Project RISE (Resilient Immigrants Striving for Equity) is funded by OPGS to provide a three-year intervention designed to address emotional wellness for immigrant communities using a racial equity and access to culturally appropriate services. In December, we had the chance to connect with Jodaelle Racine, the Project RISE Family Connector at the Everett Haitian Community Center (EHCC).

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

What brought you to your role as a Project RISE Family Connector?

Jodaelle Racine: I am part of the Haitian community and I was familiar with the EHCC’s director. I saw the posting for the position, but I wasn’t quite sure where I fit in. Prior to coming to EHCC and Project RISE I have had different types of positions—I worked as a nutritionist for the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program and I have also worked as a private teacher—so this was new to me. I went through the interview process and was hired, and at the time, it felt like a risk. Since coming on board, I’ve found that I really enjoy the flexibility and room for creativity that this role provides.

What was it like getting started in this role and what were your first steps?

Jodaelle: Each Project RISE site (there are two in addition to EHCC) has its own intervention and a dedicated Family Connector. I was actually the first Family Connector to start across the sites. The first thing we did was community engagement. This included listening sessions with leaders in the Haitian community in Everett including clergy, the mental health field, and the arts. We also conducted a broader survey of the community. We received responses about life in America, the disconnect between generations, building generational wealth, and parenting and eldery care. It was important to get input from the community to set the foundation for our work.

EHCC also hosts Konbit, a monthly day where community members come to the Center for resources and referrals. I have participated in two of these, helping with intakes, and it has been another great way connect with the community.

What does the Project RISE intervention at EHCC look like?

Jodaelle: We are getting ready to launch the intervention. Based on the input we received, we saw that there was a need for connecting young people with work that lets them use their natural abilities and explore their interests. The intervention will do just that: It will give teens an opportunity to explore their abilities, talents, and interests that can be aligned with career opportunities that can also meet financial needs. It will also help teens build self awareness and financial skills to navigate their careers with understanding. We will invite participants to engage in specific workshops and have students create a plan that will ultimately be presented to their parents [on the celebration/presentation day of the workshop series]. We have Career Panelists on board, and we launched online registration* for participants. We’re getting the word out through school leadership.

Interventions will also include parent/family/senior activities and workshops at the interpersonal level as well as community recreational events and monthly Konbit resource days at the community level.

*The Project RISE intervention is not limited to the Passionate Work workshop series, but also includes interventions at the interpersonal and community level. Passionate Work is an individual level intervention.

What has been valuable about your experience as a Family Connector so far?

Jodaelle: Having the opportunity to create an intervention from the ground up. Not every role gives you the power to create something that positively impacts people in your community. Also, the Family Connector role gives an opportunity for community-based organizations to impact at different levels, from a community level to an interpersonal level to an individual level. Because of that, I think this role has the potential to be very effective.