MULTICULTURAL COMMUNITY

RESOURCE CENTER

MCRC noticias

Coming Events

Oct. 31— MCRC Daycare Halloween Celebration

Nov. 4—Turn clock back

Nov. 5—Tihar Hindu Festival

Nov. 11—Neighborhood Watch Meeting, CEC at 6:30 p.m.

Nov. 21—MCRC Thanksgiving

Celebration

Nov. 22— Food Bank

Nov. 28, 29—MCRC Closed

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As the harvest season approaches its final stages and preparation for winter begins, we

often recall the rich American family cultural traditions that encompass these beautiful

months. Many of us can’t help but to smile when thinking back to our childhood days

of jumping in leaf piles, carving pumpkins, getting lost in corn fields, going trick or

treating, and family trips to local farms. These times were filled with family and friends,

enjoying each other and the beauty that surrounded us.

Many refugees entering Erie are from countries that have never seen a autumn season,

or, have spent it harvesting the miles of crops needed for coming months, and our tra-

ditions have little meaning to them. In the Elder Program, housed in MCRC’s Cultural

Enrichment Center, we have spent this past month providing ways for our participants

to engage in these autumn activities while learning the history and family significance

they bring. Everyone was enthusiastic and excited to both learn of these traditions, as

well as take them into their homes to celebrate with their families. Laughter and smiles

filled our classroom each day, reminding us all of the importance maintaining traditions

has in each of our lives, no matter how miniscule they seem.

Multicultural Community

Resource Center of Erie

Richard Perhacs, Esq., Board President

Joanna Cherpak, Acting Exec. Director

MCRC Noticias Editorial Team:

Joanna Cherpak, Acting Exec. Director

Trish Lawrence, CEC Manager

Cathie Whitmire, Education Manager

Nathan Koble, Marketing Specialist

Al Richards, Volunteer Production Editor

554 East 10th St., Erie, PA 16503

Ph: 814.455.0212 FAX: 814.453.2363

Email: MCRC@multiculturalcrc..org

Volume 3, Issue 10

October 2013

P A G E 2 M C R C N O T I C I A S

In a show of commitment to the Erie community, every full and part-time MCRC employee has pledged a financial contribution to this year’s United Way of Erie County campaign. It marks the third consecutive year the agency has achieved 100 percent participation in the annual event. "The employees of MCRC have shown the true spirit of teamwork for the third year in a row, reaching 100 percent participa-tion in giving to the United Way campaign,” said MCRC Acting Executive Director Joanna Cherpak. “Every day, we see in the faces of our clients what giving back truly means. Our Wellness Center, funded by the United Way, has assisted these folks over and over again. To all of us it was just logical to fill out the pledge form. In a sense we are paying it forward for so that the work can continue on." The United Way of Erie County has a stated goal of making 10,000 Erie County families self-sufficient by 2025. To do this, the local chapter has committed resources to improving education, income, and access to health care. The funding of the MCRC Wellness Center fits this strategy as it provides a range of services including vital health screening, health education, and refer-

rals for follow-up care.

We Are All Beautiful Two weeks ago Monsignor Lucas, who is a retired priest in the Erie Catholic Diocese, said mass at the church I belong to, Our

Lady of Peace. In his sermon, he told a story which I would like to share because it has great meaning:

There once was a young man who was severely disfigured who lived in a small town. Because of his appearance people shunned him, dogs barked at him and children cried when they saw his face. They could not accept that he was different from

them. It was devastating for this young man to receive this reaction.

So he moved out of his small town that had been his home since birth into the forest to live as a hermit. He found peace there in

the haven of trees. He was able to enjoy the beauty of all that surrounded him, and it did not judge him.

Many years later a stranger happened to be traveling through the forest and stopped to knock at his door. The stranger was

hungry and tired, and hoped to find some respite in the home.

