We are stronger together. Whatever your strength, we hope you'll contribute to the IRC. Fred and Adele are dynamic supporters of the IRC in Seattle and have transformed lives through their on-call and ongoing volunteerism. We're showcasing their journey as part of our turning hope into action holiday series. 

What is your motivation to volunteer and support the IRC?   

Fred: Years ago I read a book called City of Thorns. It tells the story of Somali refugees escaping war and eventually getting to another location. The conditions were pretty miserable. It heightened my sensitivity to what was going on for refugees. In our Christian tradition, as it is true also in Islam, there’s a call to welcome the stranger, to extend hospitality. I started exploring refugee assistance programs in Seattle and the IRC in Seattle is conveniently close. I found an opportunity with the IRC Washington anti Trafficking Resource Network – WARN. They were looking for a clerical administrative support one to two days a week. So, we did the interview and went through the intake process and turns out there was a good fit. 

Share a little about your service with the IRC in Seattle.  

Fred: In 2019 I started going into the office every Friday relieving caseworkers of paperwork type headaches, manual file keeping, that sort of thing. I did an audit for them. My supervisor is an incredibly wonderful person. We have a really terrific working relationship. I transitioned to remote support and it’s been working well.  

Adele and I signed up for on-call opportunities which have been numerous over the years. The ones that resonated with me the most is doing refugee resettlement. I pick up furniture and set up in the apartments to help get the family settled in. It’s a chance to help get them on their way.  

Adele: I started coming along when there were special events. I’ve engaged with the World Refugee Day event in June. It’s just so much fun to be there to help set up and see how many different resources are brought together by the IRC team in Seattle. Not only do they have a lovely meal and entertainment but they can browse tables of resource materials, many staffed by refugees themselves. What’s been really special about the IRC is just how supported and appreciated we feel from staff. It’s been very special.  

What have you most enjoyed?  

Adele: We’re very aware of the conditions that bring people to the United States. I have a special passion for the people from Ukraine. I’ve been to Kiev and met people and gotten to know them. There’s a large community of Ukrainians in the Seattle area absorbing a number of relatives. My motivation is to do whatever small things I can.  

What has been something you’ve learned?  

Adele: I’ve really heightened my sensitivity to what refugee families are dealing with. The journey that they go on just to be able to work their way through the State Department to qualify for admission in the United States. And then the legal hoops they have to address alongside the journey of having to get established, set up a new apartment in a completely foreign area. A lot of times they don’t speak the language. I didn’t know about the process before and I’m better informed now.  

What would you tell other community members who want to volunteer to welcome newcomers?  

Fred: IRC in Seattle is a really welcoming, supportive place to volunteer. There are great people and staff who are very affirming. There are so many different things you can do that are really cool. The website lists different volunteer opportunities.

You can be part of transforming lives too. We hope you’ll join us and share with your neighbors, friends, and family. Learn more about our work and getting involved at www.Rescue.org/Seattle and donate here.

 

Read more stories of impact through our turning hope into action holiday series:

Interfaith mobilization in Kansas

Employment Specialist Mawada Ibrahim's journey in LA

Client voices shaping responsive services in New Jersey

Fred and Adele's volunteer journey in Seattle

Setting up refugee resettlement in a new community in Florida