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  • MRCI held a graduation ceremony for the second class of graduates in its Refugee Housing Leadership program on Tuesday at Bethel Baptist Church in Mankato. Pictured is Florence Okot (center) receiving her certificate from Jessica O’Brien, MRCI’s manager for refugee programs. Tanner Kent

    Refugee program

November 1, 2011

MRCI program trains refugees to serve as volunteer housing mentors

By Tanner Kent The Free Press

— Having lived in the United States since 1998, Florence Okot thought she knew pretty much everything about living in her new country.

But even she picked up a few tips as a participant in Mankato’s one-of-a-kind training program for refugees to serve as community housing mentors.

“I found I learned a lot,” she said. “This training is so important for us refugees.”

The program came to life after MRCI Refugee Services received a nearly $5,000 Community Grant from the City of Mankato. The first classes were held this summer with collaboration from city public safety officials and ECHO Food Shelf, as well as Lloyd Management and Security Management, which operate Homestead Apartments and Gray Hawk Apartments, respectively.

After the second class of graduates was recognized during a Tuesday ceremony at Bethel Baptist Church (which also provided space for the training sessions), 23 refugees have now graduated the program and are certified as volunteer housing mentors. Participants were nominated by their landlords and are now tasked with serving as liaisons between refugees and housing officials, as well as answering questions and offering advice about adjusting to the life in the United States and the Mankato area.

“People are excited to serve their own communities,” said Jessica O’Brien, MRCI’s manager of refugee programs.”

The training covered a variety of topics, from apartment maintenance to food and fire safety.

Okot, who came to the United States from Sudan in 1998, said she never knew that food products could still be eaten after the expiration date, or that food should not be stored on top of a stove. She also learned some basic home safety tips, such as how to operate a fire extinguisher and smoke detectors.

“This is a very good program,” said the mother of three who was recently accepted into Minnesota State University’s social work program. “I learned so much.”

Many of the refugees said the most valuable result of the training was a better relationship with law enforcement — which are often the subject of fear and mistrust in their home countries.

Okot said she used to “tremble” when she’d see a police car. Fellow participant Akwai Akwai said he did not know that motorists are required to pull over when they see a police car with its lights and sirens flashing.

“This class was so important to me,” he said.

Though the grant period has run out, O’Brien said discussions are beginning about how, or if, the program will continue to operate. She said she believes it is the only program of its kind in the state and complimented the wide range of collaborators.

“We really built a sense of community in this class,” she said, adding that about 20 community volunteers also attended the training to help facilitate discussions and answer questions.

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