Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Report Challenges Negative Image of Immigrant Elders

This is an interesting report. Elders in the immigrant communities are often overlooked when organizations need people to get involved and help others. Some people just think they are too old and not able to help. But often, they just have to be asked. - - Donna Poisl

New America Media, News Report, Paul Kleyman

Note: Six million older immigrants live in the United States, a figure projected to triple by 2030. Advocates for these elders have set out to bring their voices –- and new respect for them as community contributors –- to the public and agency decision makers, who often dismiss them as mere clients seeking benefits.

If treated as partners, rather than mere users of public services, immigrant elders can help cash-strapped agencies solve problems in their communities, according to a new report.

The report by Temple University’s Center for Intergenerational Learning in Philadelphia found that although older immigrants and refugees in the United States are often treated merely as seekers of services, they are more effective than government agencies in communicating with members of their communities.
Be sure to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.

No comments: