Measuring the contribution of volunteering to progress and well-being is vital, not to convince but to confirm how much volunteers contribute to peace and development, and to document not just economic but also social benefits to communities
– Flavia Pansieri, former executive coordinator of the UN Volunteers
During National Volunteer Appreciation Week, World Relief Spokane celebrates the volunteers who make this work possible right here in Spokane. Volunteers extend the reach of our staff, strengthen local churches and walk alongside refugee and immigrant families as they rebuild their lives.
Last year alone, 471 volunteers contributed their time and talents to help build a welcoming community for our newest neighbors. To put that in perspective, World Relief Spokane employs 53 staff members, meaning our volunteer team expands our impact by more than eight times what our staff could accomplish alone.
Our volunteers play a vital role in strengthening communities of belonging. Todun Afolabi, World Relief’s volunteer engagement program manager said that, “Volunteers walk alongside families to provide mentorship, assist with employment navigation, tutor adults and children, offer transportation and extend hospitality. Each interaction contributes to restoring hope and reducing isolation and creating thriving environments. By celebrating volunteer contributions, World Relief affirms that volunteerism is integral to building communities and long-term sustainability.”
When Community Makes A Great Impact
Volunteering with World Relief is not just about serving others. It’s about building relationships that transform both the families we walk alongside and the volunteers who welcome them.
Amblessed Okemgbo is a current volunteer intern with World Relief Spokane. Over twenty years ago, she came to the United States as an infant after her parents fled as refugees, arriving in Spokane in search of safety and a new beginning. Today, Amblessed has the opportunity to serve refugee families in the same way her own family was welcomed years ago.
Amblessed has played an instrumental role in launching World Relief Spokane’s pilot 3v3 basketball program. Over eight weeks, she helped coordinate participating youth, transportation, clinic schedules, and even incorporated Bible verses in creative ways that connected with the game of basketball. “It’s been really fun to watch the kids learn and grow and make lots of friends with kids they have never met before,” Amblessed shares.
But for Amblessed, volunteering is about far more than teaching kids how to play basketball. It’s about stepping in as the body of Christ to serve others holistically; meeting not only physical needs, but spiritual ones as well.
“My biggest takeaway is whenever a kid asks a question about Jesus, because that’s the whole point of all of this. I love getting to explain how God’s love is here and teaches us to love others and live in this world.”
For many volunteers, community transformation unfolds through simple, everyday moments of presence and care.
Madeleine Booker serves as a friendship partner with her Good Neighbor Team through Foundation Church. She reflects on her experience serving a Sudanese family: “I think something I’ve learned is the power of simply showing up. It doesn’t always feel like you’ve made a huge difference — whether it’s taking them grocery shopping or going to a medical appointment — but it’s about reminding them that there are people outside of their own culture who care about them.”
Often, the deepest impact comes from those willing to show up, even when it doesn’t feel like it’s making a difference.
We are incredibly grateful for volunteers like Amblessed and Madeleine, whose compassion and faith continue to create spaces of belonging and hope.
Communities of belonging are built by people like you.
If you’re interested in volunteering with World Relief Spokane, we invite you to learn more and take the next step here: https://worldrelief.org/spokane/get-involved/volunteer/