Arts and Culture
Tell Me A Story: The Family Story Book Project
FACTR’s Family Story Books project captures the voices, stories, and experiences of immigrant seniors to make their stories available to their families and their communities. By asking about their life and experiences, we let immigrant seniors know they are valued. As storytellers, immigrant seniors play an important role as culture and legacy preservers for their families and in their communities. By telling their stories, immigrant seniors become active contributors, reducing their isolation and promoting their well-being.
The FACTR Family Story Book Project engages immigrant seniors from five ethnic groups (Ethiopian, Latina/o, Russian, Chinese, Vietnamese and Indian). Seniors are interviewed by FACTR counselors and asked about their life experiences and cultures. Stories are recorded in both English and the newcomer’s home language and compiled into book form.
Getting to “Happily Ever After”
Family Story Book is an enduring legacy gift for the senior’s adult children and grandchildren and a source of inspiration for generations to come. Making the Family Story Books widely available will help inform the local community about immigrants’ life experiences and their cultures of origin. Sharing stories and learning about cultures supports the development of strong, cohesive communities and facilitates acceptance of immigrants from diverse cultures and backgrounds. The FACTR Family Story Book project is one way to provide our community with an appreciation of common heritage and lead us to a greater sense of connection and compassion.