Imelda Melgar
Imelda Melgar came to Riverside in 2005 and never left. Now in her 15th year as Riverside’s case manager and counselor, Imelda originally attended the school as a student a few years after arriving in New York from El Salvador. “Riverside’s mission resonated with me -- personally and professionally,” she said.
Providing counseling/case management is a 24/7 job. Student needs range from navigating government services to filling out college applications and forms. Often, to broaden services and supports to students, Imelda partners with community-based organizations to provide workshops on topics ranging from Career & Education, Financial Literacy, and Know Your Rights. During the late fall, health clinics are invited to provide flu vaccinations.
“As an immigrant myself, I believe our community is very resilient.”
When Riverside transitioned to remote learning during the COVID-19 pandemic, Riverside worked closely with its tight-knit community to ensure that both students and alums had online access and support, even at a distance. “The initial issue was keeping our students and their families healthy and safe while following the mandated stay-at-home order. One of the things that became crucial was learning digital skills, and making sure our students had access to technology, not only to stay connected with us but also to survive.”
Imelda, like all Riverside students, is grateful for the opportunity Riverside gave her. “When you are in a new country and face language barriers, immigration problems, health problems, housing, and financial instability, and attend a full-time and demanding program like ours, that in itself is already an accomplishment,” says Imelda.