Interagency migrant support workshop

SAMU First Response hosts Interagency Migrant Support Workshop

SAMU First Response hosted our very first Interagency Migrant Support Workshop on May 31st, 2024 in Silver Spring, MD. We hosted 15 agencies that came together virtually and in person to share knowledge, strategies, and best practices in migrant assistance and care. The goal of the workshop was to strengthen the relationship with agencies that are currently working with migrants in the Maryland area. We took this time to discuss how we can work together and share information that may be valuable to each other in our own day to day work.

Some of the agencies that were able to benefit from this safe space of collaboration were AYUDA, Montgomery County Government, Iglesia de Dios, Vision Diaspora, Washington English Center, Carecen, Montgomery County Public Schools, Couching Salud Holistica, Identity, Mr.Car Foundation, CASA Maryland, and SAMU First Response. Each of these agencies were able to bring valuable information of how they have been serving the migrant community, lessons they have learned, and to brainstorm ways in which we can collaborate to provide even better services to those individuals and families we serve.

Community and partnerships for SAMU First Response has always been an important key to our success of helping migrants in the DMV area. We are grateful that we were able to bring together so many successful agencies to work together in strengthening our response and efforts that we provide for the migrant community. The individuals that attended the workshop were able to walk away with a better understanding of how other agencies serve the migrant population, insightful ideas that they can bring back to their day-to-day work, and most importantly personal connections with other individuals in the world of migrant assistance. Together we can make a difference and continue to provide a safe and welcoming space to migrants arriving to the Maryland area.