The disfigured young man inside was surprised to hear the knock and quickly opened the door. The stranger was very kind and asked if he might rest in this humble abode. The young man asked him in and prepared a meal for the two of them. When they sat down to eat, the younger man asked the stranger if he would say the prayer before the meal. The stranger declined saying, “No this is your home. You should say the prayer.” The young man thanked God for the beautiful trees of the forest, the birds of the air, the animals frolicking in the fields, and this good meal before them. The stranger then said to the young man, “You for-got something.” The young man looked surprised and said, “What did I forget?” The stranger said, “You forgot to thank God for you. He created you, and you are so very dear to him. Just because you are disfigured does not make you any less beautiful. For in God’s eyes you are beautiful, wonderful, and kind.” The young man started to cry at the stranger’s words because they

touched his heart.

The next day after the stranger left, the young man packed up all his belongs and moved back to the small town he had left years ago. However this time he arrived with a new confidence that he did not have before. People no longer shunned him, but smiled at him. The dogs wagged their tails and greeted him happily, and children rushed up to hug

him around his knees.

This story can apply to just about any situation in life. It struck a chord with me because there are many people who wrongly judge the clients we serve because they are different. They don’t speak English, their skin and hair is darker, and they practice different religions. But…..in the eyes of God (or Allah,

Buddha or Jehovah), they are beautiful, wonderful and kind. So should we see them that way too.

Genuinely yours,

Joanna R. Cherpak Acting Executive Director

Our World @ the Corner of

10th & Ash

MCRC Employees Reach 100% Participation in United Way Giving 3rd Straight Year!

P A G E 3 V O L U M E 3 , I S S U E 1 0

ERIE ESTABLISHMENTS PROVIDE

PRACTICAL ESL LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES

"Biography," "Barista," and "Baba Ganoush" have been among the vocabulary words used by MCRC's ESL students in recent weeks. That's because classes have visited various Erie establish-ments including the Blasco Library, Starbucks, Casablanca Grill, and the Erie Art Museum in an effort to provide students with practical learning opportunities. "Having an opportunity to get out into the community, in real-life situations, is a true boon to English as a Second Language learners," says Cathie Whitmire, Education Section Manag-er. "Making classroom activities come to life, become relevant, and increase opportunities for change is what education is all about. We truly appreciate the time and talents of the business-es and organizations who welcome our learners." In addition to the educational value, the visits help augment student understanding of the Erie community. Many clients come to the area with a wide range of talents, experiences, and educational credentials from their home countries and seek to apply them in the Erie area. In the case of the October 9 visit to the Casablanca Grill, the Middle East Mediterranean cuisine and décor also helped connect students from Syria and Iraq with elements of their home culture here in Erie. “At Casablanca Grill the staff reminded me of Arabic history,” said Hussein al-Barah of Iraq. “We thank them for their hospitali-ty.” Classmate and compatriot Nisreen Ameen agreed, saying, “Everything was wonderful.” For Evelia Reyes of Mexico, it was her first time eating Mediterranean cuisine as she noted “it helps other people learn about Arabic history.” Prior trips to the Blasco Library and Erie Art Museum familiarized students with those important educational amenities within the Erie community. “The library was very nice,” commented Nada Msouty of Syria. “The windows make the library very relax-ing for reading and studying. The museum was very nice with the paintings and the (Avalon Restaurant exhibit).” Businesses are encouraged to contact MCRC to learn about the various partnership opportunities that exist. They may include hosting a tour, learning about the wide range of MCRC services that can benefit businesses large and small, or looking into

employing an MCRC client who can bring a unique skills set to an organization.

MCRC staff members donned pink clothing

to participate in the Making Strides Against

Breast Cancer Walk on Saturday, October

5, 2013 at 10:30 am at Perry Square. Our

team raised $213.22 for the event..

Pictured left to right: Sarita Bonifacio, Sahana

Rajiyah, Anna Tischenko, Isela Abreu-Arce,

Nancy O’Leary and Kelly Blanks.

