The IRC in Boise Receives Emotional Client “Thank You”

One of the pleasures of providing resettlement services over time is seeing the progress of our clients.  This usually means seeing them obtain citizenship, buying a home, or getting their dream job.  But recently we got to see a more intangible, emotional side of progress: we received heartfelt “thanks” from a teenager!
 
Issa was the oldest child of five, arriving at age fourteen with his single Burundian mother five years ago.  He was scared, angry, displaced and everyone around him was very worried for him.  A huge team of volunteers worked with the family, and got Issa some strong male mentors.  Most of these volunteers are still with the family to this day.   After years of struggling, Issa finally realized that he needed to focus and move forward.  Today, he has graduated from high school, works at the local YMCA, volunteers with a Burundian elder at a nursing home, and helps take care of his mother and siblings.  He is exploring his college options and is upbeat about his life. 
 
Recently, he spontaneously visited the office of the IRC in Boise after many years of no contact to say “thank you”.  We said: no, the thanks goes to YOU Issa, you can accomplish anything you set your mind to.