October 19, 2022

Volunteers are at the heart of the success of Newcomers Access Center (NAC). In appreciation, NAC held a Volunteer Appreciation lunch on Sunday October 9. The event was hosted by NAC board members and held at Edelweiss Premier Ballroom in San Dimas, owned by Alex and Alla Novikova, who generously donated space for the event.

NAC board president Anne Thorward presented Certificates of Appreciation to volunteers, and guests enjoyed lunch and a quick demonstration of dance techniques led by Alex. NAC volunteers help newly arrived refugee families set up and get settled into temporary apartments. They also help with school enrollments, homework, transportation, shopping, job sources, organizing and much more. Tutoring refugees in English is one of the most important tasks NAC volunteers perform. Beyond providing practical help, volunteers strengthen the courage and resilience of refugees as they rebuild lives in a new country. Thank you to all our fabulous volunteers. More photos of the event can be viewed on the luncheon photo gallery.

Meet two refugees living in the local area being helped by NAC in a recent episode of the Claremont Speaks podcast. Nabila fled from Afghanistan last August with her family, and Hannah fled Ukraine in September 2022 with with her two daughters. NAC board president Anne Thorward interviews the two women about the challenges they face as refugees living, for now, in temporary housing arranged by NAC in Claremont.