“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 offers a fun and easy hands-on volunteer opportunity every Friday. SNUI has organized weekly sorting, packing, and delivery of food and other necessities to immigrant families in Stamford, Norwalk, and Bridgeport. Sorting and packing boxes begins at 10:00 a.m. in Norwalk, with delivery beginning 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.
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.
World Refugee Day, June 20th, is celebrated around the world to honor the strength, resilience, and contributions of refugees. This year, CIRI is marking the occasion with a variety of events, culminating in the World Refugee Picnic on Saturday, June 20, from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm at Seaside Park in Bridgeport. Prior to the picnic, from 9:30 to 11:00 am, there will be a Welcome Walk at Seaside Park which will offer an opportunity to reflect on and honor the refugee journey. The picnic is always a joyful gathering that brings together refugee families, community partners, volunteers, and supporters for a day of food, activities, and fun. We hope that a few more of you can join us! Greenfield Hill will be hosting a children’s craft table, and we would like to invite 2 or 3 more people to join us! There will be 3 shifts:
10:30am to Noon: Set up table and the fun begins at 11, when the kids arrive!
Noon to 1:30pm: Help kids at the craft table.
1:30 – 3pm: Continue to help kids at the table, pack up and go home!
Two or three people will work each shift. We will have beach balls and Frisbees for kids to decorate. Volunteers will need to blow up the beach balls and hand out the Frisbees.The kids know how to decorate but the younger kids may need some extra help.
Volunteers will also have time to wander around the picnic and connect with CIRI staff.
To volunteer of if you have questions, please contact Brenda (bsm2004@sbcglobal.net), Kathy (kfrafsky@gmail.com), or Pam (pamdies@gmail.com).
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 Therese LeFever, the program manager, or call 203 334 0293 or you may also contact Pam, Kathy or Brenda.
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.
