I happened to hear about FORA through a friend and I didn't think much of it until I actually visited the non profit in West Ridge, IL after speaking with Michael O' Conner.
Nothing quite prepares you for FORA. I have volunteered with many organizations in the past but FORA is different.
FORA's mission is unique. It seeks to empower children of refugees who come with little to no education to close the gaps in learning as they are thrown into a public school system that simply does not have the resources to help them navigate the demands of modern day education.
Over the years that I have been involved with FORA I see children who are newcomers and after a few years of being at FORA I see the transformation as they grow from being quiet and reserved and scared to becoming confident, vocal, assertive and able to overcome tremendous odds to shine and thrive at school and outside which is something that would not have been possible but for FORA's intervention.
Think for a minute imagine what it must feel like for a child that has never been to school, has only known a refugee camp and now is transplanted into a world that they do not understand nor comprehend because of language barriers, cultural barriers and the fear of the unknown.
FORA offers these kids not just the opportunity to learn but to grow and integrate and exceed expectations and they do that with ease thanks to the commitment and time investment of everyone involved from the volunteers to the tutors, the leadership and above all the parents who entrust that FORA will help their children excel.
I think the story of FORA is the story of those children that would have been lost in the labyrinth of CPS had it not been for the efforts of a band of determined young volunteers who under the leadership of Michael and Kathleen found a way to help these young minds become the best version of themselves.
What FORA does is transformative. I have spoken to these children and I have seen them into grow into young adults that have dreams and aspirations and now the means to lift themselves out of being refugees who came with nothing now looking forward a life which they could have not imagined.
As the first graduates of FORA secure scholarships and seats across colleges in the US, we are reminded that it is non profits like FORA that will change the trajectory of a generation of kids and their families that had little going for them and that is what makes FORA stand head and shoulders above any other non profit that I have been a part of.
My daughters and I have volunteered with FORA for several years. FORA is transformational - for the students, their families and for the volunteers. One of the strengths of this program lies in its recognition of the importance of education as a pathway to integration and self-sufficiency for these students. By equipping children with foundational skills in reading and math, the program not only enhances their academic abilities but also fosters confidence and resilience. It's wonderful to acknowledge Michael and Kathleen for their leadership in spearheading such an impactful initiative. Their leadership not only drives the program forward but also inspires others to get involved and make a difference in the lives of these amazing kids.
I have volunteered with FORA for the past two summers and have had great experiences both times. It is a a very supportive work environment with a great staff and great kids. The work they are doing in amazing and I am so glad I got to be a part of it. It is clear that the organization wants the absolute best for these kids and their families. They go the extra mile to make sure the kids are getting the best tutoring and support. I look forward to volunteering for them again.
I am so proud to be a tutor at Fora. Growing up, I didn't have a tutoring program to turn to. But I'm certain that one like Fora would have helped me tremendously. It is not only a place for refugees to receive robust academic instruction, but it is also a vibrant and welcoming community for the students, tutors, and staff. The students are incredibly hard working and they constantly inspire me each and every week. The staff have been very accomodating to me, as I'm a full-time college student, and make me feel so appreciated. This program has served as a formative pillar and anchor in the lives of so many, and I'm excited to see the great things in store for Fora in the future!
I have tutored at FORA for the past two summers and I have loved it. All of the kids there have a passion for learning, and all of the tutors want what is best for the students. I am looking forward to tutoring again this summer!
I'm an active member of the Chicago community with a strong attachment to the
causes of children and immigrants. FORA’s early successes and impressive growth trajectory at
the intersection of those two causes meant that it was almost inevitable for our family to cross paths with the organization and its founders. FORA is an amazing organization with a proven track record of success and they are very mindful and deliberate with their financail donations. The founders are super committed to the orgaization with thier own time and money and they do not ask of others what they would not be willing to put in themselves. As a donor I truly appreciate this trait, which is quite rare and shows true commitment.
This is a place filled with hope and joy. I first noticed FORA on a walk in my neighborhood — through the window I could see engaged and happy kids learning with the support of their tutors. I soon joined them as a tutor, volunteering two days a week. I have been involved in the social impact sector throughout my career, and tutoring young refugee children has been my most fulfilling experience ever.
The kids’ tenacity is inspiring as are the co-founders of FORA — leaders in their fields who run the organization as volunteers.
If you would like to volunteer or contribute, please know that your gift will go to a most wonderful cause, and it will have a tremendous impact.
