The week started with me going to Immigration Court early Monday morning to translate for a U-Visa interview. U-Visas are a way to a green card for people who have been victims of crimes, especially domestic violence. I was not involved with her application at all but it would have involved submitting evidence of her abuse – including an order of protection, a police report, and proof that she was working with the courts to prosecute her abuser. It turned out that her interviewer spoke Spanish (there is never a guarantee of this and Immigration Court tells you to bring someone to interpret for you) so I did not have to sit in on her interview. But, she came out in ten minutes and told me she was approved! I had no idea that a) the interview could be over that fast or b) that they could tell you in the interview that you were approved. But, it was a great way to start the week.
On Thursday, my coworker Kerry and I each presented grant proposals to separate committees (based on where our clients live) for clients to get money from the Department of Children and Family Services. DCFS sets aside a certain amount of money for children at risk for truancy or suspension or falling behind academically. My client had just moved with her four daughters from Cicero to Chicago and needed all new sets of uniforms and school supplies. I tried to get a computer but was unsuccessful. I am still getting them a bunch of money and it will even cover new winter coats. Kerry also got a grant for a client and they even offered her more money than she asked for, because she had not asked for a winter coat for her client and now they are giving her the money for one. Kerry’s client lives in our area so the meeting was actually in our building Thursday morning so I got to see her present her proposal before I went North to present mine. I told the person in charge of the money in our area where I was going and she said “Oh, they’re really intimidating up there, their area is so much bigger…oh but you’ll do great!” And I did pretty well.
We had a couple of dinner guests this week. Beth, an Amate alum who lived with Jessie in South House last year came over on Monday and Becky, the Amate development coordinator and her fiancé came over on Tuesday. It was great to meet them and offer hospitality, although our house was a mess because we had just collected a bunch of things we want to donate and they were in bags and boxes in our living room. I’m actually taking them tomorrow to a second-hand clothing store where we send people with vouchers from Taller for free clothes. So, they’ve been there for a while but we’ve just been so busy! On Saturday I went with Michelle to the local branch of the library for five hours while we worked on grad school stuff. I mostly worked on personal statements and made a lot of progress. Now I need to work on the Illinois Basic Skills Test so I can concentrate in School Social Work. You have to pass the test before you can become certified to work in schools in Illinois, and the certification I would get works in a few more states. Oh, but I became an Illinois resident on Tuesday, so I guess I’ll stay here for a while.
LOVE
1 tupperware leftover white rice (let’s say six cups cooked)
3 bags mixed vegetables (Kroger brand fiesta mix, California mixed and vegetable gumbo—10 for $10!)
Half jar sweet and sour sauce
Sprinkle of hot chili sauce
Pour water on rice and microwave. Place vegetables on heat with some water. Set aside a few vegetables for Michelle who does not like sweet and sour sauce (or soy, or teriyaki…). Add sauce for everyone else. Cook until the water boils off. Serve with lemon juice and sweet and sour sauce for people to season at will.
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