New Haven Oral History Project: Kovilka and Verica Milvojevic

Summary Description

Kovilka Milvojevic and her daughter, Verica, fled Bosnia in 1992 and spent several years in Germany before coming to New Haven in 2000 through the help of the Interfaith Ministry Refuge. The two women discuss their experiences as refugees and the home that they purchased in the Chatham Square area of Fair Haven. The two Milvojevics remember coming to the United States with only two suitcases each and discuss their first few years in New Haven. They lived in a Westville apartment initially but Verica moved to attend Albertus Magnus University several months after they arrived. Kovilka talks about her language difficulties but says that the Interfaith Ministry Refuge and her employer, Yale University, helped her become established in Connecticut. The two discuss the differences that they perceive between the United States and Bosnia. They appreciate the freedom of religion and speech but believe that many Americans are unaware of international events and drive their cars too much. With a grant for low-income families and assistance from the Yale Homebuyer Program, Kovilka bought a home in Chatham Square. The two talk about how much they enjoy the neighborhood and their efforts to improve it through block watch programs and other community uplift programs. Interviewer: Marcus, Jacob Length (min): 49

Category Tags

Immigration

New Haven Neighborhood

Fair Haven

Link to Full Text

Visit Website

Share

COinS