I have been actively involved in supporting this nonprofit by translating essential documents from English into Burmese and Chin dialects. The materials I help translate cover a wide range of important topics, such as health awareness, vaccine information, voting guidelines, important education information, services available for people for a certain thing in the state, legal document and instructions on how to seek assistance from the community. Additionally, I act as an interpreter between parents and teachers, facilitating communication regarding their children's education.
This organization's impact is immense, as it serves a community of individuals who often struggle due to language barriers. Without the translation and interpreting services we provide, many people would find it challenging to access the help and information they need, leaving them vulnerable and without support. EMBARC plays a crucial role in bridging the gap for those who don't speak English and don't know how to navigate essential services.
I love serving many families through EMBARC. It is amazing to see the effective collaboration between staff and volunteers to help our refugee community. I may not be able to do much, but being the voice and advocate for families in need makes me proud every day.
A group of people who strive to bring differences together and make harmonies!
I have volunteered here and I am always surprised to see how passionate, committed, and encouraging everyone here is. From volunteers to staff to board members, everyone is truly working under the mission in providing essential services to the approved refugees of Burma community in Iowa.
Focusing on the community's best interests and providing services. Dedicated staff works hard to meet clients' needs and offers support to the community as required.
EMBARC is an organization that cares about the people that they are serving. They are committed to making sure the people are receiving quality services that are culturally appropriate.
They helped me to get Medicare and Medicaid. Helped apply for Aging Resources and get the check for Farmer Market.
Community-centered and culturally specific approach services. Thousands of families in our community benefit from their Wednesday walk-in access center clinic.
Embarc's mission is noble and focused on helping refugees and immigrants from Burma. A handful of the staff are very enthusiastic and committed to the clients. However, the senior staff, directors, and workplace are generally very toxic. You can expect to be extremely lowballed, treated unprofessionally, and mismanaged. The organization lacks structure which oftentimes leads to distractions in trying to remedy the mistakes caused by said lack of structure. Some of the leaders are also very bitter and spread that amongst the staff. There is no form of security in employment so prepare to have alternatives while you work here. As a volunteer, or client, you will get a very different picture but as an employee or staff, be careful before taking a job with EMBARC. The leadership needs an overhaul so that the people to be helped can actually receive help.
EMBARC is a wonderful nonprofit organization! They work hard to help refugees connect, succeed, and thrive within the local community. Their work is truly changing lives and helping these families have a bright future! I absolutely love volunteering with them and love all the individuals and families I’ve gotten to know. I’m so thankful for the work they do and the opportunity to serve with EMBARC.
I am so Thankful of EMBARC for finding me a stable job with livable wage so I can support my family. I do not know what to do without the help of EMBARC.I truly appreciate this organization.They do above and beyond.
I have been involved with EMBARC for 5 years as a volunteer and as a board member. I've never encountered a group of people with such enthusiastic commitment to their mission as the staff, volunteers and community members associated with this wonderful organization. It has changed lives and built bridges between refugees and the people of Iowa. The Executive Director, Henny Ohr, brings vision and heart to the organization and is more effective at building an inclusive environment than anyone I have ever encountered. Her skill as an attorney is useful in her leadership role, but it is her ability to effect positive, sustained change that puts her above the others. People want to be involved because they can see the differences they are making through EMBARC.
Attached is a photo of the EMBARC volunteer (a retired preschool teacher) who now teaches a Storytime program for 3 and 4 year old refugees. This is only one of many, many EMBARC programs that are making a world of difference.
The staff & volunteers of EMBARC are dedicated to the people they help. They don’t just provide freebies— they develop programs to help the refugees and their communities learn to help themselves. Such wonderful hardworking folks! So incredibly diligent and creative when it comes to tackling difficult persistent problems. Kudos EMBARC and keep up the good work!
