Let us revisit a critical barrier many of our community members face, which is our lack of familiarity with the American system and services. This lack of awareness not only prevents individuals and families from learning about the services they need, but it also intensifies their frustration when settling in their new homes, and this then generates misconceptions about the way the systems works. 

When settling in a new environment, individuals can feel lost and alone, and can find themselves with many questions they are unsure of how to obtain answers to. The staff at AccessCal is committed to educating clients on the way our system is structured so as to prevent them from feeling anxious or frustrated with the system. 

AccessCal staff sits one-on-one with clients and links them to the correct information and resources that will help them feel at ease when settling in southern California.  For example, learning about the school, health care, employment and government systems are crucial to structuring one’s life.

Many clients in our community needed assistance because they do not know how to book a doctor’s appointment, see a doctor or find a job, and this left them frustrated with the system. 

This is where seeking information outlets and learning the information that is given to you becomes imperative. Without these steps, individuals will not be aware or know how to properly access services that are readily available to our communities.  Our main role is to be a navigator for clients and make sure they understand the system’s structure, and we follow the idea that we must seek and learn.

For example,  when President Obama’s Stimulus Package was announced, many members in our community addressed that this will not or has not impacted members in our own communities, without really understanding the purpose of the Stimulus Package. 

The Stimulus Package provided an ample amount of funding opportunities to various social service organizations, and after researching and understanding these opportunities, AccessCal applied and received funding from the stimulus package to create jobs for members in our community, who in turn are helping our clients with employment, health access and counseling.  If our community hadn’t taken the time to seek more information about the Stimulus Package, or learn the process, we would have not had access to this funding opportunity that is currently strengthening our community.

I strongly believe that knowledge is power.  When you have access to the correct resources and information, you understand the system, and consequently can access services through the system. AccessCal’s work continues to empower immigrants and refugees by enhancing their quality of life and increasing their self-determination through helping our clients receive the information they need that will help them live secure and fulfilling lives.