Celebrate this National Volunteer Week April 20 - 26 with the IRC by sharing our Volunteer Impact Story Series with the theme Unity, Infinity, & Continuity inspired by NJ Volunteer Tutor Menna Bakr's 3 pillars of service: "UNITY – unite with them. INFINITY – give them the infinite love that you have. CONTINUITY – the small things you do and say help them." The pillars of Menna’s service align with the foundation of volunteerism across the IRC: community members unite with clients, share their love, and show care through their service. Communities across the country partner with the IRC to welcome and empower refugees, asylum seekers, and survivors of trafficking. In these turbulent times, collective support and dedicated service means more than ever. Continue to read how IRC Spokane family mentor volunteer Jackie Anderson mobilizes community to welcome newcomers.

Q: Tell us about yourself and your volunteer service with the IRC? 

Jackie, IRC Spokane Volunteer: I’ve lived in Spokane for 21 years and started volunteering with the IRC at the beginning of the Ukrainian conflict with Russia. I volunteer as a family mentor supporting individual clients or families as they get used to their communities.  

Kimmie, IRC Spokane Development Manager: Jackie has also helped with multiple ad hoc needs too, like events and donation drives.  

Jackie: My church and I, we’ve outfitted apartments for a few families. We’ve gone through the whole list of household items—pots, pans, bedding, you name it, and secured and donated those items. I’ve helped clients from Afghanistan, Syria, Myanmar, and multiple African countries. 

Kimmie: What’s so great about Jackie’s work as a family mentor is that, when someone’s no longer our client and Jackie’s no longer supporting them officially we know those connections continue. The friendship they share, the support Jackie provides stretches beyond the time that they’re clients or enrolled in programs. She really builds a community that outlasts our services. 

Jackie: They become the focus in your brain as you’re going about your daily activities. 

"You’re always thinking of the people who are coming to the US and deserve something better than what they’re coming from.It’s become something that is more important than me and my own goals."

Q: What motivated you to volunteer at the IRC?   

Jackie: It was kind of a fluke. Like I said, I started at the beginning of the Ukrainian conflict with Russia - I saw these heartbreaking videos on TV of women and children fleeing, leaving their husbands behind, not knowing where they would sleep or what they would eat. It was sad and disturbing, and hit close to home because my grandparents on both sides of my family had been forced out of Ukraine under similar circumstances.  

"I kept thinking, there’s got to be something I can do. I looked up ways to help and found the IRC. I called, Kimmie answered the phone, and that’s the end of the story! She has such vitality, such energy, and the stories she’s experienced… I thought 'That’s it, that’s what I want. I may not be able to help everyone, but I can help someone feel welcomed and wanted and not alone.'"

Q: What’s your experience been like as an IRC volunteer, and what has been most rewarding? 

Jackie: At first I thought “I don’t even know if I can do this, how do you narrow down who needs your help?” But I’m glad I did. They’re awesome people, all the world should know these refugees, they’re so unique and loving, so kind and big-hearted. They’ve won my heart.  

"I didn’t anticipate that even with the language barrier it’s the shared humanity and connection that makes it successful. I was working with a family from Syria teaching English to their kids, and at first their dad wanted everything very regimented – all the kids lined up quietly on the couch. Our first lesson was how to introduce yourself, so I started in English and explained the lesson, and then I went outside and knocked on the door. They were a little confused, and one of the boys came and opened the door, and I said “Hello, my name is Jackie, it’s nice to meet you!” Then it was his turn. He went out, knocked, and I opened the door just a crack. He said “Hello, my name is Ahmed, it’s nice to meet you,” and I responded, “No, thank you!” and closed the door. The whole family was quiet for a second, and then the dad began laughing so hard and everyone else did too. It really broke the ice and helped build our relationship."

Once at the same home their daughter got an award at school and won a scooter and a certificate, commending her progress throughout the year. They had taped her certificate to the wall in the living room and she brought out her scooter to show me, and I started to cry thinking how she waited in a tent in a refugee camp for so long to get here, and now she’s thriving. She asked me if I was sad and I said, “Oh no, I am so proud of you.” 

Q: What advice would you give to people who are considering volunteering for the IRC 

Jackie: Get outside of yourself. If you have your own problems, are facing your own issues, are feeling down, you need to feel the love of these families, and it will put your own problems into perspective! You will love what you’re doing.  

Showing up is all it takes. Last year, over 3,000 IRC volunteers showed up for refugees and immigrants, contributed over 235,000 hours to over 80,000 clients, and donated over $415,000 to help us provide lifechanging services. To our volunteer team across the country: thank you. We are infinitely grateful for your collaboration, courage, and compassion. 

To work in unity in Spokane and beyond with your refugee and immigrant community, visit Rescue.org/Careers and Rescue.org/Volunteer to search for volunteer and internship opportunities. Support Spokane's work by donating here.

Read more stories of Volunteer Impact across the United States

New Jersey volunteer inspires youth confidence one tutoring session at a time

San Diego volunteer establishes self-defense classes for women and girls

New York tutor volunteers throughout school year to promote progress in her students