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This summer, the ̽����ѡ in Tallahassee launched a new, volunteer-led Youth program to help middle-and high-school refugee students from the Democratic Republic of Congo learn English and better adjust to their new home. The response from community members has been incredible!

“We put out a call and the community responded so quickly,” said the ̽����ѡ’s Volunteer Coordinator and , Chase Beasley. “Several dedicated volunteers have joined the ̽����ѡ in Tallahassee team over the past few months and have been working with students in their homes, providing mentorship and support as they become orientated into the community.”  

Already, the success of the program has been highlighted by local media, most recently through featuring ̽����ѡ volunteer mentor, Tommy Thompson, and his students Eric and Emmanuel.

Photo: WCTV

Tommy is the owner of the and leads international kayaking tours and expeditions. Prior to starting his own business, he was a high school social science instructor and taught across the U.S. and in South America. “I was motivated to become an ̽����ѡ volunteer because of our country's hostile policies toward people intending to come to our country,” Tommy shared. “I appreciate the job our local staff has done in so quickly creating and expanding the ̽����ѡ presence here in Tallahassee.”

So far, Eric and Emmanuel are thriving with the support of Tommy’s mentorship. They learned how to read the bus schedule and get to the public library where they have access to the Internet and a quiet space to study. Tommy also spent time advocating on behalf of the wider community, and recently convinced the state government to install a much-needed crosswalk in the students’ neighborhood to make it safer for them to get to school.

̽����ѡ volunteer, Yennifer Castillo, and ̽����ѡ AmeriCorps VISTA member, Chase Beasley, with Congolese students.

Photo: ̽����ѡ

21-year-old ̽����ѡ volunteer mentor and student, Yennifer Castillo was also recently featured in the press, when the on the front page. Yennifer shared that by being a mentor, she hopes to help the students by "being their American friend and giving them whatever tools they need to perform just as well as their peers who have been in the U.S. all their lives.”

We are so grateful for our dedicated volunteers and the Tallahassee community’s compassionate response to this new initiative. We know our students will continue to thrive in their new home thanks to this generous support.

We are still looking for volunteers to make a difference in the lives of our young clients! View this volunteer position on our website here or contact [email protected] to learn more. 

To learn more about the work of the ̽����ѡ in Florida and for information on how you can get involved with the ̽����ѡ as a or volunteer, please contact Development Coordinator, Melody Fakhourie at [email protected].

Stay connected to the ̽����ѡ in Florida! for announcements and upcoming events!