Campanelli, the Director of Cabrini Immigrant Services (CIS), Dobbs Ferry, NY, was invited to be a member of a panel which was held at Mercy College, Dobbs Ferry, NY. The program, ‘Immigration Reform, the Status of the Unaccompanied Minor and the Trauma They Endure,’ was sponsored by the National Association of Social Workers (Westchester Division), Mercy College
and Rising Ground.
The keynote address was presented by Diana G. Amado, the Senior Vice President for Immigration Services at the Passage of Hope Program, Rising Ground. Diana is a strong advocate for vulnerable populations, especially in Colombia, South America and the USA.
Following the keynote address, each panelist spoke about the work that is done at his/her organizations. In addition to CIS, there was an attorney from Catholic Charities in NYC, the Director of the Human Trafficking Program at My Sisters’ Place in White Plains, NY and two social work students from Mercy College, who spoke about their internships. Both students are working with the immigrant population.
Following the presentations, the panel received questions and comments from the audience. People left the program with a greater understanding and realization of what immigrants deal with on a day-to-day basis. Many commented that it was a wonderful and deeply moving experience to hear from people who work directly with the immigrants as opposed to just hearing about immigration on the news.