TESTIMONIALS

When I first learned that I would be moving to the United States, I was filled with both excitement and fear. The idea of starting a new life in a country where I barely spoke the language was overwhelming. That’s when I found The Cultural Connect, a nonprofit run by Shirene Khandpur and her wonderful team of volunteers. From the moment I joined, they made me feel like I was part of a community, even though I was thousands of miles away.

The Cultural Connect helped me improve my conversational English in ways I never thought possible. The volunteers were patient, kind, and incredibly supportive. They didn’t just teach me the language; they gave me the confidence to use it in everyday situations. We practiced real-life conversations, discussed cultural differences, and they even helped me understand the little nuances of American life that can be so confusing to someone from another country.

Thanks to Shirene and The Cultural Connect, I now feel much more prepared to establish myself in the U.S. when I arrive. I can speak with confidence, and I know I have the skills to navigate my new life. This organization has been a lifeline for me during such a challenging time, and I am forever grateful for their support. They are not just teaching English; they are helping people like me build a future.

I have watched these student volunteers put their hearts into helping ESL speakers and refugees in our community while they held a workshop at the school grounds, and I couldn’t be more proud. Their empathy, creativity, and commitment to making a difference are beyond their years. They’ve not only provided language support but also created a sense of belonging for those who feel isolated. This nonprofit is a shining example of how young people can drive positive change in the world. The impact they’ve had on the lives of the individuals they’ve helped is immeasurable.

My daughter struggled with English when we moved here, and it was affecting her confidence in school. But when she joined The Cultural Connect's workshop one summer and started getting tutored by one of their volunteers, everything changed. They were so patient and encouraging, and my daughter quickly started improving. Now, she’s much more confident and participates in class without hesitation. The work these kids are doing is truly remarkable, and I’m so grateful for their efforts to help my daughter and many others like her.

When I first came to this country, everything felt overwhelming. I struggled with the language and felt lost. When I started getting help from a non profit organization while I worked in a construction company,  I found this amazing group of middle school students who were dedicated to helping people like me. They taught me English in a way that was easy to understand and always made me feel welcome. Thanks to them, I can now confidently communicate and even help my children with their homework. I’m so grateful for their kindness and patience. They’re making a big difference in the lives of so many people.

As a refugee, adjusting to life in a new country has been incredibly challenging. Learning English was one of the biggest hurdles, but this nonprofit run by high schoolers made it easier. These young people are so compassionate and eager to help. They organized language classes and even helped me practice through conversations and activities that made learning fun. Their dedication to helping others is truly inspiring, and I’m deeply thankful for their support. This program gave me the confidence to find a job and build a new life here.

In our community, many refugees and immigrants face the daunting task of learning a new language while trying to adjust to a new culture. The Cultural Connect run by Shirene has been a beacon of hope for so many. These young leaders working with this non profit have shown incredible empathy and initiative by stepping up to help those in need. They provide not just language lessons, but also a sense of community and belonging. It’s inspiring to see how much they care and how much of a difference they are making in the lives of so many. This is a program that truly embodies the spirit of giving back.