Meet Vlad

Vlad came to Tacoma with his mother and father shortly after the war in Ukraine began in 2022. He soon after arrived at Tacoma Community House to enroll in English Language Acquisition classes.  He had already studied some English in Ukraine, so after a couple of quarters in the upper level class, he was ready to go to work.  His first job was at McDonald’s.  However, he was quickly recruited as a volunteer by staff in the Employment Department to help translate for the many Ukrainians at a TCH fob fair. It was there that he met his current supervisor, from the Washington State University Extension Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program. As part of his full-time  job there, Vlad now teaches  weekly nutrition and cooking classes for TCH students on-site. Participants learn about healthy recipes using ingredients commonly available in American grocery stores.  And they get a nice meal they’ve prepared at every session!

Vlad’s experience at TCH and in the United States are firstly a testament to his drive to adapt and thrive in a new country. But it’s also an example of the way Tacoma Community House has long adjusted to the changing needs of the community and the newcomers looking for friendly faces and a little guidance navigating their new home. As Vlad says, “TCH was important in my life as an immigrant.   When I came to the US, I felt lost. But I found some friends here that I’m still in touch with. It’s not just about English classes. It’s about community.”