The Observer Newspapers | Delegates Learn About Social Services

November 21, 2008

Delegates Learn About Social Services

By Leslie Perales

Observer Staff Writer

Six Russian delegates visited Reston over the past week to learn about social issues and social services in the United States. The trip was sponsored through the Open World Program, and the group arrived on Nov. 14 and spent time at county government agencies, as well as local community and faith-based organizations.

On Monday, the group visited the Fairfax County Government Center to learn about adoption, foster care, substance abuse programs and domestic violence and child protection services. "It is going extremely well," said Cathy Alifrangis, one of the local hosts of the group.

Alifrangis said many of the group members were very interested in the way that U.S. social service agencies work together. "They were really impressed with that," she said. The group also was impressed by the spirit of volunteerism in the United States, Alifrangis said. It was interesting to them that children in America are taught that volunteering is a positive thing that they should do, she said.

Irena LaRose, the group's interpreter, said the idea of volunteerism has not been fully developed in Russia and many citizens often wonder "what is in it for me."

LaRose has been working as an interpreter with Open World for about 15 years and said the program allows citizens of other countries to learn more about the United States and better relate to Americans. "That's the best relationship building for the world that we can do," she said.

In addition to learning about county government programs, the delegates also visited with area churches, Reston Interfaith, Giving Circle of Hope, Herndon-Reston FISH and local schools. On Tuesday, LaRose said so far the group enjoyed visiting Washington, D.C., and sharing stories with each other about their host families.