RISE AMERICORPS
  • Home
  • About RISE
    • Our Mission
    • Our Impact
    • Our AmeriCorps Members >
      • '21-'22 Members
    • Our Host Sites
    • Our Leadership
  • Resources
    • Timesheets
    • For Members >
      • Member Benefits >
        • Health Resources
        • Education Award
        • Living Allowance
        • Loan Forbearance
      • Enrollment and Exit
    • Training Opportunities
    • For Supervisors
    • Reporting
  • Stories
    • Blog
    • In the News
    • Stories App
  • Apply!
    • Become a Member >
      • Why Join RISE?
    • Become a Mentor
    • Become a Host Site
  • Contact RISE

Oakridge RISE Members Lead Community Outreach Efforts in Des Moines' Most Diverse Neighborhood

2/2/2021

 
Story by Julia DiGiacomo
​
Despite unprecedented circumstances, AmeriCorps RISE members at Oakridge Neighborhood Services have adapted to meet the needs of the most culturally diverse neighborhood in Des Moines. Through unemployment assistance, a new English language program, care packages, and more, the RISE members have dedicated their year to serving immigrants and refugees in their community.  

Oakridge Neighborhood’s newest endeavor is an English language learning class at Des Moines Area Community College, which currently serves about 15 students.  Immigrants and refugees from across Des Moines are invited to learn beginner to intermediate-level English skills. Two AmeriCorps RISE members currently serve as teaching assistants for the class’ second session.  Moad Ali, Halima Ali, and an English teacher break the class into three groups according to their language level to practice English constructively. 

Oakridge Neigborhood’s Adult & Family Director Almardi Abdalla says the class is one of the only in-person English classes in the area. Although Oakridge considered an online format, he says barriers with technology in the community interfered. Many students new to the United States lack experience with the internet and computers. Others simply do not have consistent access. 

The class takes place in a large room with social distancing and masks as a health precaution. So far Abdalla says there have been no issues. In fact, attendance has been stellar and many students from the first session re-enrolled for the second. 
​

“People are learning and coming back to class,” Abdalla says. “They’re getting something out of the class so that's why they are investing their time more and more.”

Although the AmeriCorps members provide a variety of direct services, they most consistently help with unemployment assistance. This service entails helping clients file for unemployment or apply for public assistance. In the midst of an economic downturn, Abdalla says these services have been greatly in need.
Picture
The AmeriCorps RISE members have also assisted with multiple giveaways for community members in need, such as food care packages. In the last few weeks, they also gave out COVID-19 and winter clothes care packages to 107 families in the area. 

“I think overall it was a great success and a great experience,” Abdalla says. 

During the initial wave of the pandemic, sharing timely information became another important task to help the community through an uncertain time. Oakridge Neighborhood staff and  AmeriCorps RISE members shared information to groups on Whatsapp. Members helped translate COVID-19 information, such as vaccine news and safety advice. 

“Although the scope of our activities have been limited since COVID-19, [AmeriCorps RISE members] have been a great addition to our efforts to reach out to and help more people in need,” Abdalla says. ​

Comments are closed.
    View my profile on LinkedIn


    ​About the Blog

    RISE AmeriCorps Members uplift and empower Iowa's refugee and immigrant communities. This blog was created with the intent of sharing these valuable success stories with the public.

    Archives

    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020

    Host Sites

    All
    ArtForce Iowa
    Catherine McAuley Center
    Centro Latino
    Columbus Junction
    Community Youth Concepts
    DREAM Iowa
    EMBARC Des Moines
    EMBARC Waterloo
    Hoover Community School
    IC Compassion
    Jewels Academy
    Kirkwood
    La Luz Centro Cultural
    Latino Community
    Mary Treglia
    Mentorship Program
    Oakridge Neighborhood
    Spanish Helpline
    Tapestry Farms
    YPN

    RSS Feed

Picture
RIVA | RISE AmeriCorps Program

2309 Euclid Ave.
Des Moines, IA 50310

515-512-1881
  • Home
  • About RISE
    • Our Mission
    • Our Impact
    • Our AmeriCorps Members >
      • '21-'22 Members
    • Our Host Sites
    • Our Leadership
  • Resources
    • Timesheets
    • For Members >
      • Member Benefits >
        • Health Resources
        • Education Award
        • Living Allowance
        • Loan Forbearance
      • Enrollment and Exit
    • Training Opportunities
    • For Supervisors
    • Reporting
  • Stories
    • Blog
    • In the News
    • Stories App
  • Apply!
    • Become a Member >
      • Why Join RISE?
    • Become a Mentor
    • Become a Host Site
  • Contact RISE