Mary Claire’s Story as a Cultural Companion.
At World Relief, we are incredibly grateful for the volunteers who have stepped up to serve refugee families in need. Their dedication and compassion make a world of difference for those adjusting to life in a new country. One of our volunteers, Mary Claire, recently shared her heartfelt experience of serving as a Cultural Companion, and how this role has deeply impacted her life.
At the end of January 2025, Mary Claire began volunteering during a time when many refugee families were left in a state of uncertainty. “I started volunteering for World Relief at the end of January, 2025, right at the time that the new administration stopped all of their funding. I felt blessed that I could be there to step in and help with two Syrian families that had recently arrived in the United States and now had no case workers and a lot of uncertainty about their needs being met.”
Commitment To Serving
Her commitment to supporting these families was unwavering, even when faced with challenges. She remembers how “it was difficult at first to connect with them because of all these quick changes in their support, and one family spoke no English. Google translate along with copying and pasting into the text app worked great! After a week of texting, we finally met, and I brought them some things that they needed. I got them connected with a food delivery of 80 pounds of food every two weeks.”
Mary Claire went above and beyond to ensure the families’ needs were met.
“I helped one family get their Medicaid cards that never arrived, and I will never forget their sincere look of gratitude. I also supported and encouraged them in their search for employment and in their uncertainty about whether or not their rent would get paid and they would continue to have a place to live. Praise God, at the 11th hour World Relief was able to cover their rent.”
Transformation Happening
Over time, the families’ lives began to transform thanks to Mary Claire’s consistent support and care. “It has been a joy for me to see them transform from the worry and despair that I saw in our first meetings to the hope and resilience that I see now. One member of each family has found a part-time job, which is a good start on their way to more full-time employment. And I am enjoying, so very much, getting to know them and becoming their friend.”
Mary Claire reflected on how rewarding volunteering has been for her personally. She expressed, “all of this is food for my soul, and I am so very grateful for that. Thank you, World Relief, for being there and for all the good that you bring to this world.”
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We are incredibly grateful for volunteers like Mary Claire, whose selflessness and dedication have had such a profound impact on the lives of the refugee families she has worked with. By her simply standing in the gap and volunteering, Mary has left a lasting impact on both families. Mary’s story is just one example of the amazing work our volunteers are doing every day, and we are thankful for all the good they bring to our refugee community.