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Blog Post 3: Transitioning Out by Shelina Noorali

Today is my last day as a HOPE Anti-Trafficking Intern with the International Rescue Committee. This month has been a truly amazing experience. I met a myriad of amazing refugee resettlement caseworkers, individuals who are working to alleviate human trafficking, and a handful of interns and volunteers who are dedicated to the cause. I have spent over 160 hours working with the HOPE Anti-Trafficking Program this month. My experiences included interacting with clients through home visits, appointments, and trips to the local food bank. I feel as if I have developed a personal relationship with the clients. Throughout all of the car rides and other appointments, I got to understand the clients’ struggles and learn more about their lives. It is truly a humbling experience to be let into another’s life and to have them open up to you.


As I am getting ready to transition out of my role with the HOPE Program, I also had the opportunity to train a new intern coming into the HOPE Program. We went through a ton of information relating to the partnership, how the program is funded, and what some best practices are for conducting outreach. I am happy there will be someone to replace me after I leave so that the outreach continues. All in all, I am very grateful for this experience. I truly believe that I can see the impact of my work. This is not just through the positive feedback I received from my outreach presentation, but also through the assistance I was able to provide my clients. I hope to continue working with the IRC in the future and to continue working in the field of human trafficking. This picture shows the Resettlement Director, Lisa Welze, and me. Lisa was my supervisor during my time with the IRC.


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