“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 contact the church office!
Icons on Ammo Boxes Christian Art of Hope and Sorrow from the War in Ukraine… Since 2015, shortly after the outbreak of war between Russia and Ukraine, artists Sonia
Atlantova and Oleksandr Klymenko and their son, Herman, have transformed fragments of ammunition boxes recovered from the front lines into sacred works of art. Drawing from the centuriesold tradition of Orthodox icon writing, their internationally recognized Icons on Ammo Boxes project bears witness to the tragedy of war while offering prayer and hope for a bold and just peace. This powerful and internationally acclaimed exhibit is
currently on display at Fairfield University Center for Social Impact until May 22nd. The exhibit is free and open to the public in the gallery spaces at the Center for Social Impact, 1720 Post Road. Additional Visits: To schedule a visit outside public hours, contact Mary Crimmins Dates: March 16 – May 22, 2026. Public Hours: Open to the public on Fridays, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
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. An Amazon Wish List has been set up and if you would like to donate supplies a link will be provided soon. As soon as an apartment set-up has been scheduled, we will provide a SignUp Genius link for those who would like to help.
Volunteer Education Session on “Refugees’ Journey to Gaining Self-Sufficiency in the U.S.” On June 3 from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m., CIRI is hosting the event at their Bridgeport office, 410 Colorado Avenue. Volunteers will learn about how refugees are resettled in the U.S. and how CIRI supports these families. Light refreshments will be provided. If you would like to attend, please RSVP to Julia Perkins by June 1st.
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. We should have more information on that walk as we get closer to the date. 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. Again this year, GHCC will be hosting a children’s craft table for refugee children. We are looking for about 6–7 volunteers to help set up the table, assist children with the activities, and enjoy the day alongside the families and community. A great activity for your own children to spend time getting to know, create and play with refugee children. Many of us who have attended in past years can say it is truly one of the most meaningful and fun volunteer opportunities of the year. To make volunteering manageable, we will divide the day into shifts, so no one needs to stay for the entire event. Please let us know if you would be willing to help out — we would love to have you be part of the celebration.
Contribute to the World Refugee Day Donation Bags. We will be collecting personal hygiene items and non-perishable food. A wish list is attached to this email. You may drop off your items in the church house by June 7th. Once all items are collected CIRI will be assembling donation bags. If you are free on June 9th or 10th, please click here for the signup genius.
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.
