Partner Jill Goldsmith is always seeking ways to get her students involved in the community. Most recently, she attended a Refugee Outreach Information Session, with great turnout and results, and it inspired her to host an info session for SVPAZ Partners and friends, and the Next Gen Partners. Join her April 23 from 2 to 4 p.m. to learn how to help our local refugees.
What You Can Expect
- An opportunity to meet the Gromans, a Paradise Valley family, who have been helping refugee families from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Syria, and other countries.
- An opportunity to meet a Congo refugee, who is now a junior at Paradise Valley High. She has been on her own since she was 14.
- Learn about opportunities – big and small – on how you can help. The Gromans are available to help you connect to families in your neighborhoods.
What You Can Do
- The students need “texting buddies” so they can practice English.
- Children need help learning to play basketball. One apartment complex has a basketball court, but they don’t know how to use it. They could use some recreation.
- They love soccer, but don’t have the things they need to play it.
- Some need tutoring (help with basic math, English, reading, etc.). As ESL kids, they are just passed to the next grade level without the skills they need to be successful.
- Transitional coaching – how to secure housing/utilities, where to shop for basic necessities, transportation services, learn the neighborhood, navigating the school system.
- There is a local organization that takes food that grocers can’t sell (culled produce) and sells them at a small price. They need help organizing and supporting this.
Please R.S.V.P. for by April 18, by emailing Jill at jillsgoldsmith@gmail.com
For high school students or others who would prefer to do more traditional volunteering and/or just want to spend a few hours, Jill can connect you with organizations that help refugees and are set up for volunteer opportunities as one time events.