Full-time Pre-Employment Coordinator

Part-time Volunteer Coordinator

EAO Part-time Employment Coordinator Assistant

Part-time Nepali OR Burmese Interpreter

Also, we have a variety of unpaid internship opportunities for this summer and/or fall. If you are interested, below check out the job descriptions below and follow the instructions on how to apply:

ESL/Civics Teacher

Classroom ESL/Civics Tutors

Naturalization Program Administrative Assistant

Employment Class Teacher

Employment Program Administrative Assistant

Immigration Legal Externship

Computer Class Teacher

We truly believe that Mosaic is more than just a fun time with awesome food, music and art (though it is definitely all of that). We think it’s one of the coolest ways that we can build community at the local level, crossing lines of ethnicity, class, race, religion and politics to come together to celebrate the diversity that makes our city what it is.

If you agree, head on over to KickStarter and give this great festival a boost!

CLICK HERE TO GO TO OUR KICKSTARTER PAGE: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/mosaicfest/mosaic-festival

CWS Client Cuts Ribbon on New Lab

This winter has been a busy one over at CWS and we’re just now catching up on our posts to keep everyone informed!

Last month, clients, staff, and supporters of the program gathered for the grand opening of CWS’ new Computer Learning Lab which boasts fourteen new computers made possible through the generous support of the Congregational United Church of Christ. The center will play host to basic computer skills training, computer skills for job seekers classes, citizenship preparation, self-paced English language learning and open lab hours for local immigrants.

While employment and citizenship staff are already utilizing the lab, curriculum is being built to start Saturday classes later in the month for those who have little or no previous computer experience. Interns from Elon University will run the classes with the help of local volunteers. We are also working to develop a schedule for open lab hours and will post it as soon as we’ve got it set. Individuals interested in volunteering to assist with a class or to be on hand during open lab days are needed so please contact Kelly at kdent@churchworldservice.org if you’re interested in learning more.

CWS Director Sarah Ivory received Triad Business Journal's "Top 40 Under 40" award.

On February 17th CWS Greensboro Immigration and Refugee Program Director Sarah Ivory was proud to represent the good work of her organization at the annual Triad Business Journal’s Top 40 Under 40 Leaders,  awards banquet. Nominated by long time volunteer Marty Halyburton, Ivory was recognized for her contributions and leadership to the communities of the Triad, largely through her work with Church World Service and with the growing Refugee and Immigrant Network of Guilford.

Since opening CWS’ Greensboro office in March 2009, Ms. Ivory has lead a tremendous team of dedicated employees and volunteers, expanding the office’s services to include an innovative cultural orientation program, comprehensive citizenship preparation services and a new computer lab.

When asked in the interview process what she loves most about her job, she wrote “Refugees have fled from some of the most horrible atrocities humans have ever committed against one another; they have often spent years and even decades denied peace and freedom with no reason to hope for a better future. For those very few who are given the opportunity to begin anew in the United States, the path to get here is long and trying and the mere fact that they are able to get out of bed every day – let alone do so with hope and determination for a better future – is deeply inspiring. Having the opportunity to work with newcomers means being surrounded day in and day out by people for whom the promise of America still feels palpable and possible, by people who truly believe in the power of individuals and communities to overcome all odds. What could ever compare with that?”

Oscar was a dedicated student in the CWS citizenship class, consistently attending class twice a week in Greensboro even though he lives in Kernersville.  He was most nervous about the interview, but the class at CWS helped alleviate his fears and give him more confidence in the oral and writing portions of the test.  Now Oscar is trying to spread the word about the citizenship classes, as he feels that any person who “has the opportunity to become a U.S. citizen should take advantage of it.”

Oscar passed his citizenship exam on January 9, 2012, and now feels that he truly has the right to be in this country.  Instead of feeling inconvenienced that he has to travel to Charlotte to take the citizenship oath, he is excited to take the final step to officially become a citizen.

Now that Oscar has achieved his goal of becoming a U.S. citizen, he would like to formally study English and earn his GED.  Here at CWS we wish Oscar the best!

Alma Salazar de Alejos moved to the United States from Mexico in 2006. She has been learning and practicing English ever since she arrived here. Alma had already applied for citizenship and enrolled in the CWS citizenship classes to make sure her application was successful and that she was prepared to pass the exam. “The classes were very helpful to me. In class, I learned the exact pronunciation of the words. I like when the teacher asked us about the 100 USCIS questions.”

Alma loved the citizenship classes and met many friends there who supported her. She also enjoyed the tutoring session outside of class because “there were only two people there, instead of the big class, so I could learn more about things that were difficult for me to learn.” Alma says she will definitely recommend this class to others. Now that she is a U.S. Citizen, Alma is looking forward to many of the privileges that come with citizenship status. She hopes that other people use Church World Services legal and educational services to help with the citizenship process as well.

Corinne Jones – “It has been a fantastic experience having the opportunity to meet and work with such an inspiring group.”

