Over the past three months, CCC has welcomed more than 300 refugees escaping war, violence, and persecution. Each refugee is legally approved to enter the United States to find a safe and stable life.
As one of the largest refugee resettlement agencies in Virginia, CCC provides essential support to help new arrivals rebuild their lives. Most refugees arrive with little more than the clothes on their back, so this is no small task. Thanks to CCC’s incredible volunteers, families are not alone as they navigate their new communities.
Ari has volunteered as a family mentor for over a year. As an immigrant herself, she can relate to the refugee families.
“I love to help them with English and to give them my view as an immigrant,” shares Ari, “everything is so different for us.”
Family mentors like Ari meet with families a couple of times a month to connect the family to community resources, assist with grocery shopping, and learn their way around their new city.
Of course, a volunteer does not have to be an immigrant or even bilingual to be a family mentor. Betsy speaks only English and has been a family mentor for three years. She often helps refugee youth with goals such as getting a driver's license and finding employment.
“Mentoring is a flexible commitment that keeps me engaged in my community and challenged in retirement,” shared Betsy. “My favorite part is when we complete a task or goal. We both feel proud and have a sense of accomplishment!”
Interested in becoming a family mentor in Richmond, Roanoke or Newport News?
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