By Babita Verma, Manager of Volunteerism & Community Outreach
Service and volunteerism are at the heart of what makes communities stronger. At New American Pathways, volunteers are not an add-on to our work, they are essential partners in helping refugees and Georgia thrive. Every hour given and every relationship built helps turn support into stability and possibility into progress.
Volunteers make it possible for New AP to deliver programs that meet people where they are. From after school support and Job Ready English to civic engagement efforts, volunteer involvement helps individuals and families move toward stability, success, and self-sufficiency. Their time, talents, and energy expand what we can do and how deeply we can do it.
Beyond the impact on our organization, volunteerism strengthens the broader community. When people choose to serve, they build empathy, shared purpose, and connection across differences. Volunteers help fill gaps, bring diverse perspectives, and encourage civic participation. In doing so, service doesn’t just support individuals, it strengthens the fabric of our society.
The impact of volunteerism is visible in countless ways. In FY 2025 alone, volunteers contributed 6,898 hours of service. But beyond the numbers are the stories that show how service can spark lasting change.
One such story began through New AP’s School Outreach Program, which partners with local schools to help students understand refugee experiences and how communities can support new Americans. A student at Innovation Academy in Alpharetta, Adir Ali Yerima, organized a school-wide initiative that helped deepen his peers’ understanding of refugees and resulted in a successful donation drive. Adir has continued his impact after graduating. Now a student at Oglethorpe University, he engages with students and faculty and has organized another donation drive. His experience shows how service can be a catalyst for leadership, understanding, and sustained community support.
If you want to serve your community but aren’t sure where to begin, start by thinking about what matters most to you and where your strength lies. Consider the issues that resonate with you and the skills you enjoy using, whether that’s teaching, organizing, listening, or simply being present to help. Understanding your interests and availability will help you find opportunities that feel meaningful and fit your life. Once you have a sense of this, explore what’s available. Talk to friends or family about organizations they support, search volunteer platforms, or reach out to local nonprofits to learn about how you can help. Be open and patient as you begin — volunteering is a learning experience that can also help you discover new interests and strengths.
New AP welcomes individuals and groups alike, whether you’re volunteering on your own, with friends, a school team, a faith community, or a workplace group. You can register and attend an orientation to get started, and then we will connect you with opportunities. And if you are unable to commit to regular volunteer hours, serving as an ambassador by raising awareness, building connections, and engaging community partners is another powerful way to support this work.
Service at New American Pathways is about showing up, building relationships, and believing that collective effort creates lasting change. If you’re interested in getting involved or have questions about where you might fit best, we would love to hear from you. Please reach out to volunteercoordinator@newamericanpathways.org.
Together, service becomes a pathway to belonging, opportunity, and community.