Gifted Volunteer Interpreters

Interpreters have an invisible gift. When I met Mariano at the appreciation dinner for READY Tour volunteer interpreters, I was amazed to discover he speaks 8 languages – 3 verbal and 5 sign languages. I wouldn’t have guessed it just by looking at him. Mariano voluntarily gives 3 hours on Friday afternoons at the READY Tour program to interpret for newly arrived refugee claimants, helping them learn and understand how to prepare for their refugee hearings. A big thank-you to Mariano, and to the 30+ READY Tour volunteer interpreters: you share your gifts of time, skill, and good hearts to make refugee protection more accessible.