Serve Philadelphia VISTAs Strengthen Access and Outreach at OIA

The Office of Immigrant Affairs in Philadelphia brought on two Serve Philadelphia VISTAs, Rob Brown and Haby Sow, in August 2024 to strengthen immigrant services. Rob, serving as the Language Access VISTA, developed a digital toolbox to enhance the delivery of language access services. He collaborated with Translation Quality Coordinator Kahlil Thomas to create clear processes, ensuring that the tools remain accessible and effective. Haby, as the Welcoming Network VISTA, focused on building reliable partnerships and a community resource guide. Their joint efforts increased outreach materials' language options from five to ten, fostering a more inclusive environment.

Rob's approach emphasized understanding the tools and their users for long-term impact, while Haby's contributions highlighted the importance of community engagement. Their work lays essential groundwork for future projects at the Office of Immigrant Affairs. The VISTAs' collaboration showcases the significance of teamwork in creating lasting change for immigrant communities in Philadelphia.