Tag Page ChicagoStories

I Was Helping Immigrants Translate Documents, and Their Aid Amount Shocked Me

As a community volunteer in Chicago, I help immigrants fill out forms. One day, I assisted a newly arrived family. When the system displayed the aid they qualified for, I was stunned— it was more than what I make from two part-time jobs. They were grateful. Meanwhile, I felt a wave of emotional conflict: Why am I helping them access more resources than I have? In that moment, I understood what “system shock” really means. Topics: #ShowUsTheBill #ImmigrantAid #VolunteerLife #PolicyImpact #ChicagoStories