Summer Bridge Spotlight: Abigail E. Houkes
Meet Abigail E. Houkes, one of five participants selected for the 2024 Summer Bridge program. A PhD student in the Department of Anthropology, Abigail worked with the Immigration Project.
How have you applied your humanistic training to advance the mission of the community organization?
My humanistic training has been instrumental in advancing the mission of the Immigration Project by enabling me to read from various sources and synthesize multiple pieces of information cohesively. By leveraging my skills in qualitative research, I have understood the intricate details of IDHS public benefits programs and the unique challenges immigrant households face. This deep understanding has informed the creation of comprehensive and accessible informational materials explaining eligibility and application processes, empowering immigrant families to navigate the complex benefits system more effectively.
Moreover, my training in synthesizing diverse information has been instrumental in creating a cohesive training program for new caseworkers, volunteers, and interns. By incorporating insights from state application procedures and internal processes, I've developed a dynamic curriculum that can readily adapt to changes in state programs and eligibility requirements. This approach not only amplifies the effectiveness of our advocacy efforts but also ensures that our team is well-prepared to assist immigrant communities in accessing the public benefits they require.
How has this experience contributed to your career development? What skills have you gained or developed?
This experience has significantly contributed to my career development by enhancing my ability to explain complex topics clearly and effectively, a skill crucial for teaching and client communication. Working on the Public Benefits Access for the Immigration Project required me to develop training materials that break down intricate IDHS public benefits information into understandable segments for new caseworkers, volunteers, and interns. This process honed my writing skills for educational purposes, ensuring that even those without prior knowledge could grasp the necessary concepts and procedures.
Creating informational materials for our clients demanded a balance between simplicity and comprehensiveness. I learned to distill complex eligibility criteria and application processes into clear, concise guides that are easily accessible to immigrant households. This experience has not only improved my pedagogical skills but also reinforced the importance of clear communication in fostering understanding and empowerment, which is invaluable for my future roles in academia and community advocacy.
What have you learned from working with this community organization?
Working with the Immigration Project has reignited my passion for community aid and reinforced my commitment to conducting research and work that tangibly helps others. This experience has taught me the profound impact that well-organized support and advocacy can have on the lives of immigrant families, inspiring me to focus my future efforts on projects that prioritize community well-being and equity.
Additionally, I've learned the importance of empathy and clear communication in effectively serving communities in need. Engaging with the Immigration Program aided my understanding of an organization’s needs and deepened my resolve to pursue research that advances academic knowledge and provides practical benefits and solutions to the communities I aim to support.
Is there anything else you’d like to share about your Summer Bridge program experience?
I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to the Immigration Project and the Summer Bridge Program for this incredible opportunity. This experience has been invaluable in shaping my academic and professional journey, providing me with the skills and inspiration to continue my work in community advocacy and support. The dedication and passion of everyone involved have left a lasting impression on me, and I am deeply grateful for the chance to contribute to such meaningful work.