Community Partner: ERICA
Intern: Eleanor Layfield
Site Supervisor: Betty Symington
What is ERICA?
ERICA provides immediate, practical, and material assistance to refugees, asylees, asylum
seekers and other immigrants, regardless of race, religion, or language. ERICA partners with
other civic, community, and religious groups to provide direct services such as casework,
educational workshops, and referrals for legal assistance, healthcare, and housing.
Tasks:
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Helped organize silent auction fundraiser
Created and conducted a surveys about employment opportunities
for refugee and asylum seekers.
Uploaded casework databases, re‐designed website, and facebook
pages, and created resource binder
Helped clients find legal information and employment
opportunities.
ERICA is a very small organization, yet it accomplishes a huge amount. Almost everyday I saw a new way in which ERICA
helps people, whether through advising, housing assistance, or its family reunification loan program. My main task this
summer was to research employment for refugees and asylees in Baltimore. I read about jobs opportunities and visited
several other employment programs. In addition, I wrote and conducted a survey for ERICA’s clients about their
employment experiences. As I interviewed people, I heard many compelling stories about life in America. I was shocked at
the myriad obstacles newcomers face to gain legal working status, find a job, and become economically independent. While
the challenges seemed insurmountable, those I talked expressed their gratitude for ERICA's help in navigating these difficult
processes. I am amazed and heartened by how much impact a small organization, which is willing to listen to what its clients
need, can have. My time at ERICA has renewed my passion for serving refugee and immigrant populations, and I am eager
to continue learning about them. I feel incredibly grateful to have had such a wonderful opportunity this summer!
‐Eleanor
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