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Leaders Making an Impact: Jen Mahern
About four miles west of Edinburgh, Indiana, you’ll find Camp Atterbury. Originally a training post during World War II, it remains largely dormant.
In the nationwide effort to support and resettle 7,400 Afghan refugees who fled Taliban rule, the Department of Homeland Security directed refugees to eight “safe havens” across the country this fall. One of those safe havens was Camp Atterbury.
Around 7,000 refugees found a temporary home at Camp Atterbury. To support the needs of these families and individuals starting their new lives, Indiana churches, corporations and organizations stepped up to provide aid – IEA is of them.
In October, our Indy-based IT team prepped and sent over 100 laptops and tablets to Camp Atterbury. IT Technical Support Specialist Jen Mahern joined in delivering the technology IEA donated. During the day of delivery, she set up tablets, taught kids how to navigate them and more – the entire day was packed.
“The first time I left, I was utterly exhausted but felt energized and filled with joy; I loved it and started thinking about trying to do more,” said Mahern. “But I only had eight hours of Volunteer Time Off and Camp Atterbury only accepts volunteers during the week.”
Before dismissing the possibility of helping further, Mahern approached her supervisor, senior vice president of IT Brian Newgent, about finding time to assist and educate these individuals.
“Absolutely. I consider it a part of your work now,” replied Newgent.
Every Monday since, Mahern traveled 120 miles round-trip to Edinburgh, IN, and back.
In a concrete building under fluorescent lighting, much like a church basement, you would find Mahern teaching classes; helping children learn English, guiding teenagers through activities, teaching women to budget and grocery shop in America. Mahern and Camp Atterbury workers have built relationships and a sense of community with people who are far from everything they have ever known.
“If you asked me, the value of what they learned had nothing to do with the lessons,” said Mahern. “It was the value of relationships - human connection. That someone cares about you in such a strange place.”
It’s been a few months since her first visit to Camp Atterbury. In early January, most families had resettled, the facilities clearing out significantly from those first fall months. What will stick with her are the connections and ability to show kindness, even with a language barrier.
“They were ripped from everything they know; you can tell it was hard,” said Mahern. “Still, people were so kind and smiling all the time. We’re all humans and we’re resilient.”
As the mission of providing a safe haven has drawn to a close at Camp Atterbury, so have the Monday visits from Mahern. However, the impact she made remains.
Leaders exist across our organization - they don't go above and beyond for recognition or status, but because it's the right thing to do. Jen Mahern is certainly one of those individuals.
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