April 16, 2011
Friends of Refugees is an awesome organization that helps UN resettled refugees from war torn or impoverished nations around the world who get settled in Clarkston, GA (the largest refugee center in the Southeast). They help families adjust to all aspects of life in America such as finances, housing, language, school, employment, etc.
Friends of Refugees has also been extremely focused on reaching out and building bridges of community and friendship between people of different ethnicities and backgrounds. It is also one of the only organizations of it's kind that is active in this area. Very few residents of the metro Atlanta area (right outside Clarkston) are even aware that such a melting pot of different cultures exists in their own backyard. Friends of Refugees has helped reduce this by bringing in local groups and churches as volunteers.
Friends of Refugees has also been extremely focused on reaching out and building bridges of community and friendship between people of different ethnicities and backgrounds. It is also one of the only organizations of it's kind that is active in this area. Very few residents of the metro Atlanta area (right outside Clarkston) are even aware that such a melting pot of different cultures exists in their own backyard. Friends of Refugees has helped reduce this by bringing in local groups and churches as volunteers.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
I personally had never heard of the unique situation and challenges Clarkston faced until I went on a local mission trip there the past several summers. Even though the poverty and struggle that is going on there sometimes pulled at my heartstrings, I was also encouraged and inspired by all the good that Friends of Refugees is doing in the area. They are truly the hands and feet of God to his children in a time that could easily become overwhelmingly difficult for refugees otherwise.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
I would introduce more volunteer and outreach efforts to communities outside of Clarkston. There are many Georgians who are unaware of the problems this area faces, but might be willing to help if they knew.
MY ROLE:
Volunteer & Volunteered at a local summer camp held by Friends of Refugees for 3 summers in a row.