Grateful for My New (American Pathways) Family

 

Marisa Bass is a medical case management intern working with our Resettlement and Research Navigation Department. She is completing her Bachelors of Social Work at Georgia State University.

The first time I walked into the office at New American Pathways, I was greeted with love and compassion. I was grateful to be treated like family. Being new to the case management field, I was truly grateful for the patience and knowledge the case managers bestowed on me with the million questions I had – and honestly still have!

The experience and expertise these case managers have is so enlightening, and definitely a motivation for me to continue to build my knowledge and skills as a soon-to-be social worker. Case management is filled with massive amounts of paperwork, tons of coffee, and a whole lot of compassion.

This is especially true at New American Pathways, where the case managers are more than just the title. They are also advocates, educators, researchers, negotiators, mediators, supporters, and facilitators. Since I arrived, I have experienced picking up refugee families from the airport, apartment setups, finding specialists for doctor visits, attending hospital visits and social security administration visits. I even sat-in while Sarah, the Senior Ongoing Services Coordinator, did an intake assessment to make sure the refugee had the resources to become self-sufficient. It has been an emotional and exciting journey shadowing the case managers at New American Pathways.

The staff make sure you take care of yourself and show you true appreciation. It has been a privilege serving at this agency. It has reaffirmed my aspirations to become a case worker and work with the refugee community.

Interested in interning with us? Find more information on our web site.