Volunteer and Client Form Unshakable Bond
When LexRAP welcomes a new family or individual into our “tribe,” our primary goal is to make them feel welcomed and safe in their new country. At the same time, there are many tactical issues to be addressed, such as learning English, finding housing, obtaining employment, learning to drive, and more.
Often, after these needs are met, volunteers and clients remain in contact and form strong bonds that result in a true relationship. Such is the case with board member Mary Diaz-Przybyl and S, who arrived in the U.S. in August of 2023.
Like many immigrants, S was initially housed in an area hotel. In an incredible coincidence, a friend of hers from her home country was visiting Mary at the time. This friend invited S to a LexRAP gathering, where she was welcomed into the fold.
Soon after, Mary invited S to stay with her until she found an apartment, providing her with a home instead of a lonely hotel room.
“I had no contacts, no friends at the time,” S recalls. “LexRAP was my survival. I have no idea how I would have navigated life in the U.S. without their support. Now, I feel like I have a home here. I have people to talk to. I have a place to go when I have no friends.”
S had a tight deadline to find housing, so Mary immediately began driving her to look at apartments, ultimately lending her the upfront costs until S received her stipend and paid Mary back. Mary also helped S secure SNAP benefits and MassHealth, obtain her driver’s license, and set up a bank account.
This was important, but equally significant was the emotional support Mary provided. “There was a lot of pressure for me to become self-sufficient,” S recalls. “I was stressed and overwhelmed. I was also dealing with issues around school and family. Mary got me through this rollercoaster of emotions.”
Says Mary, “S is an amazing person. It’s easy to support her because she is so capable. Most of the time, she is standing on her own two feet.”
As a sign of their friendship, the two spend time together outside of their LexRAP relationship. They’ve been to museums and botanical gardens… cooked together… celebrated Thanksgiving with Mary’s family… spent time with S’s sister-in-law, and attended First Parish’s Voices on the Green program among other activities. Says Mary, “S has become family to me.”
She concludes, “I want to emphasize that many volunteers have supported S. It’s truly been a LexRAP team effort. Mike Blake, who had a career in finance, worked closely with her to hone her resume and gave her pointers on how to interview effectively so that she would stand out. He also introduced her to his colleagues, the beginning of a professional network. Bruce Neumann and Brian McBride took her to Mission of Deeds to obtain and move furniture. Steve Stulck secured an Apple computer for school. Bruce and Pat Moyer co-signed her lease. Jilana Abrams provided behind-the-wheel driving experience to supplement driving school lessons subsidized by LexRAP. LexRAP gave her a car loan. We will help her find an apartment in New Hampshire. For as long as we can support her, S will remain part of the LexRAP tribe.”
Educational and Professional Achievements
S obtained her undergraduate degree in her home country and the country to which she was evacuated and came to the U.S. with a scholarship to Bentley for an MBA with a concentration in finance. In addition, she was granted a Bentley Leadership Scholarship based on her GPA. As a result, she had no out-of-pocket expenses, enabling her to focus on academics and work towards her objectives. This month, she graduated.
With Mike Blake’s help and her impressive performance at Bentley, S quickly secured a position with a leading financial-services firm at its New Hampshire office. As she considers a move from Massachusetts, she is getting guidance from Bruce’s daughter who works at the same company, another example of how her LexRAP network is providing support.
“My new employer has an exceptional training program,” S explains. “In the first six months, I need to obtain three licenses, which they will help me prepare for. After this, I believe that I will quickly grow in my profession and get promoted. I will achieve the goals I set for myself when I came to this country.”