Announcement
Growing up, Cheryl was raised to have a global perspective. National Geographic magazines brought the whole world to her home and she enjoyed learning about diverse cultures. She also spent her free time reading adventure books which were set in different countries. These experiences shaped Cheryl to have an international focus as an adult.
Cheryl is a long-time IRC volunteer who has taught English, transported clients to appointments, assisting youth with school work and learning English and answering phone calls at the reception desk.
Knowing this, it’s unsurprising to learn that not only is Cheryl a longtime IRC volunteer, but she is also described by IRC staff as being one of the most dedicated volunteers. Cheryl first came to the IRC about four years ago when she saw her country standing against refugees and immigrants. She felt it was important to try and directly counter that prejudice by getting involved and being more welcoming. Cheryl stated, “I can not stop a war, but I can befriend someone and help them settle into a new life here. I can move that one grain of sand”. She began actively searching for volunteer opportunities in Wichita and was happily surprised to learn that there was a local IRC office.
When it comes to IRC volunteer opportunities, Cheryl has done them all.
She has performed a variety of tasks ranging from more administrative work, such as operating the front desk, to working directly with refugees by teaching English classes and transporting families to appointments around Wichita. Cheryl currently volunteers with the IRC’s Youth Program and her dedication to the students is both noticed and appreciated. Her extensive experience as a teacher is an asset to the program. Cheryl is always aware of a student’s strengths and has great suggestions to ensure that students are ready to move on. As one IRC staff member states, “her reports are gold!”. Most importantly, Cheryl can build strong relationships and quickly establishes trust in one-on-one settings. When a student returned to the Youth Program after missing the previous day, she told Cheryl how much she missed her.
According to Cheryl, IRC clients and staff are not the only ones benefiting from her volunteer work. Spending time at the IRC brings meaning to Cheryl’s life as well. She believes that rather than doing things for the people she works with, she is loaning them the tools so that they can start a new life and get settled in Wichita. Seeing a family progress and learn new things is important to her. One-on-one connections with families are her favorite, especially when she sees what brings them joy. One time, a helicopter landed in a nearby field while Cheryl was transporting a family to an appointment. Watching the excitement of two young sisters and their father brought Cheryl joy.
As an introvert, Cheryl has learned that it’s easier to make friendships than she previously thought. Her advice to anyone considering volunteering with the IRC in Kansas is to not feel intimidated or awkward and to just go ahead and get started. She loves that no specific skills are required and due to the variety of volunteer opportunities, everyone can bring something to the IRC and join the team. IRC staff and clients are grateful to Cheryl for her dedication to refugees in Kansas.
