A Journey from Mexico

Jocelyne considers herself one of the lucky few. At 6, she moved to California through a family petition. There was no harrowing journey. Surrounded by many that looked like her, Jocelyne began settling into a new life in California while her mother started working at a factory.

But, her mother was special – a theme in this story – and the factory noticed. Within a year, a promotion. And a move...

...to the rural town of Plymouth, Indiana.

There, Jocelyne was alone. On her first day of school, she had no ability to communicate with anyone. "I remember crying on the first day,” she says. Feeling alone, she and her sister showed up every day and tried their best. With the assistance of a few kind teachers, they began to build a bridge from a world of isolation to one of integration.  

Most of that bridge got built at home. Each day, when Jocelyne’s mother got home after a long shift doing factory work, she sat down and began her life’s work – making dinner and sitting at the kitchen table with her daughters. “I wish I had something like NSC to support me when I was new,” Jocelyne offers. There was no such organization nearby, but that did not stop them. Jocelyne’s mother put her own needs and opportunities to the side, fully focused on the success of her daughters.

They had a future to create.

That future, for Jocelyne, was one of academic success, college at Ball State, and a move to Philadelphia. AmeriCorps brought Jocelyne to Nationalities Service Center. She later became a case manager. Now, she supervises three.

As part of NSC’s Survivor Services team, Jocelyne supports those who have experienced domestic violence, sexual violence, trafficking, and stalking. These newcomers, generally not refugees or asylees, experience a different legal process – one that is extraordinarily long and frustrating. And, while she does not share their traumatic past, she does know what it feels like to be new, confused, and alone.  

So, she walks with them on their journey in a new place. She supports clients through the legal process, connects them with resources, and provides opportunities for healing. And, sometimes, they just talk. Jocelyne’s mere presence provides an example of what is possible for her clients.

“I love my job,” she says, noting the high-quality people NSC attracts. Law school might be in her future, but for now, Jocelyne is enjoying work that feels “impactful and meaningful.” She has multiple options – especially after her 15-year journey to US citizenship concluded successfully in 2021, finally allowing her to feel secure. Having options is a reality she tries to create for her clients as well.

Jocelyne’s mother did incredible work with little support. Her clients are lucky to have so much more.