SPOKANE, Wash. — Going to work every day gives a person purpose, stability and a chance at a better future. Spokane's Global Neighborhood Thrift gives that to the former refugees they employ.
And the organization recently opened a new, larger store with plans to help even more people.
Since March, Global Neighborhood added ten new people to the job training program. There are now 17 people in the current program.
"Us having this bigger facility means we can fulfill our mission to a greater degree. We have more spots for people,” Jen Landis, director of the job readiness program, said.
Global Neighborhood Thrift helps people who were forced to flee their home countries learn job skills in Spokane. They work in the thrift shop, in various roles, which include sorting items, stocking shelves and working the cash register. Typically, employees spend three to six months in the program and find more permanent positions.
“It's like this foundational piece of security that when you're able to find and keep a job, you're able to move forward in your life,” Landis said.
Khalid Samir is one of those people moving forward with his life after he escaped violence and unrest in his home country of Iraq. He came to Spokane two years ago unsure of what to do next. He sought out local refugee services and eventually learned English.
Samir landed in Global Neighborhood’s job training program four months ago.
"At first it was difficult for me to understand people. I have to focus and pay more attention.
It’s an opportunity to contact with people and improve my English and to mix with new culture and I enjoy my working everyday,” Samir said.
Samir said it has been challenging, but he is thankful to have a job to go to each day.
"I feel like I am comfortable now and being more confident. I have more confidence in myself,” Samir said.
Landis said they hope to continue to expand the job program. When asked how people can help she encourages them to shop at the thrift store. The new store is located at 919 E. Trent Avenue.