"Through my own experience as a refugee and my work at CRIS with hundreds of others, I understand well the journey that we walk. I can truly say to those we serve, ‘I have walked in your shoes.’ I want to serve as a guide and source of encouragement to others as they walk this path.”

"I understand firsthand the challenges of moving to a new country and adapting to a new culture...If I can make even a small difference in easing that transition, one family at a time, all my efforts are worthwhile. At CRIS, I see our impact daily."

“Every time I meet an arrival at the airport, I feel like it is December 12, 2000. The memory is always fresh. I always become emotional, and I feel that I have a special connection with them because I came here in the same way.”

“I have a special place in my heart for seniors and children and vulnerable populations. My heart smiles when I can help them, and each time a smile on their faces, I feel I’ve gotten a promotion. Their happiness is my victory.”

“Working for CRIS now and helping others in a situation similar to what I experienced a few years ago gives me joy, peace, and purpose.”

“I feel like I am in the right place at the right time to be here in Columbus, working for CRIS, providing real help, and caring for others’ needs. I only wish I could’ve started [this work] earlier.”

“I sometimes share parts of my own story with families I serve—relocating to the U.S. as a teen, struggling to learn English and navigate the culture. I explain that though there were challenges, my adoptive parents were there to support me through it all. Now I can offer this same kind of support to others.”

“I do not see [my work at CRIS] simply as a job. I see it as an opportunity…to offer hope to others. I want to live as a person of hope.”

“I filed for asylum once I arrived in Miami in 1993, and my application was accepted within two weeks. I felt such relief at being granted asylum, but I was not really sure what to do next.”

"As a mother, I know that the relationship between a parent and child is perhaps the most impactful one in life, and it is gratifying to help those relationships blossom through my work."

“I went from being well-known and well-established in my home to being in a place where I was just another face in the crowd and name on a page. It was an absolute shock to my being.”

“I realized when I started working in this position that I had already done similar work for years as a friend, neighbor, and community member. I love helping others. I hold in my mind a question that continues to motivate me, ‘What if I was in their shoes?’”

"My favorite moments are when I introduce mentors to families for the first time—seeing the beginnings of a meaningful relationship for both the mentor and mentee is a special experience."

“When my parents resettled to the United States in 1988, they had no support. They arrived with two young children—both born in a refugee camp in Pakistan—no higher education, and no formal assistance.”

As a caseworker in the Victims of Crime Assistance (VOCA) Program, Alma has advocated for hundreds of the most marginalized survivors in our community to heal and move forward in their lives.

“My first experience with CRIS was as a volunteer. In August of 2008, I began volunteering as an in-home conversation partner for a family who had recently arrived from Iraq. I instantly bonded with this family; their kindness and hospitality were like nothing I'd ever seen.”

“Because of my own upbringing, I understand where our clients are coming from…working at CRIS has helped me to grow and be strong mentally.”