Pacoima Rising episode 2: Finding Home. An interview with Jonathan Fein Proano of the International Rescue Committee

What makes a person choose a job in a helping profession? How does one handle with working with a population that has experienced fleeing their homeland? The Connectopod Youth Reporters are marking the end of 2018 with a powerful interview. In this episode, lead interviewer, Angelica Benitez, along with co-reporters, Victoria Benitez and James Alltop, sit down with Jonathan Fein Proano, Citizenship and Financial Capability Coordinator with the International Rescue Committee's Los Angeles / US Programs office. Phew! - that job title is a mouthful - and with good reason! Because Jonathan's job duties working with refugees and asylees in Los Angeles cannot be summed up easily. Both our reporters and Jonathan draw connections between all people who have sought refuge in the United States for many reasons and those that IRC serves. At a time of year when many are spending time with family and loved ones, IRC's work reminds us that there are many who are not able to be with their loved ones at the moment. And yet, there are many people like Jonathan, and many helping organizations ready and willing to serve those "finding their way home" this time of year. We are moved by The International Rescue Commitee's mission, and we think you will be, too!

"Finding Home" is the second episode in a 3 part series requested by wonder librarian, Marcia Melkonian, at the Pacoima Library, paid for by The Nicholas Beck Trust. Connectopod will cover 3 of the nonprofits that uplift and celebrate this dynamic family oriented neighborhood: Arts Incubator, International Rescue Committee, and MEND. Tune in to hear what makes Pacoima great!

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Wishing you a safe and Happy 2019!