Where Stories Meet My Experience of Helping Intercultural Families at Familia

Our last blog of the year! In this blog, our former intern Sonali shares her experience of working with intercultural families at Familia and how those months reshaped her understanding of community, belonging, and social work. Through volunteer cafés, and creative workshops, she reflects on how connection is built through small moments of care. This blog is a reminder that at the heart of Familia’s work are real people, real stories, and the powerful impact of making someone feel seen.

​At the time when I began my placement at Familia ry, I believed that I was merely becoming part of a community organization, albeit in a few months. I had not imagined that I was going to enter into the realm of the stories, toughness, and silent moments that would alter my perception of people and the concept of belonging. Familia ry is a non-profit organization that helps intercultural families in Finland, and these are people who are blending cultures and languages as well as traditions and identity daily. Although the organization provides numerous useful services, what people actually receive is much more profound: a home to feel belonging.

Real People, real stories

​One of the most memorable events occurred during one of the Volunteer Cafes. The young mother who recently relocated to Finland acknowledged that the relocation was demanding; she felt lonely, uncertain, and she had to begin all over again. Something changed as we were discussing and showing services that could help her family. Her face softened. Her voice steadied. It was the first time that she felt observed since her arrival. That experience made me remember that social work does not consist only of information or processes. It is concerning providing people with a place where their emotions, fears, and hopes are heard.

Community in Unusual Places

​When we were at the Intercultural Football Tournament, our stall was visited by many families of different backgrounds. They engaged in coloring with the children and also discussed with us their experiences in Finland. The atmosphere was lively. Children were entertaining, parents were chatting, flags were getting painted, and cultures were crossing. What appeared as a sports event turned out to be a common platform of relatedness.  It also made me realize that community can occur in any place, including in the center of a football field. It only takes a talk, a piece of colouring, or a smile sometimes.

Designing Spaces That are Like Home

​The monthly Volunteer Cafes organization demonstrated the force of mutual learning to me. Be it in a mapping of identities, breaking stories, or talking about the significance of the public spaces, I realized that people open up when they are safe, when they feel that their story is important. Next, there were the Art Pop-Up workshops in Espoo libraries; Gilded, merry anarchy. Kids were thrilled to be able to do crafts, and parents did not leave as soon as they could, as they were free. The greatest surprise came with the fact that a simple and minor activity can be a big one. That hour of crafting also made most families feel at home among their new people.

The insight I gained during my stay at Familia, I will carry throughout my career and my lifE

Familia has altered my perception of people and the definition of community. I got to know that honest connection occurs gradually, in trifles, such as eye contact, a collective laugh, or a child sharing his or her art. Such moments may be considered basic, yet they create trust and lay the foundation of more serious discussions. I also learned that diversity should not be something to control, but something to rejoice about. Each person has something unique depending on culture, identity, and experience. When we approach differences with an open mind instead of fear, they become opportunities to learn rather than barriers. My experience in working with volunteers has demonstrated to me the strength of encouragement rather than direction in people. Confidence is not achieved through perfection but when one feels safe enough to give it a go. Yes, social action is emotional, and it requires heart. It is precisely what makes it meaningful. All types of interactions, regardless of their size, could make a person feel noticed, appreciated, and part of. 

​That is what can turn the whole life of many families into a struggle to build their lives in a new country.
One way to be caring is through listening - Individuals always have to feel that they are present rather than requiring a solution
Individual adherence develops gradually, in tiny steps - A smile, a chat, or the activity of a child- these are all important
Diversity is what makes us cultural - They are not walls, but freeways
Empowerment grows quietly - Working with volunteers as group leaders was an eye-opener since I learned that confidence is built in a safe, conducive environment.
It is also emotional work, which is its power of community work - Each of the interactions, be it big or small, defines a sense of belongingness.

The Heart of FamiliA

This placement was not just a learning experience for me. It reminded me why I decided to work in social services because connection transforms lives. It sometimes happens in large scopes, but in most instances, it happens with minor, subtle incidents that remain with the individuals even after the day is gone. I will keep this knowledge as I proceed with my journey. Community: created by one action, one moment at a time.

​Familia is more than a service; it is a part of you. It helps the families to have a place to be welcomed, nurtured, and feel understood, even when things around them are unfamiliar.

written by: sonali weerackoon