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

This is a rescheduling of our Open Book program that was planned in January but was postponed due to weather.

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.

Caryn Kelly - Keeping House Making Home

Caryn Kelly has a background in conflict-resolution and peace-building in divided societies, including time spent in Northern Ireland, Mexico, and on the US/Mexico border. Curious to learn more about other cultures, Caryn volunteered with an ESL program for immigrants and refugees in Minneapolis and pursued a career in teaching English. For over 15 years, Caryn has taught and trained volunteers and advised diverse adult learners on their educational and career training opportunities. Carynhas worked on LSI’s Community-based English program, EMBARC’s Refugee RISE AmeriCorps, and most recently, the Iowa International Center’s Welcome English AmeriCorps program. Caryn and Lilian Okech (also an Open Book) met as fellow business owners in 2017 and have recently formed Hope to Shine, a new non-profit focused on developing the potential of immigrant and refugee women as leaders in their homes, workplaces, and community.  

"Throughout my career, I met many hard-working students, full of potential, but who were often unable to find work that could support their families. Many felt frustrated by their inability to fulfill their ambition for a better life for themselves and their children in their new country. Understanding their drive, and eager to make a difference, I listened to a student’s suggestion to start a business that could not only employ English language learners, but also help them achieve their American dreams. My story explores how my company, Shine Housekeeping, is dedicated to creating positive employment and learning opportunities for immigrant and refugee women as they make their new homes in Central Iowa."