A shout of excitement rose from the crowd in the airport. Onlookers began to strain their necks to catch a glimpse of the newcomers stepping through the gate. The first ones through were the children. They rushed forward to encircle their father… who embraced them all. Behind them a woman walked forward, a smile gracing her face. A volunteer smiled and greeted her saying welcome.
“This is their first experience [in the U.S.],” said Joel Arriaga, the new director of Refugee Resettlement for World Relief Spokane. “You’re going to recall your first experience…”
That is why Joel makes it a priority to greet new arrivals with all the enthusiasm of a long-lost friend. He wants them to look back on that moment and remember “the people from World Relief were amazing.”
Refugees have faced incredible trauma from being caught in violent conflicts, famine, or persecution. When they arrive, they are carrying years of struggle with them like unwanted luggage.
While Joel has never been a refugee, he is himself an immigrant. Born and raised in Mexico, he knows the mixed feelings associated with moving to a foreign country. After marrying his wife, Díanella, Joel moved to Arizona where he worked as a case manager for unaccompanied youth coming to the U.S. and as a pastor to the Latino community.
Joel has a Bachelor’s degree in business administration and a masters’ degree in social work. “I have been working with low-income communities, nonprofit agencies, and multicultural populations for as long as I can remember.”
Sometime this past spring, God planted in Joel’s heart the desire to move to Washington State. Joel’s wife introduced him to World Relief, and he knew he had found the perfect fit. He is passionate about service, leadership, problem solving, conflict resolution and even, excellence with regard to compliance; so we knew we had found the perfect fit, as well.
Joel has been trained in trauma-informed care and knows how first impressions can propel someone toward healing. “I can say that a good welcoming is making people feel human,” he said. “We can make the people happy, blessed and healed.”
“We envision thriving, welcoming communities where families flourish, and people experience restorative relationships with God, their neighbors, themselves and all of creation.”
World Relief Vision Statement
It doesn’t matter if it is 10 p.m. or 11 a.m., a good welcome is marked by cheerful attitudes and big smiles – even when flights are delayed. The best part is that it is contagious! Newly arrived refugees are inspired to do the same thing for others.
“It’s like a chain. You impact this person; this person comes to impact that person.”
Volunteers are the key to success
This is where volunteers take on a special role: cheerfully welcoming new neighbors to Spokane and escorting them to their new homes.
“We need these guys – these superheroes on arrivals,” said Joel. “Cause even if [new arrivals] have a bad flight they see papers, signs, smiles… that is the key.”
By putting forth the effort of welcoming our refugee neighbors, the Spokane community communicates a message: We care about you… and we are happy that you are here.
Imagine the impact of this message after being driven out of your home by violence, famine or persecution: We care about you… and we are happy that you are here.
Powerful, right?
From day one to ninety of the resettlement process, new arrivals go through an incredible transformation as they move toward self-sufficiency. They begin to learn English, find jobs and form friendships with others. Joel’s team is particularly blessed to walk alongside families during this process.
“I can see how they change, and how they are doing their best to be part of this culture and part of this country,” said Joel.
By the end of September, World Relief will have welcomed 723 individuals at the airport. Each of them will become part of our community. So what culture are we inviting our new neighbors into? Is it a culture of charity? Generosity? Neighborliness?
Is it a culture of welcome?
Join us in making Spokane a welcoming place by exploring ways that you can make an impact.
About the Author
Keri Bambock is the Communications Coordinator at World Relief Spokane. Her hobbies include sketching and painting. She likes riding her bike to the office and always gets the best parking spot.