Mainebiz

W W W. M A I N E B I Z . B I Z 23 O C T O B E R 5 , 2 0 2 0 used to volunteer with a nonprofit that was protecting human rights and helping detainees, and I was in danger, so my husband encouraged me to leave for my safety. It made a real difference having these influ- ences, and it helped me to know how to connect and navigate the system when I got here. In Her Presence started with a yoga class, designed specifically for women from greater Portland's immi- grant communities. e idea was to offer yoga as a way for women to feel strong and learn new ways to cope with stress. But we quickly realized how the need for language tran- scended everything else. Today in Her Presence is work- ing directly with 90 women from 16 countries, and helping a total of more than 300 people. We partner with over 30 organizations and have 46 volunteers. MB: What was the biggest difference you discovered after coming to Maine? CN: It was so hard to leave my family and everything behind. I will never forget it. Arriving in the U.S., I was like a stranger swimming in the sea without any direction. And of course there is a misperception. Immigrants can feel relief with the promise of safety, but they also face isolation and the uncertainty of tomorrow. e main concern is how to find and navi- gate a path from "what was" — the place you once called home — to "what will be." MB: IHP has faced extra challenges because of the pandemic. How have you and your members adapted to the crisis? CN: In Her Presence, with volunteers and partners, has helped mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on women, seniors, children and families. e needs are tremendous — like food, unemployment filing, emotional and social help — but language remains the key barrier. IHP programming has transitioned from weekly classes to a variety of virtual supports, and we're making homes safer with health edu- cation. In addition, we're providing survival products such as supplemen- tal child care and phone cards so that women can participate remotely. MB: How is IHP helping immigrants deal with what seems to be increasing social and political hostility toward them? CN: ere's a suspicion in Maine about people "from away," meaning those not born here. is cultural bar- rier increases exponentially for people of color from other countries. e issue does not have roots in mean- spiritedness; it is a matter of not participating enough in meaningful interaction and conversation, so as to gain a better understanding of others' culture and develop trustful relation- ships. Outreach to enhance com- munication between the immigrant community and employers is critical to reduce fear and bias. William Hall, Mainebiz digital editor, can be reached at whall @ mainebiz.biz In Her Presence P.O. Box 8828, Portland, ME 04104 Founded: 2015 What the organization does: Through English language training focused on community, life and career integration, works to empower immigrant women so they can thrive and contribute to their families and their communi- ties' economic prosperity. Contact: 207-347-9891 / www.inherpresence.org Partner with a dental insurance provider that keeps your employees happy with fast and accurate claims processing. NortheastDeltaDental.com KEEP YOUR EMPLOYEES HAPPY WITH SMILE POWER! Outreach to enhance communication between the immigrant community and employers is critical to reduce fear and bias.

• Cover