09/04/2026
As part of CIP’s post-program activities following our 70th Anniversary, our international social work professionals spent Saturday, August 1 at the Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences for a full day of conversations with Northeast Ohio experts. We are incredibly grateful to each of our speakers for sharing their knowledge, experience, and perspectives with the group.
Patrick Kearns, Executive Director of Re:Source Cleveland, opened the day with a discussion about refugee resettlement and the realities facing refugees and other international newcomers as they build new lives in Northeast Ohio. Drawing on his experience both locally and internationally, Patrick also spoke about how organizations are adapting to a rapidly changing environment for refugee services.
Immigration attorney Olga Zullig of Nicola, Gudbranson & Cooper, LLC helped the group navigate the complexities of the U.S. immigration system, discussing visas, immigration policy and compliance, and the challenges facing immigrants, families, and international professionals today.
Dr. Dana M. Prince of CWRU's Mandel School shared her work with marginalized youth involved in foster care, juvenile justice, homelessness services, and other public systems. Her session explored youth mental health and wellbeing, the importance of youth voice, and approaches that build resilience and support within communities.
Dr. Robert L. Fischer, also of the Mandel School, introduced the group to program and service evaluation and the role data can play in understanding whether social programs are actually achieving their goals. He shared insights from his extensive evaluation research and community-based work, giving participants practical ideas they could relate to their own organizations and programs.
Carolyn Kinkoph, co-founder of the Alliance Against Human Trafficking, and survivor advocate Annette Mango closed the day with a powerful discussion about human trafficking, including prevention, recognizing the signs of trafficking, supporting survivors, and improving survivor-centered responses. Carolyn brought her perspective as an advocate, educator, and mother, while Annette shared the invaluable perspective of lived experience and her work helping professionals better understand and respond to survivors.
Thank you to Patrick, Olga, Dana, Rob, Carolyn, and Annette for giving our international colleagues such a thoughtful and engaging look at the challenges, strategies, and people shaping social services in Northeast Ohio. We are grateful for your time and for the important work you do in our community.
