Global Friends Coalition

We had fantastic peer-to-peer training sessions with the wonderful team at Cache Refugee and Immigrant Connection! Global Friends Coalition and Bismarck Global Neighbors were given this opportunity to learn the ins and outs of the resettlement program.

Grand Forks is a hosting a class for anyone interested in refereeing soccer. More information at: https://www.ggfsc.com/Default.aspx?tabid=897557

More info at ggfsc.com!

Global Friends is currently hiring a full-time Community Connector and a part-time Client Services Assistant to help in our Refugee Support Services and Refugee Cash Assistance programs as several staff go back to school!

Visit http://www.gfcoalition.org for full job descriptions and information:

Global Friends Coalition The Global Friends Coalition (GFC) brings together individuals and organizations to foster refugee (New American) integration through work with New Americans and the Greater Grand Forks community.

UPDATED map of Route 3/4 effective 8/19/24. If you have any questions, please contact the MTC at 701-746-2600

Ever wonder what items can or can't be donated to Global Friends? Take a look at our newly updated list to find out! http://www.gfcoalition.org/contribute.html

Register now through August 11 at ggfsc.com!

Celebrating one year in Grand Forks! We are so glad you’re a part of the community!

Such a fun way to mark the year at the Japan Festival down at the Town Square!

Thanks to donations of bikes from community members, we are able to provide people with a mode of transportation when they first arrive. We are in need of bikes in excellent shape for men, women, and children.

School supply lists are now available! 📚✏️ Head over to your school's website or click the link below to find yours.

https://app.teacherlists.com/browse/city/Grand-Forks/North%20Dakota

Unexpected fireworks can be triggering for many people, especially refugees, veterans, and those who have been exposed to gun violence. Even though fireworks are not allowed within Grand Forks, many people still set off devices that make explosive sounds. This often starts the day before Independence Day and continues through July 4th. These unexpected sounds can be especially jarring, but it is important to remember that you are safe.

Here are some tips from the VA's National Center for PTSD on managing your response to fireworks:

- Pause to remind yourself that you are safe, even if the memories create a sense of danger
- Focus on skills and techniques to ground you in the present moment:
- Try box breathing: 4 counts inhale, 4 counts hold, 4 counts exhale, 4 counts hold, repeat
- Be mindful. Notice what you feel without judging or reacting, like eating a sour candy or spicy food and focusing on that sensation
- Remind yourself that this moment is temporary

For those attending a planned fireworks show:
- Read about an event (or ask a host) to learn if fireworks will be part of a celebration and the timing of the display
- Talk with someone close to you about your concerns and invite them along
- Prior to the event, work on self-care—good sleep, breathing techniques, journaling, mindfulness, limiting alcohol—to be at your best
- Choose activities that are healthy and safe for you
- Consider bringing earplugs or headphones

https://www.ptsd.va.gov/understand/what/fireworks_ptsd.asp

Hi Greater Grand Forks! Do you have any bikes sitting around in your garage? Consider donating them to Global Friends and giving refugees the gift of transportation! It takes adults a long time to save up for a car, so they need some way to get around for shopping and going to work. And children would be delighted to have something fun to do outside as well. Like and share to spread the word. Thanks for making our community so welcoming!

Thanks to a recent race the the Greater Grand Forks Young Professionals sponsored we had the funds to purchase box springs, a bed frame, and needed household items. Community Support makes Grand Forks a great place!

We are so grateful that so many people help us out. IF, and this is a big IF, by any chance you have a twin box springs and twin bed frames (metal is just fine), please consider donating them to us. We are in need of three box springs and three frames for our Wednesday arrival. Or, if you prefer to give a monetary donation to help us out, that would be fine too.

We are still in need of items for our two families arriving this week. We need 4 twin mattress pads, 2 twin blankets (may be used in good condition), pillow protectors, brooms, mops, dishwasher detergent, toilet brushes, toilet plungers, paper towels, dish racks, and cleaning rags.

Today is World Refugee Day! Held each year on June 20th, World Refugee Day is an opportunity to celebrate the resilience of refugees and other forcibly displaced people. There are more than 130 million people around the world expected to face displacement this year. Refugees are welcome here.



Photo taken by Robin David at our celebration in the Town Square Farmer's Market

We received notice that we will be welcoming two families next week. A family of six from Afghanistan and a family of 3 from Colombia. Here is our list of items that we need by Tuesday, June 26th: At least 3 bath towels, 7 NEW pillows, a new full mattress pad, and 4 new twin mattress pads. We are in need of full and queen sized blankets. And, full and queen sized bedspread or comforters.
We have a list on Amazon if you want to purchase directly from them go to the link below and find these items.https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2TZ19SM9AQXQS?ref_=wl_share&fbclid=IwAR2YRn6yxYoU1le-jyszW__fdTge_hTsxY4OrsH0ECF4XRGnnmLzAWgoI2I

Check out my list on Amazon

Our office is closed Wednesday, June 19th in observation of Juneteenth, the commemoration of the end of slavery in the United States (nearly two and half years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation by President Lincoln).

Learn more about the history and significance of Juneteenth:
https://www.vox.com/2020/6/18/21294825/history-of-juneteenth

What an inspirational World Refugee Day program today in downtown Grand Forks! A big thank you to our participants and attendees!

World Refugee Day in Grand Forks is being held downtown at the Town Square Farmer's Market. The market opens at 9:00 a.m. with our World Refugee Day program starting at 10:00 a.m. Join us for remarks, songs, and dances to recognize refugees.

Ready to run?? (And/or picnic)?? Greater Grand Forks Young Professionals are putting on a family-friendly 5K race and picnic TODAY and generously giving the proceeds to Global Friends. Join us for some fun in the sun! (If you’re not a runner, just come join us for the picnic!)

http://ggfyp.com/5k-race

is coming up! So let’s talk about who a refugee really is.

Today is primary election day! If you are a US citizen, please make time to vote today before 7pm. Some positions are on the ballot to choose who moves on to the November "general" election, while other positions like city council and school board are the final vote. Voting locations are listed below:

Polls are open until 7 pm. www.grandforksgov.com/election.

📍 Alerus Center - 1200 S. 42nd St., Grand Forks
📍 ICON Arena/Park District Office - 1060 47th Ave. S, Grand Forks
📍 Home of Economy – 1508 N Washington St., Grand Forks
📍 Hope Church – 1601 17th Ave. S., Grand Forks

You're invited to our June events! -

You're invited to our June events!