MCRC Staff Walk to Help Fight Breast Cancer

P A G E 4 V O L U M E 3 , I S S U E 1 0

MCRC Clinics Provide 307 Flu Shots

Reading through a copy of Noticias will highlight the various ways MCRC and its clients impact

the Erie community – through education, business, and a range of social services. Sometimes

the impact is immediate while at other times it plays out over generations.

In the case of MCRC’s recent flu shot clinics, the impact was immediate as 307 participants re-

ceived immunizations, reducing the risks and potential costs the disease poses to the individuals,

their families, and the community as a whole.

“Staying healthy is essential for our clients to achieve their goals and obtain self-sufficiency,” said

CEC manager Trish Lawrence. “After all when we physically feel good we are much more likely

to mentally, socially, and emotionally excel as well.”

The immunizations were given in partnership with LifeWorks. Those without insurance were

provided the shots free of charge. Any proceeds from the event stay in the Erie community and

are used to fund LifeWorks programming throughout the year.

MCRC staff also pointed out the clinics allowed the opportunity to provide participants with in-

formation on other immunizations and that lowering the number of potential hospitalizations

decreases health costs posed throughout the system.

"These immunizations are important to many refugees facing their first or second flu seasons,"

said Director of Refugee Services Anna Tischenko. "It familiarizes them with the challenges faced

by the virus and the steps that can be taken to prevent it.”

Preventing the Flu: Good Health Habits Can Help Stop Germs

The single best way to prevent seasonal flu is to get vaccinated each year, but good health

habits like covering your cough and washing your hands often can help stop the spread of

germs and prevent respiratory illnesses like the flu. There also are flu antiviral drugs that

can be used to treat and prevent the flu

1. Avoid close contact.: Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick,

keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.

2. Stay home when you are sick. If possible, stay home from work, school, and errands

when you are sick. You will help prevent others from catching your illness.

3. Cover your mouth and nose. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing

or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick.

4. Clean your hands. Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs. If soap and water are not available, use an

alcohol-based hand rub.

5. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated

with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.

6. Practice other good health habits. Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces at home, work or school, especially when

someone is ill. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.

Source: www.cdc.gov

554 East 10th Street Erie, PA 16503

Phone: 814-455-0212 Fax: 814-453-2363 Web: www.multiculturalcrc.org

MULTICULTURAL COMMUNITY RESOURCE CENTER

Your Donation

is Appreciated

To make a financial gift to

MCRC, send it to Joanna

Cherpak, Acting Executive Di-

rector, 554 East 10th St., Erie,

PA 16503 or donate online at

www.multiculturalcrc.org.

MCRC volunteer opportunities exist

for one-time or continuing activities.

Please visit the

Volunteer tab at our Website at

www.multiculturalcrc.org

or look for us on the Erie Chamber of

Commerce site at

www.eriepaconnect.com

To inquire, send an email to

MCRC@multiculturalcrc.org. Be sure

to include your name and phone number

in your message.

Proudly serving the needs of the Hispanic and refugee communities since 1975.

Nathan Koble, Marketing Specialist

and Sahana Rajiyah, Diversity Train-

ing Manager participated in the

2013 Diversity Day at Highmark’s

Erie Office.

This year the Multicultural Community Resource Center Latino staff had a Luncheon to celebrate Hispanic Heritage month which is from September 15th to October 15th. The luncheon was held on October 4, 2013. The Latino staff decided to open the Luncheon to the other staff members, inviting them to prepare a Spanish dish or dessert to bring in, and share with everyone. Every-one was so excited to see the different type of food that was brought in by the staff. It was a great way to gather and enjoy each others company while eating some delicious food. We had rice, beans, chicken stew, beef stew, corn beef, tembleque, flan, gorditas, and non- alcoholic sangria just to name a few. It was a great way to share the Hispanic Culture and enjoy our time together.