Name:
Ivonne Ruiz
College, year:
Purdue Fort Wayne, Senior
Department:
Victim Care Program
SEmester:
Fall 2024
How did you get connected to AMani?
My internship professor was the one that connected me with Amani. Before that, I hadn’t heard of Amani, but I am glad to now know of a great organization that greatly benefits our community.
what kinds of projects have you been helping with during your internship?
I have been at Amani for almost 2 months. I am with the department of Victim Care, and I have been learning a lot about referrals, intakes, and overall, the process of how clients get seen at Amani and how Amani helps them. I’ve been learning more about the courts and the law. I’ve also done some shadowing and cataloging closed cases.
What brought you to Fort Wayne, IN?
My mom’s family lives here, so my parents thought it would be a good idea to move closer to them.
What excites you most about Amani’s mission?
Because I came to the U.S. without knowing anything, like the language and the culture, I am excited to work with an organization that wants those who come to the U.S. to feel safe and to have that feeling of belonging.
What is your favorite part of your internship?
Everything I do is my favorite part. I am learning new things every day and I am getting to know what is truly done out in the field and not just see it through a textbook. I am getting the experience and opportunity to know whether this is the right path for me and what I can do with this degree.
What challenges have you faced in your role or department?
A challenging thing for me so far is in implementing what I’ve learned in class in real life. I am concerned that I will say the wrong thing or that I will come off as rude and not have the empathy that is necessary when working with clients. I think that the more experience I get, the better I will get at it, but for now that is something I am working on.
What should community members know about Amani?
They should know that Amani is a place where clients will feel welcomed and understood. That they will not allow a language barrier to interfere with their services and will find a way to communicate with clients. Amani tries their best with every case, and they will connect clients with other organizations when needed.
Any advice for students looking for an internship at Amani?
One advice I would give them is to not be too worried about it. Everyone here is super nice, and they are willing to talk to you about any questions you have. If you are interested in anything, Amani gives you the chance to learn about it, and you might even be able to shadow or do it on your own. There are many opportunities to further your career.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I enjoy my me time. I like to watch my favorite TV shows or read. I know that in this field, burnout is common, so being able to take time off for myself and take my mind off school/work is important.
What is something not many people know about you?
Something surprising is that I wasn’t born in the United States. I was 8 years old when I came to the United States.
Interested in volunteering or interning at Amani Family Services? This is a wonderful time to join our team and play a critical role in supporting our immigrant and refugee community. Learn more here: https://amanifamilyservices.org/volunteering