From November 26 – December 3, 2018, Julie Rosicky, Executive Director of International Social Service, USA (ISS-USA) and Ambassador Susan Jacobs, Chair of the International Social Service (ISS) governing board and vice chair of ISS-USA’s board, had the honor of visiting ISS Hong Kong. During their time in Hong Kong, they visited three of ISS Hong Kong’s programs: a small group home for children, the migrants program, and an adoption program.

While visiting the migrants program, Ms. Rosicky participated in a role-playing activity in which she learned about the services ethnic minorities in Hong Kong access through ISS Hong Kong. In Hong Kong, those seeking asylum get a modest stipend for rent, transport, and food. They live in the community, not in detention.

During her time in Hong Kong, Ms. Rosicky also presented at the Asia Pacific Region Meeting. Her presentation focused on the network process the ISS-USA branch uses between states and the region, focusing on the main issues they address concerning child/family migration between and within Central America, Mexico, and the U.S.

Another goal of the meeting was to develop the region’s next strategic plan and come up with a list of priority countries to target for new partnerships. There were representatives from Taiwan, Hong Kong, Philippines, Australia, New Zealand, Thailand and Japan participating in the meeting.

While the regional meeting was taking place, the Governing board was charting its way forward with Ambassador Jacobs leading the way; identifying key strategies to support the work of ISS and the General Secretariat.

On Friday, November 30, the entire ISS Hong Kong staff, Board of Directors, volunteers and hundreds of guests celebrated ISS Hong Kong’s 60^th anniversary. At least fifty of ISS Hong Kong’s staff were presented awards for their long service, and Ambassador Jacobs presented former ISS Gov Board Chair, Mr. C.P. Ho, with a token of appreciation on behalf of ISS. Staff and migrants in the various programs performed in drumming, dancing and singing. The event was a huge success and a good time was had by all!