Name:
Jeremy McClendon
College, year:
Michigan State University, MSW
Department:
Community Support Program
SEmester:
Fall 2024 & Spring 2025
How did you get connected to AMani?
My child welfare colleagues informed me about Amani Family Services. They expressed that Amani is an amazing agency, and they encouraged me to inquire about completing my clinical internship with this agency since it closely aligns with my personal and professional values.
what kinds of projects have you been helping with during your internship?
I am an MSW clinical intern. I am learning and working in the Community Support Program. Our program provides individual counseling to children and adults. Recently, I assisted our program manager (Emily Bayer, LCSW) with redesigning the community-based Parenting Workship and Bi-Cultural Social Skills group for adolescents/teenagers.
What brought you to Fort Wayne, IN?
I have called Fort Wayne home all of my life. I was born and raised in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
What excites you most about Amani’s mission?
That they are committed to helping immigrant and refugee individuals and families so that they can be prosperous in our community, and in the United States.
What is your favorite part of your internship?
My favorite part of my internship is being able to provide individual counseling.
What challenges have you faced in your role or department?
Language barriers. I would definitely love to learn to speak Spanish.
What should community members know about Amani?
That our commitment is deep-rooted in supporting individuals and families in their pursuit of the American Dream, while also promoting happiness, health, safety, and prosperity.
Any advice for students looking for an internship at Amani?
I would let a future intern know that they should keep an open mind, and that this internship will help you learn how to serve individuals from various backgrounds. I would also advise future interns to brush up on and or have a passion for advocacy in clinical practice.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
Travel, attending sports games, indulging in retail therapy, unwinding, enjoying time with friends, and dining at various restaurants.
What is something not many people know about you?
I love to collect new and vintage fountain pens, and I also love to collect magnets of all of the destinations that I have visited around the world.
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