by Belen Quellet

The recent Falls Church Fall Festival provided a significant opportunity for over 40 individuals to sign up and support Welcoming Falls Church, a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering a sense of community since its inception in 2019. With the mission of uniting neighbors with purpose, Welcoming Falls Church has already welcomed five refugee families to the area, with a sixth family expected to arrive in January 2025.

The federal refugee settlement program relies heavily on local partners to thrive, and the city of Falls Church has stepped up to join this vital initiative. This collaboration has evolved into a public-private partnership, crucial for addressing the pressing need for affordable housing in Northern Virginia. As a key component of this effort, Welcoming Falls Church’s Welcoming Landlord Network plays an essential role in facilitating the integration of refugees into our community. This initiative is further bolstered by the Falls Church Education Foundation, Falls Church Public Schools, and even a dedicated club at Meridian High School, showcasing a collective commitment to fostering an inclusive environment for all.

On October 7, a meeting held at the Mary Riley Styles Public Library served as a platform for further community building. Attendees expressed their motivation for wanting to get involved and shared their personal stories. One father shared how inspired he was by his daughter, who has been actively helping refugee families in the U.S. A young woman recounted her family’s history, noting that her grandfather was a refugee and her parents were immigrants. The coordinator of the Adult and Family Literacy Center shared that her grandparents were also immigrants, underscoring the interconnectedness of their experiences.

Another volunteer, who immigrated to the U.S. two years ago, spoke passionately about her commitment to giving back to the community that welcomed her. “We can keep you busy,” assured Rebecca Shaw, the volunteer coordinator at Welcoming Falls Church, while explaining how individuals can join teams dedicated to helping families settle in Falls Church. These teams also provide job search mentorship and connections with local schools. “We are a family because they don’t have family here,” she added, highlighting the strong sense of connection fostered by the organization.

In addition to its refugee assistance efforts, the Adult and Family Literacy Center plays a crucial role in serving a broader audience. Currently, 15 countries are represented among its participants. English classes are held twice a week at Oak Street Elementary and have experienced a remarkable 33 percent growth from last year, now serving 83 adult students across four levels, in addition to a thriving Children’s Program.

This program extends beyond language instruction. It incorporates a book drive, clothing and toy giveaways, and community-building activities like snack breaks and potlucks. These activities foster a vibrant initiative that is currently in dire need of volunteers.

On any given evening, one can hear the joyful sounds of children singing “Heads, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes.” This hopeful melody resonates with parents striving to master the English language, providing them with motivation and encouragement. María Markus, the Center’s Director, emphasizes the importance of human connection in language learning. “There’s no secret formula for volunteers,” she explains. “They understand the need to see a familiar face, as learning a language in an unfamiliar place can make you feel vulnerable.”

Volunteers receive training from professional English teachers and have the opportunity to serve as teachers or classroom aides. They can also assist in the Children’s Program (CLAP), help during snack breaks, or help plan events. The Center maintains an Amazon wish list for those who wish to contribute, offering a tangible way for the community to support its mission.

It takes a small community to come together, much like the pieces of a puzzle, contributing thousands of volunteer hours to date. Through their dedication, Welcoming Falls Church continues to make a profound impact on the lives of families in need, embodying the spirit of supportiveness that defines the city.

This collaborative effort highlights the strength of community involvement in creating a welcoming environment for newcomers. As residents of Falls Church come together to support their neighbors, they not only assist individuals in navigating their new lives but also strengthen the community as a whole.

For more information about Welcoming Falls Church, visit their website at welcomingfallschurch.org, follow them on Instagram at @WelcomingFC, or contact the literacy center director at literacy@welcomingfallschurch.org.