The following was written by Chelsea B., an intern with NewBridges.

 
To receive my BSW, Bachelors of Social Work, from James Madison University, I needed to complete over 400 hours of service in an internship. I had known about NewBridges IRC through a friend and had hoped to have an opportunity to see how the agency works. My daily tasks fluctuated between working with clients, organizing the silent auction for the annual fundraiser Taste of the World, and connecting resources and persons for the Fresh Roots community garden. As time progressed I was able to improve my interaction skills as a caseworker, as well as see the importance of community connections. I shadowed Alicia Horst, Executive Director of NewBridges IRC, and attended various community meetings that focused on different themes such as health and domestic violence.
During my time I learned that for agencies to run well they need a staff that prioritize projects and are well organized. The staff and board members have developed a framework of how they’d like NewBridges to work with the immigrant community in future years. One afternoon, when the framework was being discussed, Alicia mentioned that it is important to work on one big project a year, especially in a small nonprofit, to limit burnout amongst the staff. Before our conversation, I constantly juggled three or so different projects that had different goals and demanded a lot of energy. After that conversation, my brain finally clicked. I understood why I never accomplished my goals as well as I had intended. The concept seems so simple, but I still have a hard time choosing from all of the wonderful projects and organizations in communities. I recently found a position and am still researching other organizations so I can volunteer. That’s the beauty of this lesson; it is simple in theory, but takes practice.
Now that I have described my general duties and my takeaway from the experience, I want to give a brief window of the highlight of my weeks. Every Monday, minus some snow days, I would join Alicia at Hilos en Común. Hilos en Común is a story-quilting group that began a little over a year ago with women from different backgrounds, but a love for fabric arts. The numbers fluctuated each week; regardless of who was there, I always sensed a welcoming atmosphere. The group is a mix of women who speak English and Spanish, just Spanish, or just English. Even with some language barriers, a community has been built among the women. I will never be able to adequately describe the sense of community that occurs every Monday. Women share stories about their lives, talk about food or their children, whatever is on their minds, all while creating works of fabric art. I admire that there is no agenda in the group; I think that is why there is such a strong communal feeling. There is a Quilt Show at the Bowl of Good located on Port Republic until September 13. The works are beautifully crafted and have strong voices.
In my time with NewBridges IRC, I was able to develop as a future social worker as well as given the space to accomplish my intended goal. I learned much more than I originally expected and am grateful to the staff, volunteers and board members.