GET INVOLVED - MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Our clients are former refugees who have been forced to leave their homes, fleeing war,, human rights violations, and devastation from natural disasters. They have spent years in refugee camps, stateless, in limbo, not knowing if or when they will ever return home or find a new home. They have lost or had to leave behind family, friends, and community.

Many New Americans were raised in villages, in which community support is the way of life. Here in the US, many New Americans feel isolated due to the lack of English and the American way of life. Our clients struggle with day-to-day tasks like computer literacy, supporting their children’s education (especially now with remote learning), applying for jobs, banking. Beyond the initial skills needed to navigate daily life, a deeper understanding of their new community and culture is vital to healing from the pains of their past while building a new life. 

This new program will pair trained volunteers with New American families to not only assist with daily tasks, but build a trusting relationship in which New Americans feel comfortable and welcome. Casual conversations that take place over tea is practice in English language learning; running errands together provides orientation to grocery shopping, banking, and more conversation; frequent visits can lead to support for school children and help with technology. 

The bond that is built is reminiscent of the villages in which New Americans were raised, and our volunteers’ lives are also enriched. 

Are you interested in becoming a volunteer? Contact our Administrative Assistant, Linda Douglas at adminsupport@overcomersnh.org