JOIN US FOR OUR 17TH ANNUAL
​COMMUNITY PICNIC!

Save the date!

Sunday, September 17th
5:00PM - 7:00PM
University Park

We will have free cultural foods from area restaurants, tables from area organizations and businesses, words from community leaders, music, games, and more!

JOIN OUR TEAM!

Interested in helping newcomers feel welcome and part of our community?

Global Friends Coalition is looking for a vibrant, energetic, organized Volunteer Coordinator who likes meeting new people and introducing them to others.

Interested candidates can apply by emailing:

• a cover letter;
• a resume; and,
• a list of three (3) references and contact information

to Cynthia Shabb, Executive Director, at careers@gfcoalition.org

​For more information and a full job description of the position, please click the link below:

Updated - Volunteer Coordinator Job Description
File Size:	614 kb
File Type:	pdf

Download File

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BEGINNER ENGLISH CLASS

English Class
Mondays
6:30 PM to 7:45 PM
United Lutheran Church (324 Chestnut St)

No pre-registration required - simply show up!

Join us for our weekly beginner English class on Mondays at 4:30pm. The class is intended for beginner English learners.
Children can remain with their parent(s).

INTERMEDIATE ENGLISH CLASS

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

You need to register in order to get the Zoom Link (call 701-746-8233 or email info@gfcoalition.org)

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

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WELCOME BOXES FOR NEWLY RESETTLED FAMILIES

Need ideas for a fun volunteer project? Take a look at the various welcome boxes and put together one with your friends. Help our new families by supplying some of the items on this list. New families often come with little to nothing so these items help to make this new place a home. 

Check out our Get Involved page, call us at 701-746-8233, or email us at info@gfcoalition.org for more information on how you or your group/organization can get involved in helping newly resettled refugee families settle-in to their new home!

GLOBAL FRIENDS COALITION EXPANDS MISSION TO INCLUDE REFUGEE RESETTLEMENT

Global Friends Coalition is pleased to announce that our application to be an affiliate of Church World Service (CWS) has been approved by the Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration (PRM) for the FY 2023 year. It is anticipated that up to sixty individuals could potentially be resettled in Grand Forks in FY 2023 through this affiliation, with the likelihood that we may resettle 30 individuals. At this time, it is unknown where people will be coming from or when the first arrivals will be. We are ready to welcome newcomers!

The Global Friends Board and staff were moved to apply to CWS to resettle refugees due to the large number of displaced persons in the world. As of May 2022, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees reported 100 million people displaced by war, violence, persecution, and human rights abuses. 

For the past fourteen years the mission of Global Friends Coalition has been to foster refugee (New American) integration. As an affiliate of CWS, this responsibility of resettlement comes with funding from the federal government and will expand our welcoming efforts. We will be the point of contact for new arrivals and will work with individuals and families in their journey of acclimating and becoming part of Greater Grand Forks.  Our strong network of community collaborators that we have built as a coalition will be instrumental in providing assistance to newcomers. Global Friends is committed to maintaining its three existing programs: Family Mentors and Adult Education, Resilient Youth, and Outreach and Advocacy. 

For more information, please email us at info@gfcoalition.org or call Global Friends Coalition at 701.746.8233.

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​.