We are excited to introduce our November Volunteer of the Month, Edie W., who volunteers with our refugee resettlement program, helping newly arrived families adjust to life in Colorado.

Edie was nominated by a staff member who shared:

"Edie is so welcoming, kind, and empowering in her work with our refugee resettlement clients. Her experience as a teacher makes her the PERFECT person to teach cultural orientation. Our clients (and our team) are so lucky to have her."

Read more about Edie's volunteer impact below: 

Q: Tell us about yourself and your background.

EW: I am a Denver native, married to my husband, Josh, for 32 years. We have two children, Molly and Ethan (married to Liz), and one grandchild on the way! We have two dogs and a horse. I am a former elementary and special education teacher.

Q: What volunteer role do you have with JFS, and what roles have you had with JFS?

EW: I volunteer with the refugee resettlement program. I started working with a refugee family, and I have transitioned to helping teach the cultural orientation classes.

Q: What motivated you to begin volunteering with JFS, and how long have you been volunteering with JFS?

EW: Almost 2 years ago, I started volunteering with JFS when I read about the need for help assisting the recent refugee families. I speak Spanish so I was able to communicate with a family from one of the Spanish speaking countries. After they seemed pretty well settled, I switched to teaching the cultural orientation classes. As a long time, Denver community member, I have been connected with JFS through the years. My mom actually volunteered with recent refugees when I was in high school. I remember what an impact that had and was excited to start doing the work myself.

Q: What's your favorite part about volunteering with JFS, and how has being a JFS volunteer impacted your life?

EW: My favorite part about my volunteering is connecting with the refugees, the translators, the other volunteers, and the JFS staff. The cultural orientation program is very well organized and is a good first start in welcoming the refugees to Colorado. I love to visit with them and help make their transition here as easy as possible. They have some amazing stories to tell!

Q: Do you have a memorable story about your JFS volunteer experience to share? If so, please share below.

EW: I am always amazed by the refugees' stories. So many of them had to leave good jobs and homes, and now they are starting over. Their determination and courage is remarkable.

Q: What would you say to someone considering volunteering with JFS?

EW: Do it! There are so many ways to get involved and you can find something that meets your interest and time availability. The people we help are so very grateful. It feels good!

Are you interested in volunteering? Learn more and sign up today.