by Jim Segaar, Companis Worker
Amid the political noise and negativity cast at immigrants these days, you can find examples of individuals and organizations helping people make the difficult transition to life in a new country. In Snohomish County, the nonprofit House of Wisdom is where Companis Worker David Yoon makes a positive difference for our new neighbors.
David is an engineer by profession and works full time in Everett. A few evenings each month, he offers his skills as a math tutor with House of Wisdom. The agency started in founder Ahmad Hilal Abid’s home in Mountlake Terrace in 2020. Today their home is an Edmonds College site, and that’s where we caught up with David.
When David first met with Companis about volunteering, he was sure he wanted to help the area’s immigrant kids and adults by sharing his passion for learning. Tia Lawson, Companis Program Manager for Snohomish County, identified House of Wisdom as a potential site for David’s service, and he began his placement there in April this year.
House of Wisdom’s primary purpose “is to help immigrants, refugees, and international students from children to adults academically and socially in their transition to America.” Founder Abid emigrated from Afghanistan to the U.S. in 2018 when he was 17 years old. At age 19, he launched the nonprofit. Today, House of Wisdom offers math and English tutoring, a Language Learning Program, assistance with employment, and cultural exchange and community engagement events. Of David’s service, Abid writes, “…he’s an incredible asset to our team.”
House of Wisdom is just one of the many nonprofits that assist our immigrant neighbors in Snohomish County. Companis partners with a few more who do the same: Madres, ChildStrive, Lahai Health, Keep Dreams Alive, Lutheran Community Services Northwest, and Connect Casino Road. More agencies are reaching out for Companis services in Snohomish County. So far in 2024, we’re active partners with 24 nonprofits in the county. You can find information here on how to request a Companis Worker volunteer . Or, if you’d like to talk with us about serving through Companis, visit the “For Volunteers” page on our website.