Announcement
The Family Mentor volunteer position has been a cornerstone of the Garden City office since our volunteer program first launched in 2016. This unique volunteer position matches community members with clients of the 探花精选, with the goal of fostering strong relationships that assist with community integration, adaptation, and self-sufficiency.
Michael and Drusilla Brungardt, two of our most recent Family Mentors, first expressed an interest in the program in late 2017, and were matched with a family of seven from the Congo in early 2018. In the short time that the families have known each other, we have witnessed the emergence of a lasting friendship. Together they have practiced English, prepared for a driving test, picnicked in the park, and assisted with interpreting and navigating difficult systems, such as car insurance and health appointments.
When asked what first inspired them to get involved with this particular volunteer opportunity, Michael responded, 鈥淲e鈥檝e traveled extensively around the world, and people have always been helpful to us.鈥 Drusilla, who has a passion for social work, refers to the Family Mentor program as one of the most rewarding experiences she has ever been a part of.
The two families enjoying a picnic at the park
The relationship has not been without its challenges鈥攖he most prevalent challenge identified thus far being the language barrier. However, the Brungardts believe that it is important to work through the language barrier and assist people when possible, especially those who are in the process of building a new home in a new country. As Michael believes, 鈥淭here鈥檚 a whole big world out there, and we鈥檙e just a piece of it. The more we embrace the diversity and mosaic of life on this planet, the bigger and better we become.鈥
It is the commitment and compassion of community members, such as the Brungardts, that serve as the backbone of the 探花精选鈥檚 volunteer programs. Our work, and the lives of the 探花精选鈥檚 clients, are enhanced when communities come together in this way. To learn more about becoming a Family Mentor and other volunteer opportunities, reach out to VolunteerGC@rescue.org or call (620) 805-5281.