Mentor 15-year-old refugee from Guatemala in Caledonia
Bethany Christian Services
We are seeking a male, Spanish-speaking volunteer to mentor this 15-year-old male youth from Guatemala. This youth arrived into Bethany's program in June of 2019 along with his cousin. They have been together in their current foster home since October of 2019, and he is a 7th grader at a local public school. His case manager shared, "He engages with his foster dad as he enjoys fishing and eating out at the Chinese buffets. He loves Spanish music and likes to listen to it very loud. He dislikes being asked personal questions when he does not know you. He is very emotional and when he is upset, he will refuse to talk. He is learning to cope with his anger."
Background: This youth was abandoned by his parents at a young age and their whereabouts are unknown. He was raised by a maternal grandmother, and he experienced ongoing physical abuse by both her and two uncles growing up. He attended school through the second grade and began working at age 10.
About Bethany Christian Services
Location:
1050 36th St. SE, Suite 400, Grand Rapids, MI 49508, US
Mission Statement
Bethany demonstrates the love and compassion of Jesus Christ by protecting children, empowering youth, and strengthening families through quality social services.
Description
For refugees fleeing danger, the search for safety can be extremely challenging. And too often, people become numbers in a system that can feel impossible to navigate. That’s why we guide, protect, advocate for, and support refugees. In the U.S., we offer resettlement and continued support services in strategic locations.
Bethany Christian Services' Refugee and Immigrant Services program encompasses adult and family resettlement as well as refugee foster care for Unaccompanied Children and Unaccompanied Refugee Minors. Our services for unaccompanied refugee youth include case management, counseling, housing (foster homes, group homes, independent living), classes (New Arrival, Life Skills, driver's training), and volunteer mentoring and tutoring.