I am very lucky to have had the opportunity to intern at FORA. I tutored over the summer on Zoom for two hours per day, each hour dedicated to a different student. The students I worked with were enthusiastic and engaged every day, and always seemed appreciative of the learning opportunities granted to them by FORA. My tutoring was specifically focused on English reading and writing, and I saw the students really progress over the summer. Aside from academics, the students were able to create bonds with fellow classmates and many FORA volunteers. Even as a virtual intern, it was evident how dedicated everyone in the office is to creating a productive and enjoyable learning environment. Throughout my time as a tutor, I learned a lot as well. I learned how to better communicate with children and which teaching methods are most effective. I also had a lot of fun getting to know the students and the wonderful volunteers at FORA. I hope to continue working with FORA in the future.
FORA offers refugee children an opportunity to feel connected and to thrive. I've volunteered as a tutor there for three years and am so proud to see the students improve by leaps and bounds. A young girl who knew almost no English when we started is now working at grade level and making straight A's. Moreover, she tutors the little kids one day a week. A young man with learning disability is sounding out words and speaking with greater and greater fluency. I enjoy the camaraderie of the other tutors who are retired like me, but I also love getting to know the young university students who give their time and energy. The staff are dedicated and creative.
I've done volunteer writing for FORA telling some of the students' stories, and have been struck by how happy they are! They tell me that FORA is their second home, that they love being here, that the volunteers have been so kind and helpful. They smile and laugh as tell their stories. FORA not only guides them to academic success; it helps them to enjoy and love learning - a gift that will last and transform their lifetimes.
Volunteering at FORA has been a joy for me. The kids are motivated and eager to learn. It is hard to do two more hours after a full day at school but they push past it. I am honored to be a small part of their lives was they make a life in a new country and travel their new journey.
FORA’s co- founders had a vision of “….a world where refugees are welcomed and empowered.” They followed through on their dream, founding Forging Opportunities for Refugees in America with the belief that “…literacy is a human right and are looking forward to helping more children achieve it”.
Their enthusiasm and hard work enabled them to attract educated, dedicated, and dependable volunteers working toward the common goal of preparing refugee children for success in school, adapting to American life, and to become contributing citizens.
More than 900 volunteers have offered two hours of daily one on one tutoring to the current number of approximately 100 students in a welcoming, warm, environment.
During the pandemic I was fortunate to be a remote tutor until on site lessons were once again available. The founders did not allow the closing of schools to postpone the continuity of the all- important daily contact. Within a short period of time, they had tutors around the country offering their time remotely ensuring the students received the necessary help.
This dedication has been rewarded with students participating in regional and national competitions, graduating from high school, and continuing onto higher education.
FORA has received accolades and recognition from local, regional, and national organizations; and has become the paradigm for after-school educational tutoring programs.
The staff excels at their undertakings doing so with joy and enthusiasm. This is definitely reflected in the smiles seen on the children’s faces and in the success stories that are accumulating and being multiplied each year.
I am proud to be a supporter and to help promote FORA’s goal where all are welcomed to learn.
I have been a fan of FORA since it was first conceived out of a needed to help families in fleeing crisis. Since then, FORA has grown and evolved in to an organization that builds, empowers and strengthens families from the ground up as they settle into the Chicago. I love how they help students develop essential skills and families move towards stability. I could not be more proud to call myself a FORA volunteer and donor working to help the organization find resources and funding to build deep roots into the community.
I’ve been volunteering with FORA for almost a year, and I’m so happy I found them. FORA is a safe place for kids and volunteers alike where working through challenges is encouraged. It’s also the happiest of learning environments, for everyone. I have learned so much from the kids and gotten to see them grow from shy, recent immigrants into confident learners with a mastery of the English language and a pride for their home culture. It really is a beautiful place!
I learned about FORA through a friend of mine who was tutoring there. I visited the site, watched the kids in action, and was blown away by the level of dedication from everyone involved--kids, parents, educators, volunteers and the leaders. I have, since that time, raved to everyone about what an impressve organization FORA is. Keep up the great work!!!
FORA has been a fantastic organization. See how every child has grown over the course of their learning has been inspiring to see.
FORA was started specifically because local refugee parents were demanding out-of-school help for their children who were not in school getting the foundational reading and math help that they so desperately needed. The refugee parents of FORA have led the way in ensuring that their children are given the tools needed so that they can thrive in school and robustly engage in American society. I am being honored to be partners with these joyously resilient parents who are educational thought leaders in the Chicago refugee community.
FORA is a remarkable organization. I've had the pleasure of volunteering there for several years and have witnessed the incredible growth of each child involved. It's not just their grades and test scores that have improved—there's a noticeable increase in the joy they feel from learning. The intensive, frequent tutoring sessions have clearly made a positive impact. Additionally, leading public speaking workshops has allowed me to see firsthand the development of each student's skills, and their eagerness to progress.