"Gratitude"

Tessa Winkler
> Jewish Family and Children's Service's Refugee Program

As a caseworker in Jewish Family and Children's Service's Refugee Program, each day is filled with its own unique challenges and blessings. Whether collecting donations, organizing move-ins for new arrivals or accompanying families to various appointments, my service with JF&CS allows me to experience all stages of the resettlement process with clientele that truly appreciate the value of each day. Working to improve the lives of marginalized Nepalis, Burmese and Iraqis, I view my daily service as a step toward ending human rights abuses abroad and strengthening intercultural understanding domestically. The staff at JF&CS and I advocate for Pittsburgh's global community to assure refugees access to medical and food assistance, employment services and available resources.

Although these aspects of my day are truly rewarding, to me, the best parts of my service cannot be measured in welfare benefits or donated clothing. While teaching our clients to attain self sufficiency, I, too, have learned invaluable lessons. As I conclude my year as a Change a Heart member, I no longer feel ashamed to say "Namaste" with a "Pittsburghese" accent when meeting a Bhutanese, and I have learned to recognize the surprise on Iraqis' faces when they see women shake hands with men for the first time. These aspects of my job allow me to go to bed each night with gratitude for my life as an American and for my work and the motivation to wake up every morning with anticipation for the day ahead.