Global Friends Coalition's mission is to bring together individuals and organizations to foster refugee (New American) integration through work with New Americans and the Greater Grand Forks community. They do this through three programs: the Family Mentors and Adult Literacy program, the Resilient Youth program, and the Outreach and Advocacy program. Their goals include supporting New Americans to become more fluent in English and to become more connected, engaged, contributing members of their new communities. Another goal is to support the Greater Grand Forks community in actively embracing its New American residents.

Global Friends engages over a hundred volunteers and serves approximately 200 New Americans. Volunteers work directly with New Americans, providing friendship and English tutoring to help them successfully transition to life in the Greater Grand Forks area. Volunteers have helped New Americans achieve citizenship, pass their driver's permit test and get new jobs. Other volunteers have introduced New Americans to new sports, new foods and new customs.

Global Friends has provided access to civics and citizenship education, promoting engagement in the community. In 2013, the organization nearly doubled the number of volunteers and the number of New American clients served.

For more information on the Global Friends Coaltion, visit the website or call 701-746-8233.