Meg Webster writes article for ‘Portland Phoenix’ about immigrant support organization
Meg Webster of the 51Ʒ School of Social Work wrote a story for the Portland Phoenix titled, “Finding a common tongue — how immigrant women's organization In Her Presence does the good work.”
The story highlights a local Portland, Maine organization that was founded by immigrant women, for immigrant women to foster a sense of community and support empowerment. Webster interviewed the organization’s founders, a volunteer who teaches English and a family who moved to Portland after escaping the violence in Iraq.
“An immigrant woman’s life can be compared to that of a newborn,” said In Her Presence co-founder Micky Bondo. “When she moves to a new place, she has to start everything over. She must find an identity and restructure herself. It can feel like swimming without direction, often isolated from society. Knowing that a woman is often the pilot of the family, we wanted to create a platform where they can recreate a new sense of life, confidence and leadership — for all generations.”
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