Mutuality in El Barrio: Stories of the Little Sisters of the Assumption Family Health Service

Mutuality in El Barrio is a documentary that explores the experiences of 18 immigrant families from East Harlem and their interactions with Little Sisters of the Assumption Family Health Services, a well-established organization that provides support to vulnerable populations with a unique approach called "mutuality." The film combines oral histories with archival research to showcase how LSA serves as a place of healing and empowerment, cultivating long-term relationships and nurturing the potential of residents as leaders, parents, and advocates. The personal accounts of mothers, staff, and nuns reveal how mutuality helped them find solidarity, accompaniment, care, neighborhood transformation, and binding connections in East Harlem.

Format: Hardback
Length: 192 pages
Publication date: 16 April 2024
Publisher: Fordham University Press

The stories of eighteen immigrant families from East Harlem and their experiences with one of New York's deeply-rooted organizations are explored in Mutuality in El Barrio. The film combines oral histories with archival research to present how Little Sisters of the Assumption Family Health Services, a well-established organization, serves vulnerable populations with a unique approach they call "mutuality." LSA is part of a network of powerful grassroots organizations in East Harlem that draws from the remarkable strengths of local families. The organization is a place of healing and empowerment focused on the overall holistic health of resident families. Long-term relationships are cultivated here rather than quick fixes, and it is a place that nurtures people's full potential as leaders, parents, and advocates for themselves.

In Mutuality in El Barrio, eighteen mothers share how they managed to navigate a strange city and an unfamiliar language in a neighborhood that has long been a site of incredible challenges and extraordinary strength, creativity, and cultural vitality. These personal accounts of mothers, long-time LSA staff, and nuns reveal how these women found solidarity, accompaniment, care, neighborhood transformation, and binding connections through mutuality that helped them grow and connect in East Harlem. The stories shine a light on an organization that began as a small group of women who wanted to help their neighbors but has grown into a powerful force for change in the community.

The film also highlights the importance of community organizing and the role that LSA plays in building strong and resilient communities. Through its programs and services, LSA provides a range of support to families, including healthcare, education, and social services. The organization also works to promote community engagement and empowerment, encouraging residents to take an active role in shaping their neighborhoods.

Mutuality in El Barrio is a powerful testament to the resilience and strength of immigrant families and the organizations that support them. The film offers a glimpse into the lives of these families and the challenges they face, as well as the ways in which they find hope and connection in their community. It is a reminder of the importance of community organizing and the impact that grassroots organizations can have on the lives of their members and the broader community.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781531506421