CANCELLED! - Open Book Program with CultureALL funded in part by the Clarinda Foundation

Due to the weather, our presenters won't be traveling tomorrow. We are working on a date to reschedule.

Saturday Jan. 13th @ 12 PM

Imagine a library full of stories - not written in books, but told through the lessons learned by people with real-life experiences. Books are people. They are our neighbors from diverse backgrounds who are willing to share their personal experiences and defining moments. Readers are people like you who are interested in hearing stories that inspire joy, awe, wonder and disbelief. The conversations that follow will eave you feeling even more like you belong within your community.

Speakers:

Patrick Karemera - The Lottery

Patrick Karemera was born and raised in the Democratic Republic of Congo and has been fortunate to spend time in several other countries: Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Burundi, and Rwanda. He used his BA degree in Sociology to work with several nonprofits around the continent of Africa. After winning a Diversity Lottery Visa, Patrick was able to immigrate to Iowa. He now works as a Refugee Resettlement Caseworker in one of Iowa’s largest refugee resettlement agencies. Patrick finds value in himself and connection with others through sharing his story and bringing awareness to the Diversity Lottery Visa process.

In 2017, Patrick Karemera won the lottery. But it's not the lottery you might think of. His prize did not come in the form of millions of dollars. Instead, it is a Diversity Visa Lottery that has allowed him to live the American Dream - a reality full of joys and challenges. Patrick gets to pay it forward by helping other refugees and immigrants to start their new lives in America.

Carrie Jacobs - Farmgirl

Carrie Jacobs grew up outside of Lacona, Iowa, on a small family farm and learned to drive at a very early age. She never thought her life driving pick-ups, four-wheelers, and tractors was unusual until she met "city kids" who hadn't been behind the wheel of a car until driver's ed. The confidence she had driving on her family farm mirrored Carrie's desire to see a wider world; that included moving to Pella to attend Central College, and then working as an educator for over 20 years in the West Des Moines Community School District. She began her career as an alternative education social studies teacher and currently is the Online Learning Coordinator. She is the parent of two children, one of whom is learning to drive now.

"I couldn't wait to leave small-town Iowa. Driving became a way for me to explore, to see different places, to expand my world. While I did leave, I took a set of values and beliefs with me that have helped me bridge the rural-urban divide, one grounded in curiosity and an appreciation for the wider world. Now that I am parenting 'city kids,' my worlds are coming together."