The following is a contribution from Dick, LSS Volunteer:
When I began volunteering with New American Services at Lutheran Social Services, I helped setting up apartments for new arrivals as well as driving refugees to doctor appointments. I did not need to do anything but show up ready to help.
After about a month, LSS asked me if I would like a tough assignment working with a family struggling to adapt to the American lifestyle. I accepted and entered the world of the refugee family in America.
Refugee needs and wants are pretty much the same as ours but more dramatic and time critical due to the challenges of culture, language and lack of money. Add health issues to these challenges and you have a very stressful environment for new arrivals.
Volunteers can help families by providing support to ease these stresses. Some resources I have used with my refugee family to help make the transition easier include:
GoogleTranslator
This is not to be relied upon for exact translations but can get you out of a pickle!
ESOL Programs:
LSS classes at First Congregational Church
Project Second Start
Immaculate Heart of Mary for NH Catholic Charities
(Project Second Start lent me several English Primers and I began regular English lessons in the refugee home using these as a basis for designing my own classes. But this doesn’t replace in class learning and, by itself, will not be successful.)
Jobs:
It’s a tough job market out there. No kidding! But jobs can be found.
Volunteers can help but should always coordinate job searching with the Job Developer at LSS
(tel. 224.8111).
In addition to staying connected to LSS, volunteers can become acquainted with the resources at:
NH Employment Security on West Street (tel. 228.411 )
Labor Ready at 49 South Main Street in Concord (tel. 226.3102)
The information summarized above is intended to provide a basis for identifying some of the agencies and people serving the refugee/needy community. It is certainly not complete and Lutheran Social Services would welcome information/additions from you regarding other resources that the Concord community has to offer to improve the lives of our new neighbors.
I am “totally impressed” with what New Hampshire (that means all of us) are doing to support those in need!!! The challenge is to join in supporting our neighbors-in-need. Won’t you help?
~Dick
LSS Volunteer
