Global Reach Partnerships Mission

To empower refugees with means to personal development and assist them in becoming leaders in the socio-economic development of both their community here in the United States as well as in their homeland.

In striving to meet our Mission, GRP provides support and development to its Mentees through four separate, yet interrelated, areas which cover a broad range of its Mentees' needs and goals:

Career Support and Development

This area relates primarily to GRP and its Mentors assisting the Mentees in navigating both career choices as well as career paths once choices have been made. Mentors assist their Mentees by acting as a proofreader of resumes, advising on which career choices may be more suitable, networking in the community to assist their Mentees with finding and securing jobs, and offering professional advice in dealing with on-the-job issues. Many Mentees have not had the opportunity for individual to assist them with such choices, and GRP often finds this area a top concern for the Mentees.

Social Support and Development

This area relates primarily to GRP and its Mentors assisting the Mentees with the non-academic and professional obstacles and opportunities. In addition to establishing and developing their own relationships with their Mentees, Mentors assist them with other aspects of social life and networking. This ranges from the monthly GRP "Get Togethers" at baseball games, lakeside parks, performances, etc., to offering advice on how Mentees may become more active members of their new communities. In doing this, both Mentor and Mentee learn a tremendous amount about each other's cultures, and in doing so, help the Mentees learn more about Vermont and Vermont more about the Mentees. Global Reach Partnerships also raises funds to provide transportation for refugees here to return to their homelands so that they may visit family and friends; for many of them, they have never had the opportunity to do this.

Business Development and Leadership

Global Reach Partnerships also conducts workshops on leadership, business strategy and entrepreneurship, etc., to help our Mentees and others in the refugee community gain valuable business skills and insight. Many of our refugees use this insight to assist in the socio-economic development of their homelands as well, which is another aspect of what Global Reach attempts to do. Whether it is the goal of a Mentee to establish themselves in their new community or to return to their homeland, they will need to be aware of and exercise leadership qualities. Indeed, many of the Mentors may one day become future leaders in either locale.