Inspired by her own journey, a former immigrant, now a U.S. citizen, seeks to create a sense of belonging for refugees. 

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Ensaf’s arrival in the US was a solitary one. Sudan was her birthplace, but America became her challenging new home. Years of struggling to learn English and to find stability and a sense of belonging taught her what isolation in a strange land felt like.  

Through a fortunate connection, Ensaf met Adam, a Spokane resident with a heart for newcomers. Adam volunteered with World Relief Spokane, assisting with resettlement, and was well-known in the Spanish-speaking community. When Ensaf sought his help with a job application, Adam introduced her to World Relief Spokane.  

Ensaf was taken aback when Adam told her about refugee resettlement. Is there a place that helps people settle in and find stability here? A spark ignited within her. “Wow! I need to help people with an organization like World Relief,” she said, envisioning not only helping others, but also building a sense of belonging and community with the newcomers. 

Ensaf wasted no time. The minute she got home she immediately explored the World Relief Spokane website and applied. Within days, she was contacted and given next steps: online training and background checks. The following week, she found herself in the office, interviewing for a volunteer position. 

She was introduced to Andrea, the Director of Integration & Wellness, who said, “Do you mind if you start working with us [in Intensive Case Management]? Because we don’t have an interpreter for Sudanese Arabic.” 

“Yeah sure, why not?” said Ensaf. 

Understanding the language and customs is the first step towards a sense of belonging

The impact on Ensaf and the students she served was immediate. In just two weeks, she formed eight new friendships while interpreting at the Education Center. She expertly interpreted workshops and case management conversations, ensuring clarity for the Sudanese group.  

It wasn’t just Ensaf’s language skills that added value; people sought her out for friendship, coffee, and even shopping tips. After class, refugees would approach her to offer a “thank you” for her services. Ensaf understood she had become a vital connecting point for people who needed her help planting roots in their new home. 

“I felt like I’m doing something for my people. Because when I came, I couldn’t find support for myself. I did everything by myself, I searched in my phone, my laptop, I go to school – now new people arrive they go to World Relief. World Relief have volunteer to help them, here is the Education Center, here is the shopping place…” 

What truly struck Ensaf was the remarkable involvement of the English-speaking Spokane community at World Relief. Ensaf was deeply grateful for her Sudanese friends who challenged her to learn English, even if it meant being pushed outside her comfort zone. One friend in particular insisted on English-only conversations! 

In a similar way, Ensaf observed volunteers making genuine efforts to connect, transforming Spokane into a place of belonging, while helping newcomers learn skills, like English. 

Looking back on the struggles she faced, Ensaf said, “The people at World Relief [are] so kind, so nice. I said, if I knew that from the beginning… now I would be something else – went to school from the beginning.” Now, as a citizen, Ensaf is committed to being a guiding light for others, preventing them from experiencing the same hardships she endured. 

“I’m working with them, helping people, going to school – all that stuff,” said Ensaf. She is very happy to help, knowing that she is making a difference and easing the burden for other refugees and immigrants. 

Ensaf’s commitment to guiding others, born from her own struggles and fueled by kindness, underscores a simple truth: when we welcome, we form a sense of belonging and a more compassionate community. 

Belonging is a universal human desire, and for refugee families, it’s a journey that can take years. World Relief Spokane strives to shorten that journey, creating a community where every refugee feels valued and included. Join our volunteer team and become a vital part of this effort, directly impacting a refugee neighbor in Spokane. 

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.