On a recent Thursday evening at the AIDNW Welcome Center, Teri Wiseman-Kuhlman is working with fellow volunteers to secure flights and other transportation for eight newly released immigrants from India, Peru, Honduras, Mexico, and Nepal. A guest from India wished his friends farewell and watched as they disappeared down the road in a taxi. It was obvious the five gentlemen had bonded while in the NW ICE Processing Center together.

“When you realize just what they have been through to get here: weeks to months in detention, the journey just to get to our southern border, some of the horrible conditions in their home country. They are survivors and I’m in awe,” says Teri, adding “I want people to know there are Americans who welcome them.”

Volunteers are stationed weekdays at the Welcome Center RV to greet up to 30 immigrants per afternoon. Guests are asked about their travel needs; offered a cell phone to contact family; and given a warm coat, hat, and gloves. There is a mixture of awe, excitement, and an eagerness to journey onward.

Sometimes guests sip on hot chocolate and chat together in front of the space heaters while they wait. “The Welcome Center is very important because it is a space where released immigrants can find help, dignity, and human connection. Having our Welcome Center means that immigrants are not stranded on the Tacoma tide flats and are instead welcomed with open arms,” says Christina Easley, AIDNW Volunteer Coordinator.

Volunteers communicate with guests’ family members to arrange payment and sort out other logistics. When needed, a volunteer translator is called to facilitate communication. Boarding passes are printed inside the RV (often to the sound of cheering!) and the guest is taken to the airport or bus station by a Post-Detention Accompaniment Network (PDAN) volunteer.

Volunteering at the Welcome Center has its unique challenges, but it is tremendously rewarding. “Nothing quite compares to seeing folks when they are first released,” says Christina. “Often, they are joyous and excitedly calling family and friends. You get to share in that excitement and their first free moments out of detention which means so much.”

“I get first-hand experience with immigrants and can get our guests to their destinations, ready to start their new lives here. I also get the opportunity to work with fascinating volunteers…you find out that it isn’t such a big world. There is usually always a shared interest (or two). Also, there are other ways besides yours to approach problem solving. The most awesome thing is when you get a team that really ‘gels well’ under pressure,” says Teri.

Christina processes 10-15 volunteer applications per month, but notes that AIDNW is always in need of more volunteers. “We are looking for more volunteers for our programs! I would also like to give a big thank you to all our volunteers, new and seasoned. Without their dedication, this work would not be possible!”