by Nancy Riddlemoser

Once upon a time, perhaps three or four years ago, while I was still teaching, Kate asked me if I would consider providing an ESL training for new volunteers. She was given my name by a mutual friend. I said yes. As in all good things, this begat my participation in a series of quarterly training presentations. Role #1!

Moving along from there, that year the Returned Peace Corps Volunteers of Richmond agreed to take responsibility for the children’s activities at World Refugee Day. As a member of that group and already connected to ReEstablish Richmond, it was a no-brainer for me. Sidewalk chalk and bubble blowing in extreme heat took me to Role #2!

While ReEstablish Richmond was working on Service Enterprise certification, I attended the workshops as a volunteer representative with staff, board members, and various other agencies vying for the same certification. It was extremely eye-opening to learn the value of volunteers to an organization and be welcomed as a participant. Role #3!

Fast forward to last spring when a volunteer friend lamented that she did not have the time nor expertise to help a refugee boy with special needs in the family she was mentoring. I stepped up, assigned myself the title of “student advocate,” and got busy meeting his family, his teachers, and assessing him to better serve his needs at school. One year later, I am still involved with his academic progress and ensuring that he receives what he is legally entitled to. Role #4!

As the boy above needed some one-on-one tutoring, I “recruited” a potential tutor for him from my acquaintances. That was going very well until the pandemic. Hopefully, it will resume once this is all over. Role #5!

In the summer of 2019, I began volunteering with the Afghan Women’s Health group. Twice a month, pre-pandemic, this group met with Helen R to share healthy living tips, yoga, gardening, and more. I look forward to starting up again when it’s safe to do so. Role #6!

Last, but not least, I offered to assist in the office between the changing of the guard from the previous volunteer coordinator to the new one. So Laura and Helen Z trained me to be a “matchmaker” between volunteers and clients who need an ESL tutor. I make the initial, in-person introductions between them, answer questions for both, and am often served “chai” by the hospitable client hosts. It is a great way to get to know more volunteers and clients, and I enjoy being a link between them. Hence, I was gifted the title of Lead ESL volunteer! If any of you out there need tutoring help or ideas, I am available. That’s it, Role #7! One for each day of the week!

As a life-long volunteer, I still learn something every time I am a member of a new group. Our newest neighbors remind me that everyone has a story to tell, and I am grateful to have the time to hear these accounts. I am constantly amazed at how generous, open, and appreciative the clients are for the smallest gestures. Likewise, the tiny ReEstablish Richmond staff is as well.

ReEstablish Richmond has awarded me with countless opportunities to make folks feel welcome and remember our similarities. You, too, can join in the types of partnerships I have added to my own life.

This story is among a series of posts celebrating ReEstablish Richmond volunteers for National Volunteer Month.

Nancy Riddlemoser, ReEstablish Richmond Volunteer

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