Community Corner

12 Days of Volunteering in Greater Elkridge

Day 7: Coordinate volunteers to help foreigners. Programs including citizenship classes and employment assistance are on hold because volunteers need someone to lead them.

The Foreign-Born Information and Referral Network (FIRN) serves 12,000 people a year and only has approximately 6 volunteers, according to Executive Director Hector Garcia. "But we're all so busy that we don't have time to manage them," he said.

In the past year, the Columbia-based nonprofit has provided resources like translators and counseling to a growing number of clients who hail from other countries; but at the same time, FIRN has been forced to reduce full-time staff by more than half. Currently, 4 paid staff members serve more than 12,000 people each year who come through the organization's doors—or inboxes. Yes, FIRN serves foreign-born clients all over, in places as far-flung as Arizona, through email. In one instance, a FIRN client moved from Maryland to Tennessee and found there was no FIRN equivalent in her new home. She needed resources, and she knew where to go. FIRN was there for her, but the nonprofit may not be able to continue its programs without your help.

One year ago, FIRN provided employment referral services. Four months ago, it offered citizenship classes. Now, it has neither. It hasn't even had time to update the website to reflect this change (but FIRN staff said this is being addressed).

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The problem?

"We need a volunteer to lead volunteers. We need a manager to recruit, train and maintain volunteers—linking them to work they want to do, making them feel recognized and acknowledged, so they have a sense of fulfillment," said Garcia. He explained that FIRN used to have a paid staff member to do this but as the nonprofit lost more than $400,000 in funding this year due to budget cuts, the position was eliminated.

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With , FIRN is in need of your help now more than ever. If you are interested in leading volunteers, call 410-992-1923. No previous knowledge or experience is necessary.


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