Shoutout to our featured volunteer, Elisa Walt! Elisa manages administrative work here at Jonathan House.
“I have the privilege of working behind the scenes in scheduling and organizing things so we can work smoothly to serve our residence.”
How did you first learn about the plight of asylum-seeking individuals in America?
In growing up overseas in an environment that worked closely with refugees, I was introduced to the life of asylum seekers fairly early on in my life, learning about the journey and the hardships of those seeking asylum and now much it differed from my own life. From there there the Lord slowly but continuously opened my heart and eyes to asylum seekers globally.
I first learned about Jonathan House after reaching out to IAFR in search of ways to walk alongside asylum seekers.
What is something everyone can do to help the cause of asylum-seeking individuals in the US?
Get connected! There are so many different organizations that work one on one with asylum seekers, be a voice for many people right now that don’t have the ability to speak for themselves.
Is there a statistic or fact that has surprised you concerning Jonathan House’s cause?
One of the main statistics that surprised me to learn was that Minnesota has some of the highest numbers of forcibly displaced people who have either received asylum or are seeking it.
What is something that the Jonathan House residents have taught you?
There is a whole list of different things that I have learned from my asylum seeker friends. One of the most impactful ones has been joy in the midst of hardship. Along with how to cook some wonderful food!
What languages do you speak?
I speak German and English.
Is there any other line of work you’re in?
Along with working with Jonathan House, I work at Spyhouse Coffee, come by anytime for some coffee!
What are your hobbies?
Some of my hobbies include; making and drinking coffee, baking and cooking, being in nature, creating art and spending time at a coffee shop reading.