Misericordia University Social Work Students Join Mercy Institutions for Refugee Resettlement Conference

Misericordia University Social Work Students Join Mercy Institutions for Refugee Resettlement Conference 

DALLAS, PA - In November, social work students from Misericordia University joined peers from Gwynedd Mercy University, Carlow University, and Salve Regina University for a grant-funded culminating conference on refugee resettlement. 

Held over two days at Salve Regina University in Newport, RI, the forum provided students and educators with in-depth insights into the global refugee system, U.S. immigration policies, and the critical resources available to resettled individuals. The event was hosted in collaboration with Dorcas International, a leading organization in refugee assistance. 

Sessions covered topics beyond traditional social work, including trauma-informed care, cultural awareness, student integration, and advocacy strategies. A highlight of the conference was keynote speaker Sagitta Woodman '12, a private practitioner and mental health consultant specializing in refugee resettlement. 

Woodman, who has worked with the United Nations and state agencies to expand behavioral health access for immigrant populations, provided expert insights into supporting newly arrived individuals. 

Attendees also heard firsthand experiences from resettled individuals during a panel discussion featuring speakers from Iraq, South Sudan, Afghanistan, and Kenya. Panelists shared the realities of their resettlement journeys, from life in refugee camps to navigating new cultures and overcoming language barriers. 

This collaborative conference reaffirmed the commitment of Mercy institutions to social justice and advocacy, equipping future social workers with the knowledge and skills to support refugees and immigrant communities effectively. 

For more information on Misericordia University's Social work program, click here.