In the fall of 2025, Cathy Christensen and a group of friends organized a Connect & Lift Team through a partnership between the International Rescue Committee (IRC) in Utah and WelcomeNST. The neighborhood support team (NST) completed training, background checks, and organized themselves in preparation for a pairing with a refugee family who requested additional support to achieve their goals. Alongside professional case workers, the team worked to support the family’s efforts to acclimate to life in Utah by facilitating overall self-sufficiency. Typical volunteer efforts include assisting with grocery shopping, doctors’ appointments, learning the local transportation system and practicing English.

The first time Cathy met Furaha and her family, she was surprised at their willingness to let her enter their life. Furaha, a single mother of two from the Democratic Republic of Congo had requested support to practice English, prepare to find a job, and navigate community resources for her children. The team’s offer of support blossomed into a friendship, bolstered by the goal to connect in a new way. Cathy saw that this relationship was a crucial resource for the family as the team offered support with goals the family had set, in small and large ways. Whether they sat down to read books and do puzzles with the children or following along to appointments, Cathy remarked that it always felt like it was making a difference in their lives.

“I know that I can’t solve all of their problems, but I can support them through the challenges they face,” Cathy commented.

Cathy shared that this experience opened her eyes to the challenges refugees face when arriving and settling in their new homes. Without a shared language and limited access to interpretation during day-to-day activities, effective communication presented the biggest challenge. Cathy worked to take a culturally sensitive approach that supported a positive impact. “My favorite part about this program is being reminded that you can connect with anyone. Because of our language barrier, we can barely get through a phone call together but it doesn’t matter. Hugs, smiles and laughter are universal.”

An IRC team member offers a moment of play to a child. Hands are present building connector blocks into the form of a house on a tabletop.
Whether they sat down to read books and do puzzles with the children or following along to appointments, Cathy remarked that it always felt like it was making a difference in their lives.
Photo: Andrew Oberstadt/IRC

Cathy’s experiences underscore the importance of increasing community engagement with our newest neighbors to ensure they feel welcome and accepted, rather than dismissed or ignored.

Innie, Furaha’s caseworker at the IRC, expressed his gratitude for Cathy and her Connect & Lift team: “They have done a tremendous amount of good in acting as mentors and friends to refugees. Clients are always telling me how much they appreciate them. They are able to settle much faster than if they had no support.”

Throughout the past several months, Cathy and Furaha developed a strong friendship and respect for one another. Cathy shared that her experience, alongside the team, has enriched her life in ways that nothing else has, and that she is grateful for the opportunity to serve in her community.

The IRC in Utah is grateful to partner with WelcomeNST to organize this pilot volunteer project through the Connect & Lift Teams. WelcomeNST launched originally in response to the evacuation of Afghan nationals fleeing government instability in 2021. Since, WelcomeNST has expanded to pair local teams with refugee families across 38 states, including their efforts in Utah.

If Cathy’s story inspires you, reach out to learn more about how you can organize your local community to offer support to a local family working hard to achieve their goals and rebuild their life in our community. You can make a difference collaborating with a family as they settle into our community. Learn more by emailing us at VolunteerSLC@Rescue.org.