We're building relationships!

May 2021
Global Friends Coalition: Educate, Embrace, Empower

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Join us on Saturday, May 15th for a Covid-19 vaccine event!
Free samosas for the first 30 people to get vaccinated.
Free $5.00 coupon to Hamro Bazar for all who get vaccinated.
Free $5.00 coupon to Asian Grocery for all who get vaccinated.
Free blood pressure checks for EVERYONE.

It's About Building Relationships

Dear <<First Name>>,

A couple weeks ago I visited Bijou and her family. I was bringing a citizenship book so that Bijou could join our Thursday evening online citizenship class. It felt so wonderful to be visiting again. Covid-19 certainly has hampered our ability to reach out. I have been yearning to be able to resume our volunteer opportunities, introducing people to each other.

I was overjoyed to learn that Bijou’s volunteers were still in contact with her. Initially, Bijou was introduced to an Occupational Therapy student who worked with her and her family. Then, another student, Terra, came along. Both of these young women have continued their friendship.

Dr. YeeHan Chu, reached out to Global Friends when she learned that Terra wanted to learn Swahili. This would be a perfect exchange: Bijou could teach Terra some Swahili and Terra could help with English. And so, it began--a friendship that kept growing.

It’s not unusual to hear that our volunteers stay connected to the people they mentor. Even when Terra left Grand Forks during the pandemic she stayed connected with Bijou, and as soon as she was back they started seeing each other again.

As Terra said: “They have become family to me and the kids even call me “Dada” which means sister in Swahili. I have gone to birthday parties, brought the two older boys trick-or-treating, shared countless meals, and have even had a sleepover after the kids begged me to! So, when I do help her out I now see it as doing a favor for a family member or close friend.”

Now that Terra has gotten to know Bijou, she is "doing a favor for a family member or close friend." It really is all about building relationships. So, even if someone moves to a different city, or gets separated due to Covid-19, it doesn’t mean that you can’t stay connected!

We are grateful for our many volunteers who have worked with us over the years and we are looking forward to connecting new volunteers. Despite the fact that only one refugee was resettled in Grand Forks in 2020, there are still needs. People are working on getting jobs, their drivers licenses, and their citizenship. We can find volunteer opportunities, so if you know someone who wants to volunteer, please have them connect with us by emailing info@gfcoalition.org.

We hope to see you at our events this summer!

In friendship,

Cynthia H. Shabb, Ph.D.
Executive Director

P.S. A $15.00 gift to Global Friends provides New Americans with a citizenship book.

World Refugee Day 2021
World Refugee Day is being recognized in Grand Forks on Saturday, June 19th on the stage at the Town Square Farmers Market. Global Friends and our partners will provide programming that includes dancing, singing, and a recognition of recent citizens.

Looking Ahead
What are we focusing on right now?

Covid-19 Vaccine Q&A's and Community-based Vaccination Clinics

Friday, May 14th
Islamic Center in Grand Forks--After Friday prayers, around 2:30 p.m.: Covid-19 information, questions and answer period, and Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson and Johnson vaccines offered.

Saturday, May 15th
3:00 to 5:30 at the space next to Hamro Bazar (1375 S. Columbia Road, Suite B)
Questions and answers start at 3:00 p.m. Free samosas for the first 30 people to get vaccinated at the event.
Free $5.00 coupon to Hamro Bazar
Free $5.00 coupon to Asian Grocery
Free blood pressure checks for EVERYONE!

World Refugee Day
Saturday, June 19th
Town Square Farmer's Market
Program to begin at 10:00 a.m.

Fostering a Sense of Belonging
Stories to enlighten.
Tuesday, June 22nd
University Park
6:30 to 8:00 p.m.

Global Friends Activities

Global Friends Beginner & Advanced US Citizenship Class
Sign up here or call 701-330-0765 if you want to participate in these citizenship classes over the Zoom app. You must be able to access the internet to participate in either class. We provide the books and materials.

Looking for Individual Instruction or Know Someone Who Is?
We have volunteers who are ready to help with remote English instruction and there are some volunteers willing to meet in-person now. We will work with both students and volunteers to find a time that works. Sign up here or call 701-330-0765 to get connected.

Interested in Volunteering?
Interested in helping an adult or family navigate life's challenges? We have a few New Americans who have reached out for English support. Sign up here or email info@gfcoalition.org.

Donate today.

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