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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
Thousands of World Relief volunteers help build communities of welcome across the nation each year.
During National Volunteer Appreciation Week April 19-25, World Relief Wisconsin celebrates the volunteers who make this work possible in Wisconsin. Volunteers extend the reach of our staff, strengthen local churches and walk alongside refugee and immigrant families as they rebuild their lives.
Across the United States, volunteers play a vital role in strengthening communities of belonging. Last year alone, more than 4,200 volunteers and 260 teams partnered with World Relief offices across the country, helping create thousands of meaningful relationships and pathways to belonging.
“Volunteers walk alongside families to provide mentorship, assist with employment navigation, tutor adults and children, offer transportation and extend hospitality,” said Todun Afolabi, World Relief’s volunteer engagement program manager.
“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.”
Here in Wisconsin, 130 volunteers contributed their time and gifts to help build a welcoming community for our newest neighbors.
“Volunteers across Wisconsin are making an impact every day by building lasting relationships with our refugee neighbors. Not only do they walk alongside refugee families by offering practical support, they also share meals, spend holidays and birthdays together, and celebrate and grieve with each other — the value of these friendships cannot be measured,” said Kalina Davis, Fox Valley church and community engagement manager.
When community changes everyone
Volunteering with World Relief is not just about serving others — it’s about relationships that transform both the families we walk alongside and the volunteers who welcome them.
For many volunteers, this transformation unfolds through simple, everyday moments of friendship and support.
Linda, of Eau Claire, who began volunteering with World Relief Wisconsin in January 2025, experienced this kind of transformation firsthand.
“I often say ‘I’ll see you tomorrow (or see you then)’, after we have made a plan for transportation to church, the store or wherever (the family) needs to go. She almost always comes back with ‘Yes, God willing,’ It helps me realize how much this family has trusted in God’s providence for their welfare, and still does. It causes me to ask myself: how strong or weak has your own trust in God’s providence been this week?”
In honor of National Volunteer Week, World Relief Wisconsin will host Volunteer Appreciation Open Houses on April 20 in both the Fox Valley and the Chippewa Valley to celebrate and thank the volunteers who make this work possible.
“Volunteering is more than just providing services and support. It’s creating space to feel safe, find belonging and flourish in a new environment. It’s building lifelong friendships and creating chosen families. Thank you, volunteers, for making a lasting impact in our communities,” said Jodi Jewell, Chippewa Valley church and engagement specialist/office lead.
Communities of belonging are built by people like you.