My Nonprofit Reviews

For the past 5 years, I've chosen to give (time, money, and effort) to Welcoming the Stranger, an educational nonprofit that offers free English, computer, and citizenship prep classes to immigrants and refugees. I've worked in both paid and volunteer capacities to fulfill this mission because the students and volunteers of this group have become a global family, and they have ceased to be "strangers" but have become welcomed members of our community who help one another.

When one of our students was in danger of homelessness, her classmates and volunteers came together to help her and offer support. She's safe and sustaining an apartment now.

When a student's car was stolen, and he was without transportation, others in the class offered rides, for months, until he had access to transportation again.

When a young single mother had to start a new life in a country with next to nothing, the students and teachers in her class helped her learn English, get her GED, find a job, apply for pre-K for her daughter, helped her find community resources, and taught her English language games that she could practice with her daughter. She's come so far in the past few months, and has gained a large "family" and support system.

The giving spirit of Welcoming the Stranger permeates everybody involved. Teachers and volunteers exude enthusiasm; students overcome whatever obstacles meet them at the end of a long work day so they can attend class; once there, they help each other and work together regardless of nationality, race, creed, or any other 'label' or division you can think of. After awhile, there are no 'strangers' but everyone feels welcome. Cultural differences are accepted and respected. The students don't just learn English, but they learn about how things work in America, and in turn the teachers and volunteers learn about the student's cultures.

I feel grateful to be a part of this wonderful organization!