For my second stop on my week of volunteering, today I volunteered with World Relief, a refugee resettlement agency. There are many different aspects to this agency’s work. I am so impressed by how they manage it all. Despite language barriers, cultural differences and complex immigration processes, World Relief manages to accommodate their client’s needs effectively and compassionately. I began volunteering with World Relief after Volunteer Odyssey’s VolunCheers Minute Match event in June, so today I was able to really dive into work with refugee clients. I spent the morning assisting clients with intake forms. In the afternoon I switched to my continued volunteering with a family that I have been working with during my earlier volunteer stints.

Through my experience at World Relief, I see that there is great value in connecting newcomers to Memphis with established community members. My relationship with the refugee family gives them someone to reach out to in the community and a friend who speaks their language. I am available to them for questions, to confide in, or to just spend time together. The benefits for me include getting to use my French skills as well as making a lasting connection and learning about another culture. These personal connections are so valuable and rewarding to me. My experience with World Relief affirms that I thrive working with others. I am really enjoying the opportunity to both volunteer and reflect on what the volunteering means to me. I can’t wait to see what else is in store for this week!

With the youngest daughter, Christevie