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In honor of April being Volunteer Appreciation Month, we are highlighting outstanding volunteers who have shown remarkable dedication to our humanitarian mission. The ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ in Atlanta's volunteers are essential members of our community, as their work provides invaluable support to new Georgians seeking to rebuild their lives after surviving conflict and disaster. Hear from two of our volunteers, Jonathan Motz and Casey Gugoff, below:

Jonathan Motz, Citizenship Class tutor, Immigration volunteer, and Youth tutor 

For how long have you volunteered with the ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ in Atlanta? 

I volunteered for two years in 2015 and 2016, then started back up again this year. 

What made you decide to volunteer with the ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ in Atlanta? What motivated you to get involved with this work?

The Syrian humanitarian crisis made headlines in 2015, prompting a heated debate in the US over accepting refugees. This deeply troubled me, and I felt compelled to take action. As I observed that most news articles quoted the ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡, I decided that if I were to volunteer, it should be with this organization that was actively involved in addressing the crisis. 

What’s been your favorite moment volunteering with the ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ in Atlanta? 

Volunteering for the citizenship prep class was the most fulfilling experience during my time with the ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡. Witnessing the joy and excitement of students who passed their exams and became US citizens was truly heartwarming. It was humbling to see how much this accomplishment meant to them, especially considering that citizenship is often taken for granted. 

What’s one thing you wish everyone knew about the people we serve? 

I wish everyone would know that refugees are just people, like you and me. They had a life somewhere, with family and friends but something horrible happened which caused them to flee everything and they had to start a new life in a foreign place with a foreign language. Another fact I don't think most people are aware of is that refugees do not pick what country they are sent to, the United Nations decides. 

Casey Gugoff, English Class tutor, Women’s Literacy Class tutor, and Childcare volunteer 

For how long have you volunteered with the ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ in Atlanta? 

I've been volunteering with the ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ since 2019. I started volunteering in Wende's women's literacy class and childcare. Those kids are just the sweetest! When the pandemic hit, I moved into the online English classes. I also spent a semester helping out in the Excel class (I was always so impressed with our students' skills and learned so much myself!) 

What made you decide to volunteer with the ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ in Atlanta? What motivated you to get involved with this work? 

I've always wanted to help make the world a better place, so when I got the opportunity to dive into volunteer work, joining the ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ was a no-brainer. I can only imagine how difficult the journey has been for each of our students and families, so I love making their lives just a bit easier with some education and a big smile. Watching refuge crises worldwide from my safe, warm, home has always made me feel so helpless, but in my roles at the ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡, I know I'm able to contribute in a hands-on, tangible way to bettering these folks' lives. 

What’s been your favorite moment volunteering with the ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ in Atlanta? 

There have been many wonderful moments, but I think my favorite came when one of my very studious and hard-working Ukrainian students tested out of my basic level class. She accidentally got placed back with me and I explained and congratulated her on leveling up! But she stopped me and insisted that she wanted to stay in my class because I was her favorite teacher. I told everyone in my life about that, it made me feel so appreciated. 

What’s one thing you wish everyone knew about the people we serve? 

I wish people knew how incredibly hard-working each person is and how scary and confusing coming to America in this way can be. If everyone knew, I know they'd be jumping to support them in any way they can, too. 

Something I wish I knew, is all the recipes for the amazing food our students cook! I love our food sections because I love food and learn so much from them. Should we do a cookbook? 

What’s something a client has taught you? 

I like to ask my students how they're feeling today. Many times they just say, "happy," but sometimes they speak up and get very honest with me. They tell me they're sad because they are watching their country at war every day on the news and fear for their home and family. One time, a new mother shared that she was just feeling sad today. I rarely know the perfect thing to say, but I didn't have to, because another student and mother chimed in and talked to her in her own words about the possibility of post-partum depression and to talk to someone and offered to help herself. It was a beautiful moment of community and motherhood and made me so appreciative to be part of this space. 

What would you tell other people considering volunteering with the ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ in Atlanta? 

My best advice for other English teachers is to leave your pride at the door. Be silly! Act out words/phrases/ideas. The students might not know the word, but they'll understand your body language. And making yourself look silly puts each of them at ease. They're then not afraid to make a mistake with you, they relax and really learn. 

View our current volunteer opportunities .

To learn more about the work of the ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ in Atlanta and for information on how you can get involved with the ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ as a donor or volunteer, please contact Development Director, Heloise Ahoure, at [email protected] or 678-636-8941.  

Stay connected to the ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ in Atlanta! , and for announcements and upcoming events!