A Refuge for Refugees

By
Appears in the September 2024 issue.

Heidi’s House is a gathering place created by Exodus World Service

A retired literacy teacher (second from left) leads an English conversation group for refugee women.
A retired literacy teacher (second from left) leads an English conversation group for refugee women.

The plight of refugees doesn’t end when they safely arrive in their new country. Forced to flee due to war or persecution, refugees are vetted and invited by the United States to resettle here—but they often arrive with next to nothing. Overcoming fear and loneliness, they often struggle to learn a new language and a new culture, all while trying to heal and start anew.

That’s where Exodus World Service steps in. Since 1988 Exodus volunteers have been welcoming refugees and helping them settle into their new lives. Working with resettlement agencies, the nonprofit ensures that refugees’ new homes are set up, decorated, and filled with household essentials when they arrive. Volunteers welcome, befriend, and offer support to refugees as they learn to navigate their new surroundings.

Last November the nonprofit expanded its services by opening Heidi’s House, a gathering place for refugees and volunteers in Wheaton. “Heidi’s House allows us to take the programs that we’ve been doing throughout our history—that were more one-on-one—and have a bigger impact in a space where they can happen in groups,” explains Jody May, director of education.

Youth group members from All Soul’s Anglican Church Wheaton often volunteer at Homework Help nights at Heidi’s House.
Youth group members from All Soul’s Anglican Church Wheaton often volunteer at Homework Help nights at Heidi’s House.

Named in memory of cofounder Heidi Moll Schoedel, the executive director of Exodus for more than 20 years, this gathering space enables refugees and volunteers to connect through English conversation groups, kids’ programs, and other educational and social opportunities. “One of the great things about Heidi’s House is that it provides a space for people to volunteer as individuals, families, and small groups,” says Jan Martinet, director of communications. “Volunteers are bringing a lot of creative ideas for new groups.”

Programs run year-round. “We have 13 active groups during the summer and add more during the school year—our two biggest are the women’s conversation group and the kids’ summer club/homework help group,” says Anna Pospisil, DuPage program manager. “We also have a men’s conversation group, teen group, kids’ music and story time, as well as reading and computer skills groups. A couple volunteers even started a mother/daughter knitting and crocheting group.” And, because refugees are eligible to become citizens after living in the United States for five years, Exodus also has a group that helps them prepare for their citizenship exam.

“The volunteers and refugees really do get to know each other,” May says. “We’ve seen so many wonderful connections happen. It truly is a place that offers a sense of community, where people feel welcome and supported. And that’s exactly what we envisioned—a place where those connections could happen.”

It is important to note that Heidi’s House is not a drop-in center. Anyone looking to volunteer should contact the Exodus through its website, exodusworldservice.org. Weekly and monthly opportunities are available, and training is provided.

 

Photos: Exodus World Service