigrants to get in touch with her for more information. You may also request to be added to the contact list. She is unable to use the phone due to a hearing problem.

You may reach Dory Dickson by emailing MedfordVolunteerCenter@Mail.com or by writing to Medford Volunteer Center, P.O. Box 155, Medford, NJ 08055.