“Christ’s Hands” is an ad-hoc committee of the church, formed in 2025 to provide hands-on support to our refugee and immigrant neighbors. Led by Pam Dies, Kathy Rafsky, and Brenda Maggio, this group offers opportunities for service and updates on current
needs and concerns. To email the group’s leaders, please click here
Stamford Norwalk United with Immigrants (SNUI) SNUI (Stamford Norwalk United with Immigrants) If you are free on a Friday, please consider signing up to help pack up or deliver food boxes for SNUI from 10am to 1pm. Delivery pickups start at 12:30. If you are available to help, your support would make a huge difference. For detailed information and to sign up, CLICK HERE. Each week between 80 – 100 boxes of food are packed for delivery. Much of the food is donated through Food Rescue but chicken, milk, eggs, rice, beans, fresh fruit and vegetables are purchased each week. The weekly cost to keep this operation up and running is between $1,200 – $1,500 per week. If you would like to make a donation, please go to helpinghandsstamfordnorwalk.com
Join a School Bus Stop Patrol Team… The presence of school bus stop patrol teams help kids and family members feel safer. If you are interested in becoming part of a team or just want to experience what it is like to be on a team, please email Pam or Brenda. You will be added to a Signal Chat. A scheduler from the Rapid Response group will send out a signup and if you are free to join a patrol you will be able to select a date that works for you. You will be paired with another person or you may bring a friend. If being part of the team is not right for you, you may take your name off of the list. We hope you will give it a try!
Spanish Speakers Always Needed: Undocumented families are still putting together their Red Folders, an emergency folder which lists immigration history, emergency family contacts, childcare and custody information plus medical history. If you are interested in helping with translation with Make The Road Connecticut (MTRCT), or Stamford Norwalk United With Immigrants (SNUI) please let us know. If you are proficient in a language other than Spanish, you may be able to help at Connecticut Institute for Refugees and Immigrants (CIRI). As refugees are being re-vetted CIRI is putting together folders with the same vital information.
Connecticut Institute for Refugees and Immigrants (CIRI) There are great volunteer opportunities at CIRI.
Project Rescue, the Anti-Human Trafficking Program at CIRI, serves survivors of human trafficking within the state of Connecticut and raises awareness about the issue of trafficking in persons. In cooperation with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and law enforcement, Project Rescue was established to serve trafficking victims through comprehensive case management, advocacy, immigration legal aid, and referrals to community service providers. Beginning soon, GHCC volunteers will be helping to furnish and set up homes for survivors of trafficking. If you would like to donate supplies please click here. As soon as an apartment set-up has been scheduled, we will provide a SignUp Genius link for those who would like to help.
Our Woven Community (OWC) OWC is a long-time mission partner of GHCC. It is a program that provides training and entrepreneurial opportunities for local refugee women; providing an opportunity to earn supplemental income to support themselves and their families. Participants learn to use sewing machines to create beautiful handbags, scarves and other items that are sold at local craft fairs, farmer’s markets and other community events. Volunteers are needed to assist the program in many areas. Schedules can be flexible and training will be available. If you are interested in volunteering in any areas listed below, you may contact Michael Quan, the program manager, or call 203 334 0293 or you may also contact Pam, Kathy or Brenda.
CIRI has begun a weekly food distribution program initially funded by this congregation. Volunteers are needed each Tuesday morning at 10:00 to pack and distribute food to CIRI’s refugee clients. Distribution takes place at the CIRI offices located at 410 Colorado Avenue in Bridgeport. To sign up to help contact CIRI’s volunteer coordinator, Chnoa Manso-Vargas (cmanso-vargas@cirict.org.)
Assistance in the Workshop: Together with the artists in training, help sort and cut donated fabrics and design items. No prior experience is necessary. Wednesdays: 11-2 or Thursdays 9:30- 1:30. Please note, these times are not set in stone and volunteer hours can be flexible.
Staff Booths for Sales of Items: Join a team of volunteers to represent and sell the handmade items at a variety of venues.
Food Delivery: Deliver nutritious food to refugee families in Bridgeport. Pick up at Burroughs Center. Mondays and Wednesdays – anytime between 12- 4 pm
ESL Classes: Help out any evening Monday-Thursday 6-8 pm at the Burroughs Center. Volunteers will help with one on-one direction and instruction to students in low level ESL. No experience needed.
Community Garden: Help keep the 26 plot garden at the Burroughs Center well cared for. Volunteers can participate any day.
