Temperatures were quickly climbing to triple digits when Cultural Orientation instructor Sasha went to meet up with a newly arrived refugee family for transit training. The clients were well-prepared for the day with plenty of water and protection from the sun. Sasha accompanied the family on their very first bus ride in America from their house to the IRC office.
Once the group reached the IRC office, Sasha explained the bus routes to take and the helpfulness of Google Maps in navigating. When it was time to head home again, the heat outside did not deter the clients as they walked with purpose to the bus stop. One client had even memorized the way back and led the entire group. He would occasionally stop to let everyone, including the instructor, catch up to him. At the bus stop, clients had their bus passes in hand and were ready to board as soon as the bus arrived.
The bus ride allowed the group to cool down as they looked out the windows and took in new surroundings. After the brief recharge, the family was ready to complete the rest of the journey. Smiles came across their faces when they began to recognize the area where they lived. Before parting with their instructor, clients confirmed with Sasha that they were confident taking the bus. The next day they successfully rode the bus to the IRC office on their own!
For more information on how the IRC conducts cultural orientation in Sacramento, please contact Haylee Fletcher at [email protected].