Venezuelan New Arrivals: Background & Context

Since August 2022, thousands of Venezuelan asylum seekers have been forcibly bussed to Chicago from the southern border. This workshop aims to equip Illinois adult literacy staff and volunteers with the skills and cultural and historical context they need to provide culturally responsive care to displaced Venezuelan new arrivals. 

Our facilitator, Melina Vanni-Gonazález, works as a therapist for Practical Magic Healing and as an English-Spanish interpreter for the Marjorie Kovler Center Child Trauma Program. She has seven years of experience working with Venezuelan diaspora grassroots and community initiatives in Panama City, Berlin, Madrid, and Chicago. She will cover the history of post-Chavez Venezuela and Venezuelan migration, as well as specific mental health considerations for this population. Additionally, she will include information about Venezuelan led organizations, services, and resources in Chicago.

This training is part of our Student Support series. Content is designed for those working in adult education in mind, although everyone is welcome!