Men's Fellowship and Lunch
In essence, serving with refugee men and helping them practice English while building friendships over fellowship and food is not just about language acquisition—it's about fostering inclusion, empowerment, and human connection. It's about recognizing and celebrating the inherent dignity and worth of every individual, regardless of their background or circumstances. By extending a hand of friendship and support, you're not only transforming lives but also enriching your own in the process.
All volunteers are REQUIRED to complete a volunteer application to serve at the Northwest Community Center. We REQUIRE all adults to have a cleared background check. Minors are REQUIRED to submit a reference before they can serve. NO WALK-UPS permitted without a current background check on file.
Why serve with refugee men: building friendships, fellowship, and english skills
In today's interconnected world, serving with refugee men goes beyond just teaching English or sharing a meal. It's about fostering genuine connections, promoting understanding, and building a sense of belonging. Here's why it's important to serve with refugee men and help them practice English while cultivating friendships over fellowship and food:
• Integration and Empowerment — Serving refugee men by helping them practice English opens doors to integration into their new communities. Language proficiency is key to accessing education, employment, healthcare, and other essential services. By empowering them with English skills, you're equipping them to navigate and contribute to their new environment effectively.
• Breaking Barriers and Building Bridges — Language and cultural barriers can often hinder social interaction and integration. By providing opportunities for refugee men to practice English in a welcoming and supportive environment, you're breaking down these barriers and fostering meaningful connections. These interactions help build bridges between diverse communities, fostering understanding, empathy, and mutual respect.
• Building Confidence and Self-Esteem — Learning a new language can be daunting, especially for adults adjusting to life in a new country. By creating a safe and encouraging space for refugee men to practice English, you're helping boost their confidence and self-esteem. As they gain proficiency, they feel more empowered to engage with their surroundings, pursue opportunities, and interact with others.
• Promoting Socialization and Community Building — Friendship is a universal language that transcends cultural differences. By organizing fellowship gatherings where refugee men can practice English while sharing meals and stories, you're providing them with vital opportunities for socialization and community building. These gatherings not only facilitate language practice but also create a sense of belonging and camaraderie.
• Cultivating Mutual Learning and Growth — Serving with refugee men is a two-way street. While you're helping them practice English and adjust to their new lives, you're also learning from their experiences, perspectives, and resilience. These mutual exchanges foster personal growth, broaden horizons, and enrich the lives of everyone involved.
• Strengthening Support Networks — Building friendships over fellowship and food creates a supportive network for refugee men, offering them a sense of belonging and camaraderie. In times of need or challenge, these networks serve as pillars of support, providing emotional, practical, and social assistance.
Get involved!
Ready to take the next step? Simply fill out the Northwest Community Center volunteer application. A member of our staff will follow up with you. We can't wait to welcome you to our team and embark on this rewarding journey together!
Commitment: Thursday afternoons; flexible commitment for a semester
Volunteer time shift: 11:45 AM – 1 PM
Requirements:
- Age: adults 18+ years old
- Additional info: completed Northwest Community Center volunteer application; cleared background check; lunch included