in·te·gra·tion — noun
So, What Does Integration Look Like?
Good question. And it’s one that TRP has been on journey in understanding for almost 9 years now. Depending on who you are, this word could carry with it some negative connotations. It certainly did not leave a favorable taste in the mouths of many who lived in the deep south during the Civil Rights era. However, at TRP, we’d like to think that the essence of the word suggests an opportunity for each of us to learn more about what it’s like to walk in the shoes of another. This developing sense of compassion and understanding is what empowers us toward building a better community.
This month, we’d like to share a few short stories of how our wonderful volunteers and some refugee friends have entered into this process of integration… perhaps it’s not as illusive, or intrusive, as we might think.

Letter From a Friend who works for Lutheran Children’s Hospital:
Dear Angie and Kristie,
I want to let you know how blown away I’ve been by some of TRP’s volunteers the past few months. I’ve had a whole new appreciation for TRP and have been given a very different perspective working with a Burmese family literally right off the plane whose little boy has (been receiving medical treatment). Thank you for helping guide me through this process.
I want to let you know that (volunteers) Elaine and Ann have been phenomenal! Every single time I have sent out an email with a need since September (winter coats/boots, ride to get free diapers/clothes from Babies Closet, meals in the hospital, etc.) they have responded- and typically within a few hours! Just last week I finally was able to meet Elaine in person when she came to our clinic to pick up our patient and his mom after histreatment to take them to A BabiesCloset. Elaine also agreed to drive them to 2 pharmacies in town to get his specialized medicines. One of our nurses called Elaine an angel and said we need “more people like Elaine in this world!” Just last week one of our Pediatric Specialists said to me, “Who are those volunteers who help his family again? Can we have them help all of our patients?!”
I keep reminding everyone of TRP and the great work you’re doing in Ft. Wayne.
Thank you!
Michelle Hoffman
MSSA/LCSW
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“We don’t accomplish anything in the world alone…whatever happens is the result of the whole tapestry of one’s life and all the weavings of individual threads from one to another that creates something.”
~Sandra Day O’Connor

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~Other News~
”2614”

Are you an Artist?
We’d love to have you join us in a little project!
Our office and meeting space at the Rialto Gallery (photo on right) could use some help in updating the address numbers in the window. Sure, we could just go out and buy some new fancy numbers and hang ‘em up. But why do that when there are so many creative people in the community who might enjoy helping us out?
We are looking for expressions of ”2614” that can either be painted on the window, placed on the sill, hung or sculpted so that they can be displayed and seen from inside our window. And we are hoping for multiple creations that we can rotate throughout the year, along with information about the artist behind the work.
If you are someone who likes to create, we’d love to hear from you! Contact us at 260.494.5742, orangie@thereclamationproject.org
More than Teachers…
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I went to another wedding this weekend. …I saw one of my favorite students … He’s seventy years old. His wife speaks English very well and finished university back in Burma. He gave one of the speeches, (during the reception) and I guess he’s just as funny in Zo as he is in English! I got some pictures of myself with the students, and my picture with him is my favorite.
~Joel
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…(my students) turned the A/C on for me yesterday after I sweated through class last week….I could tell they did it for me because it was running when I walked in (and) became cooler as class went on. I haven’t even turned on the A/C in my own house! Anyway, I’ve noticed more students
(improving) trying to answer my questions, which is awesome.
~ John
Did you Catch This?
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Teachers and volunteers often play a significant role in helping immigrants prepare for U.S. citizenship. The US Citizen and Immigration Services office has developed a variety of resources to support our efforts. The website offers a great supply of well constructed and easy to print supplemental classroom-based materials. I highly recommend checking out the link:http://1.usa.gov/citizenlesson I have printed worksheets from this site and then added great supplemental materials that were bought at the local dollar stores.
Happy Teaching!
-Martha, TRP Volunteer Trainer
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supporting the work of TRP
When people are engaged, equipped and empowered, the whole community wins!
Or send a check to:
The Reclamation Project
2614 S Calhoun St
Fort Wayne IN 46807

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