The IRC sat down to speak with volunteers Hana and Richard who recently finished volunteering as front desk receptionists at the IRC in Silver Spring. Front desk volunteers are a critical part of IRC’s daily operations. They are the first to speak with people who walk through the IRC’s door and are responsible for connecting them with the staff member who is best suited to assist them. A day at the front desk is fast paced and has volunteers responding to a large range of questions from clients seeking services. Both Hana and Richard volunteered several days a week for over 6 months!

What inspired you to volunteer with the IRC Silver Spring?

Hana: I was working with the IRC office in Ethiopia before I moved to the U.S. in February 2019, so I am familiar with the work of the organization. I was interested to work with refugees when I arrived in the U.S. and was very excited to find that the IRC has a refugee resettlement center in Silver Spring. I applied for the volunteer opportunity as soon as I became aware of it. 

Richard: After retirement as a health care professional, I wanted to continue making a contribution to helping others. Researching volunteer organizations, I came upon the 50+Volunteer Network in Montgomery County. There was a volunteer position with the IRC in Silver Spring that appealed to me. I contacted the volunteer coordinator and was interviewed by Tin Tin Oo, the administrative manager. Shortly afterwards an offer was made to me by Tin Tin to be a volunteer front desk receptionist, which I accepted. Training followed with the current volunteer receptionist Hana along with Tin Tin, the administrative manager.  

What have you learned from this experience and what will you take with you as you move on to new adventures?

Hana: I have learned to be more grateful and thankful for what I have and to be strong. I have learned how to be a good team player and interact with people from different parts of the world.

Richard: The last six months at the IRC have been one of the most rewarding and gratifying experiences for me. It was my first opportunity to volunteer for an organization that helps and supports individuals with asylum and newly arriving refugees to the U.S. This experience has shown me how many things we take for granted here in the U.S. when people from other parts of the world do not have access to proper healthcare, shelter, and safety.  

What will you miss the most?

Hana: Our morning chat with Tin Tin. 

Richard: What I will miss the most from the IRC is the wonderful and dedicated staff and interns that I met during this time. I must give special mention and many thanks to Tin Tin for her tremendous support as my supervisor during my time at IRC. My takeaway from this volunteer experience is that "compassion for our fellow man must endure."  

Hanna and Richard’s role as front desk volunteers, and their dedication for the past 7-9 months, are greatly appreciated by IRC clients and staff. They are reliable, caring and passionate about the work we do, and we could not have run the front desk efficiently without them.

If you want to get involved with the IRC and become a welcoming presence in the lives of newly arrived refugees, please consider attending one of our monthly information sessions to learn about our volunteer opportunities.