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perseverance and dedication to this community every day.” Self-sufficiency is the ultimate goal for the RSC team. “People we serve often come to us with seemingly impossible situations,” Sunny says. Those can mean different things for each individual: learning to ride the bus instead of relying on a volunteer for transportation, feeling confident enough to request an interpreter at a doctor’s appointment or simply opening a letter to be read aloud instead of silently passing a sealed folder of paperwork. “Anything that makes them feel in charge of their own lives contributes to that sense of self-sufficiency,” Flicka says. “You give them self-esteem, skills and independence, and they can achieve the American dream.” Fostering that independence can also mean meeting someone at the hospital, getting up in the middle of the night for an emergency or addressing concerns about housing. “Flicka spends so much time talking to each person, making phone calls, sending emails and working until their problems are solved, or at least manageable,” Sunny says. “She never gives up.” And while the work is deeply rewarding, it is not without challenges. “Funding is always tight,” Flicka says. The demand for refugee services continues to grow, and more interpreters are needed. Still, she remains deeply committed and believes others can help in meaningful ways. Calling lawmakers to advocate for refugee protections, volunteering as a tutor or even just offering a smile at the grocery store can make a difference. “Extend the normal kindness you would to people in your neighborhood,” she urges, “because these are your neighbors.” – by Morgan Cartier Weston 68
chapelhillmagazine.com
May/June 2025