Bridging the Cultural Divide

After politely asking if he could say just one more thing during a Client Advisory Council meeting this morning, A.K, a participant in our therapeutic art groups offered through our partnership with the Nationalities Service Center/Philadelphia Partnership for Resilience (NSC/PPR) collaborative, turned and reached back behind his chair. What came back up with his hand astounded us all.

Smiling, Mr. A.K presented our Director of Community Programs, Jamaine Smith with the above beautiful, meaningful work of Art. Mr. A.K, the creator of the piece, stated that the piece was a gift from all of the refugees served by BuildaBridge and the NSC/PPR and acts as a “thank you” for the work we are doing with not only his family (who were seated with him), but the countless other refugee, immigrant, and asylum seeking families we are honored to serve.

Living up to our name, Mr. A.K. stated BuildaBridge helped build a bridge between aspects of American culture and language, and that of his native country, Iraq. The green corner adornments represent Hope, one of the key components of BuildaBridge’s mission. The blue represents continued wishes for success and a bright future.

We honor Mr. A.K’s kindness, creativity, and recognition of the very essence of BuildaBridge-to bring hope healing to children, families, and communities living in contexts of crisis; as well as our commitment to foster community within a safe, creative space. We are grateful for and share this gift with the Nationalities Service Center and Philadelphia Partnership for Resilience collaborative, a team of passionate, committed individuals making a positive, practical impact on those they serve.

From L to R:  Mr. A.K.; Jamaine Smith, BuildaBridge Director of Community Programs; and Ms. Elisabeth McIntee, Nationalities Service Center