“Helping these newcomers adjust to life in the United States is quite satisfying,” says Dennis Sell, Volunteer, pictured with refugee family.
We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give. ~Winston Churchill
Volunteers serve in many capacities throughout Liberty Lutheran and our Family of Services. They bring life to our organization, its programs and services. They bring charisma, strategic thinking and passion. The more we embrace and support volunteerism, the better able we are to serve our entire community.
We are grateful for all of our volunteers. Although we may not be able to repay them for their dedication and selflessness, one way we show our appreciation is by shining a light on who they are and how they serve the community.
Retired husband and wife team, Dennis and Myra Sell, volunteer through the Lehigh Valley office of the refugee resettlement program managed by Liberty’s Lutheran Children and Family Service.
Myra Sell, LCFS refugee resettlement volunteer helping out in the Lehigh Valley office.
Myra Sell, Volunteer:
“Volunteering in an office where everything that is done is impactful and meaningful is such a rush! Who knew?! I am so happy to be able to help the dedicated staff with the clerical, paper-laden portions of their jobs, so that they can focus more easily on the refugees themselves.
In addition to using all of my before-retirement office skills, I also occasionally work one-on-one as a tutor for refugees—sometimes tutoring in English, other times in preparation for their citizenship tests. I find that as I teach them, I learn from them as well. It’s a win-win!”
Dennis Sell, Volunteer:
“My job is taking new refugees to appointments. All incoming refugees need to go to the Lehigh County Assistance Office to register for food stamps and medical assistance. They need to register for Social Security cards so they can get jobs, and they need to get photo IDs at PennDot. Additionally, I help them get to their medical and dental care appointments.
Many of the refugees have limited English vocabulary, but most do not understand English at all. Since I have been volunteering for 7 years, I know the nuances of dealing with the Welfare office, Social Security office, and PennDot, as well as the doctors and dentists. By doing so, I am also an anchor in a storm of confusing events. Helping these newcomers adjust to life in the United States is quite satisfying, and it puts a smile on my face to see a scared refugee become a self-sufficient American.”
Myra and Dennis on volunteering together:
“Together, we organize and monitor the generous donations of household goods that are received at at the office. These goods are much needed and much appreciated! They help caseworkers and volunteers in setting up housekeeping for new refugees, who often arrive with little more than the clothes on their backs. It’s so lovely to see the happy, relieved faces of the newly arrived when they enter their new living space, which is furnished and stocked with all they need.
Although we contribute in different ways, the two of us feel that through volunteering at Lutheran Children and Family Service, we truly gain more than we give. Volunteering is so much fun!”
Thank you, Myra and Dennis, for caring about your community and giving hope to refugees starting a new life in Pennsylvania.
We Always Need Volunteers
There are volunteer opportunities throughout our Liberty Lutheran Family of Services:
- Refugee Resettlement in Lehigh Valley, Philadelphia and Lancaster
- Lutheran Congregational Services’ Warehouse Ministry, Easton
- Paul’s Run Retirement Community, Northeast Philadelphia
- Artman, Ambler
- West Philadelphia Senior Community Center
Click here to learn more or contact Volunteer Engagement Coordinator, Julia Menzo, 267-464-7740 or jmenzo@libertylutheran.org
About Liberty Lutheran
Incorporated in 2001 and headquartered in Ambler, Pa., Liberty Lutheran, with locations across Pennsylvania and combined service history of 300 years, faithfully provides vital resources to more than 61,000 individuals and families facing life-changing situations. These individualized services include independent and personal care, skilled nursing, rehabilitation, hospice care, in-home supports, wellness services, children and family services, integration services for immigrants and political refugees and disaster response. Liberty Lutheran’s team of dedicated employees serves individuals and families through their family of services in Pennsylvania, including Artman, Paul’s Run Retirement Community, Liberty at Home, Lutheran Children and Family Services, Lutheran Congregational Services, The Hearth at Drexel (formerly Mary J. Drexel,) and The Village at Penn State. www.libertylutheran.org