Upon realizing their nationality, Mathias jumped to greet the young men. The Democratic Republic of Congo, once controlled by France, meant that the men surely knew some level of French (the country\u2019s official language despite decades of independence). <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mathias, a retired French teacher from Firestone High School, knew she was likely the only person the two might comfortably speak with.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWhen you’re in a foreign situation and somebody comes up to you and speaks to you in your heart language, you just kind of melt. So that was kind of the reaction that I get from the Congolese when they’ve been here, they’re trying their best to understand everything in English, you know, they’re struggling, and then I could speak to them in French . . . you could just see the tension release.\u201d<\/p>Cindy Mathias<\/cite><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n\n\n\n That fateful encounter marked the beginning of Mathias\u2019 time championing resettlement in Akron \u2013\u2013 nearly a four-year journey. According to her, Grace Church erected the International Welcome Center shortly after, utilizing the momentum Mathias had already gained helping the refugee community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As more refugees pour into the Akron area \u2013\u2013 many from Afghanistan following the government upheaval in Fall 2021 \u2013\u2013 services available through IWC and volunteers like Mathias are vital for their transition into the United States. She\u2019s already assisted four Afghan families, and thinks \u201cthere are more coming.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Necessities provided by Mathias and other volunteers include garments suited for the Northeast Ohio climate, assistance translating mail, and delivering fresh fruits, veggies and shelf-stable food when possible. On several occasions, she\u2019s taken it upon herself to teach the women of resettled families to drive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Family Grocery in North Hill. Photo by Kelly Krabill. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n In the years following its conception, the IWC expanded the means of assistance available to refugees considerably. Its goal: become \u201ca support center for refugees and immigrants who are resettling in the Akron\/Canton area.\u201d While the IWC provides services like those offered by Mathias, programs also include legal aid \u2013\u2013 assistance procuring green cards, driving licenses etc. \u2013\u2013 life skills classes, and reliable transportation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n People like Mathias helm the various services \u2013\u2013 often people involved with the church that see an opportunity to offer their skills and expertise to the cause. <\/p>\n\n\n\n According to Mathias, one woman, Renee McClehenney, started cooking classes for the refugees. Teaching members of the households how to cook basic dishes common to the United States.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201c. . . which is a lot of fun because we teach the ladies how to cook some \u201cAmerican dishes,\u201d Mathias said with a laugh. \u201cYou know, like tacos; spaghetti.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/theresettlementproject.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/20220309_150123-1024x768.jpg\")
<\/figure>