Katia Janecek – “This tutoring/teaching of the citizenship classes has been the greatest thing for me!  The students are absolutely wonderful, they want to learn, they keep trying their new language and helping one another.  For some, English is the first language that they have ever been taught to read and write in.  It is wonderful to be so influential in their development as future U.S. citizens.  We, as a nation, have “lucked out” on getting these fine individuals.”

Krishna – “I had a great experience tutoring these students that needed help passing the citizenship exam. They were dedicated and motivated to do well. I enjoyed teaching them”

Josh Faircloth – “I have greatly enjoyed participating with the Church World Service citizenship classes as a tutor. Working with people each week who have traveled such a long way and are working hard to become Americans makes me incredibly proud of my country. I feel privileged to be able to get to know them and their stories and help them as much as I can to have a shot at the American Dream”

Cheryl Brooks-Poole – “My volunteer experience with the citizenship classes this semester was very rewarding!  It made me appreciate my own citizenship so much more.  As a previous adult college student who studied different cultures and the barriers each culture group faces in the classroom, I found it refreshing and eye-opening to work in the community.  While I appreciate what my professors taught me, working side-by-side with refugees and other volunteers taught me so much more about different cultures and the barriers they have to contend with on a daily basis.  The tutoring process is definitely a two way learning experience!”

Jennifer Bogacki  – “I have found tutoring at CWS to be very satisfying.  I really have enjoyed working with refugees and immigrants and hearing about their stories and places of origin.  It is humbling to be able to assist the students in such a life changing endeavor, and it is so wonderful to get the news when they pass the naturalization test!”

Saye Zarwolo – “It was a nice time being part of the class. Every member was very happy to learn something new about America. They were excited about becoming citizens to have the chance for freedom where they can work hard to educate their children for a better future. Some told me they want their citizenship to help be able to bring their relatives to the US who they haven’t seen for years. They are happy to also learn English to prepare them for the job markets”

Heith Picklesimer  - “Tutoring for the citizenship class has given me a new perspective on the citizenship process. The students are so eager to learn and desire to be US citizens. I couldn’t help but fall in love with teaching these students!”

Blinh is happy to be a U.S. citizen now, as he describes differences between his life in Vietnam and his life in Greensboro. “I am happy to be a citizen because I like America and want to be free. In Vietnam, I had no food, medicine, car, or clothes. I am Montagnard and lived in the country and was a farmer. The Vietnamese people lived in the city.”

When Blinh fled Vietnam, he lived in the jungle for two months without access to  food  or water, then in Cambodia for one month.  The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) helped him live in the camps in Cambodia for three months, in Cambodia’s capital for two months, and in Bangkok for one week. He finally moved to Greensboro, and has lived here for nine years.

Blinh is excited to enjoy the privileges and responsibilities that come with American citizenship,  “Next year, I want to vote for President and contribute to society.” When asked about the citizenship class and test, he said it was helpful to have a class with people from other countries.  “The Church World Service class helped me pass the test because it told me everything I needed to know. And I liked the different accents in the class. It helped me learn English better.”

Mahawa Smith moved to the United States from Senegal because she married an American citizen.  Her daughter was born in the United States, for which Mahawa is grateful.  “I like living in the U.S. because I can work and help my daughter. She was born here and has freedoms in America that she does not have in Senegal. In America, she can go to school. In Africa, many girls cannot go to school.”

Mahawa had already applied for citizenship and enrolled in the CWS citizenship classes to make sure her application was successful.  She says she loved everything about the citizenship classes, and when asked if she has advice for other students, her recommendation is for students to make sure they do their homework and study at home.  Mahawa says she will definitely recommend this class to others.  “I will tell all my friends to take this class. It helped me a lot.”

Now that she is a U.S. Citizen, Mahawa is looking forward to many of the privileges that come with citizenship status.  She hopes to help her father and brother come to the United States as they are both still in Senegal.  Additionally, she says, “I am happy to be a citizen because I have the right to vote and many other opportunities.”

Clients, Volunteers, Interns, Employers and all friends of CWS welcome to attend our annual potluck celebration to recognize the contributions and achievements of our community.

Over a delicious multi-cultural potluck supper, we will share our gratitude for all of those that make our work possible recognizing outstanding contributions from across sectors in our community. Thank you all for continuing to inspire us each and every day. We hope to see you there. RSVP to ssin@churchworldservice.org

Refugee 101: An Introduction to Refugee Resettlement at the Global, National, and Local Level –  Tuesday November 15th at 10am hosted by the Community Foundation of Greater Greensboro at 330 S. Greene St. 

This popular workshop provides participants with an overview of the US Refugee Resettlement Program starting with a global perspective and working down to the local level here in Greensboro, including who is coming now, what services are available to them, and how local residents can become involved. The workshop is open to the public but seats are limited – RSVPs accepted on a first come basis.

The workshop will be presented by Sarah Ivory, Director of the CWS Greensboro Refugee and Immigration Services Program with special thanks to our hosts at the Community Foundation. Though the event is open to all, guests are encouraged to consider making an in-kind contribution to the program (e.g. bring a warm blanket, hat/gloves, or jacket to donate to refugees this winter). Cash or checks (made out to Church World Service) also graciously appreciated.

RSVP to sivory@churchworldservice.org. Seats are limited.