I believe that Grand Forks is cooler than you think because it is a thriving, diverse community that welcomes a variety of people. One community-focused organization that you need to know about is the Global Friends Coalition. Here are four things to show you a little of what they’re all about:
Global Friends is Laying the Groundwork to Welcome Refugees in our City
Global Friends Coalition is a small-but-mighty nonprofit that steps up in numerous ways to create a home for refugees who have resettled here in the Grand Forks region. Refugees are people who have been forced to flee their home hoping to find safety and stability in a new place.
Since receiving its 501(c)(3) status in 2008, Global Friends Coalition has built a board of directors, created a successful mentoring program, hosted numerous community events each year, and built partnerships with many local agencies.
Grand Forks has a long history of welcoming refugees and new Americans into the community, yet it’s been more challenging with North Dakota’s Lutheran Social Services closing its doors in January 2021. When the need for resettlement came in 2022, Global Friends stepped up to meet the need. Throughout the year, Global Friends worked alongside Church World Services to resettle nearly 40 refugees into our city.
English Classes Are Offered (and Quite Animated)
After learning about the efforts of Global Friends, I was motivated to get myself involved and started teaching English classes. With a few high school Spanish classes under my belt, I was feeling more confident than I should’ve as I stepped in to volunteer. Who knew communicating with people who spoke Spanish, English, Urdu, and Arabic all in one room could be difficult and equally joy-filled!
A favorite memory of mine was using the game charades to teach emotions. Yes, we were literally flailing our hands around to communicate “scared”, “silly”, and everything in between. When I say LOL, I mean LOL. A brave 6-year-old from Guatemala stepped up in front of the class of 20 and acted out the emotion she was feeling that day– “happy.” When you think about her journey to this place, that’s simply amazing in itself!
As the weeks go on, our students continue to be brave, laugh with one another, and practice patience and vulnerability in this learning of a new way of life. The community that is forming is truly inspiring – families from Guatemala, El Salvador, Syria, Venezuela, Pakistan gather together in a church basement in Grand Forks, North Dakota? Now THAT is cool.
Community Really Matters in this Organization
I also learned during this time that many more from our community join together to support this resettlement effort by collecting and organizing resources to furnish new homes. It’s truly inspiring to see different groups come together for the same cause. People of all varieties of beliefs – Quakers, Lutherans, Methodists, and Episcopalians began gathering items for “Welcome Boxes.” Think of everything you use in a kitchen and then some! Members of Grand Forks Young Professionals, community volunteers, church members, and youth groups worked together to move furniture into new apartments. A true community effort!
Volunteering with Global Friends Won’t ONLY Look Good on your Resume, you Will Learn Some Things About the World Too.
I continue to uplift Global Friends whenever I can because I believe immigrants and New Americans in Grand Forks have brought new life and culture to our community! From new cuisine and art to education in our schools, welcoming refugees has resulted in a more diverse and vibrant city. In fact, if you’ve ever eaten at Chino Latino (formerly Steers) you’ve supported a New American-owned business.
To volunteer, meet a new friend, and support creating a welcoming environment here in Grand Forks:
- Follow Global Friends Coalition on their socials!
Facebook: facebook.com/globalfriendscoalition
Instagram: @globalfriendscoalition - Learn more about how Global Friends educates, empower, and embrace refugees in Grand Forks at gfcoalition.org/
- Come out for the 17th Annual Community Picnic with Global Friends on Sunday, September 17th from 5pm to 7pm at University Park – Enjoy free cultural foods from area restaurants, tables from area organizations and businesses, words from community leaders, music, games, and more!
- To volunteer, reach out to Director Cynthia Schabb at cshabb@gfcoalition.org
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Molly Haagenson (she/her) moved to Grand Forks in August 2019 from western ND. Molly works as the Director of Youth and Family Ministry at United Lutheran Church, as well as organizes events at Archives Coffee House. She strives to equip people to live out their faith, especially through service and advocacy in the community. She is passionate about cultivating community across generations, while uplifting art and music! In her free time, you can find Molly walking on the Greenway, enjoying a brew at Half Bros, or pursuing her newfound hobby of watercolor painting. Molly looks forward to sharing the many things that make Grand Forks so great!
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