KIND Staff Meet for First Time in D.C.
- Thursday, July 30, 2009 |
- Written by Ariana Zuno
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KIND staff from around the country came together for the first time in July for a KIND staff retreat, hosted by the law firm of Holland & Knight. The four-day event in Washington, D.C., emphasized team-building, professional development, and problem solving to help KIND staff work together more effectively and efficiently in the year ahead.
"With a continually growing caseload and an expanding team, it was vital that we discuss both the successes and challenges of our work, and how to move forward so we can best serve unaccompanied children in need," said KIND Executive Director Wendy Young.
A number of experts gave presentations throughout the retreat to address issues that often arise in KIND's work. A psychologist who specializes in trauma discussed how to work with traumatized children, as well as the emotional and physical effects of working with these children; a national radio reporter described how she covers immigrant children's stories; the Acting Chairman of the Board of Immigration Appeals talked about practicing before the immigration courts; and representatives from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) discussed asylum, T, and U visas in detail.
Staff reported that some of their greatest rewards on the job were empowering the children KIND works with, and being able to show them much-needed kindness and support. They also expressed strong appreciation for the dedication and tireless work of the volunteer lawyers who partner with KIND in the provision of pro bono services.
