SNAP cuts and the shutdown-released freeze will devastate ​refugee families here in Greater Grand Forks.

Learn how you can help families in need of food at our Help a Neighbor page.

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KNOW YOUR RIGHTS / CONOZCA SUS DERECHOS

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Please note:
Until further notice, due to the federal pause on refugee resettlement, we are unable to accept donations of furniture or household items.

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UPDATE ON REFUGEE RESETTLEMENT | 10/14/2025

With tens of thousands of refugees still stranded overseas, recent reporting indicates that the Trump administration plans to set an alarmingly low refugee admissions target of just 7,500. No president, of any party, has ever set a refugee admissions goal, or “Presidential Determination on Refugee Admissions,” below 60,000 individuals. And, instead of resettling the 100,000+ refugees who had already been approved, the national plan is to predominantly resettle Afrikaners, a group of white South Africans new to the program.  My heart aches for the people who had flights booked in January of 2025, were anticipating traveling, and are left behind. We had families anticipating the arrival of family members and now live with the unknown wondering if the day will ever come for them to be reunited. 

We have received funding from the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services to maintain our physical and behavioral refugee health programs. We have monthly social gatherings, and we are planning a set of activities that will be open to all.  A weekly online English class over Zoom is offered. The refugee school impact grant, administered by the State of ND, allows us to work with parents and youth in the schools. Along with this is a youth mentoring program that will enable us to provide leadership training and opportunities. 

Global Friends remains committed to helping people who have fled violence, war, and persecution. We strive to build friendships, educate, and empower immigrants in our community. With your help we can continue to assist immigrants who need a helping hand. Please support us any way you are able: volunteer, donate, advocate--everything helps.

Cynthia Shabb
Executive Director
Global Friends Coalition

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MONTHLY GATHERINGS

Monthly Gatherings
Contact Global Friends about monthly gatherings for New Americans.  Each month, a different activity will be offered (community meals, activity nights, park visits, etc.).​

INTERMEDIATE ENGLISH CLASS

Intermediate Current Events Class 
Varied Weekdays
5:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Classes held virtually on Zoom

If interested, contact us at
701-746-8233 or email [email protected] to register and learn what day(s) classes will be held. 

This class uses a newspaper called, "Easy English News" and covers current events, plus a variety of topics. You must be able to read, write, and speak English to join. 

ENGLISH HELP & MENTORING​

Are you looking for a mentor, tutor, or friend for the family? We can help! Fill out our form and we will be in contact with you within the next couple of days.

Request Now

WHAT WE DO

EDUCATE

New Americans through English and citizenship classes, and the broader community through conversations, presentations, and events.

EMPOWER

New Americans through mentorship, leadership, and community involvement opportunities.

EMBRACE

New Americans by fostering a more welcoming, equitable, and accessible community through outreach and advocacy. Photo by Andrea Bisenius/Busy Bee Photography​.