Global Cleveland is proud of its robust volunteer program, which currently boasts over two hundred and fifty active volunteers! We utilize our volunteer’s skills and interests in a variety of ways, including attraction advocate, connection job coach, and welcoming mentor. The welcoming mentors are matched with an international newcomer and help them get to know Cleveland, practice their English speaking skills, and connect to social and professional networks.
Monica relocated to Cleveland from Mexico City just two months ago, and part of her moving preparations involved contacting Alyssa Golinar, Global Cleveland’s Volunteer and International Services Coordinator. Alyssa matched Monica with Carmen, an active volunteer that shared a lot in common with Monica. Their friendship developed naturally, and Carmen recognizes a lot of herself in Monica and is very grateful for the opportunity to help Monica become acclimated to Cleveland, which is also her adopted home! Monica met her now-fiancé while they were both studying abroad in Spain – she for an MBA, and he for a study abroad program through Ohio State University – and three years later she moved to his native Cleveland. Although the first time Monica saw snow was during a visit to Northeast Ohio prior to her move, Monica is looking forward to all the good things the fall and winter seasons bring to Cleveland; apple picking, fireplaces, sledding, and more! Monica loves the city, and is having a blast exploring its MetroParks, different neighborhoods, and restaurants.
Carmen moved to Cleveland from her native Romania fifteen years ago. She moved to Ohio with her husband, a physician at Fairview Hospital. The original plan was to leave for warmer climates once he finished his residency, but the family had begun to put down roots almost immediately and felt at home here. Carmen had a successful career at the Council of International Programs – USA, but ultimately decided to stop working full-time to stay home with her children, now ages eight and eleven. Carmen knew she wanted to stay involved with the community through volunteering, and she has always been passionate about helping others. Global Cleveland was a natural fit, and Carmen has volunteered with us for over a year.
Carmen’s Testimony: “I would like to thank Global Cleveland for the opportunity to meet such a wonderful young lady. I introduced her to my family and few friends and we love her 🙂 I also surprised her, by visiting while she and her fiancé were moving to their new house in Lakewood. (A colleague of mine assisted them with buying their house, small world) I am also trying to connect her to some non profits where she could volunteer her time. She has a master degree in Marketing from Madrid University, so I’m positive she has great talent and skills to share. She doesn’t have a work permit yet, so she is not ready to apply for a job, but any volunteer opportunities would be beneficial to her new life in the US”
Monica’s Testimony: “Thank you for the support received from Global Cleveland as a newcomer. I was matched with Carmen for assistance in improving my English skills and also as a Job Coach. I already had the opportunity to meet Carmen and the experience so far has been fantastic and very helpful! The assistance you provide definitely makes the difference in adapting to this great City”
Welcome to Cleveland, Monica and Thank You Carmen for being a great Global Cleveland Volunteer!
To learn more about Global Cleveland’s volunteer opportunities, click here
