Today we’d like to introduce you to Hilary Cheeseman.
Hilary, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
In 2018 I moved from Alpharetta to work with refugees in Clarkston Ga. “Clarkston small town with a big heart” Clarkston is home to refugees from all over the world. Clarkston is known for its ethnic diversity. “the most diverse square mile in America” Clarkston is home to over 17,000 refugees who speak more than 60 languages .
My six children were grown and out of the house, I suddenly found myself all alone for the first time in my adult life. I had been on several mission trips to Guatemala and knew I wanted more purpose in my life
So I sold my belongings packed up everything and moved to Clarkston to work with non profits serving the refugee community. That was seven years ago. I am now the executive director of a non-profit KBcares. Our main purpose is to serve the teen refugee community. the teens are struggling! , they are “third culture kids” at home living in their culture at school living in America. They face many challenges. My job involves running a night twice a month for the teens, Friday Night Light! We welcome about 70 teens. They play soccer, games, we feed them , often have a short devotion and split into groups to really get to know them. Sometimes we end with a dance party or some singing. During the week I spend a lot of my time mentoring teens, working on physical help and emotional help for the community.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Moving from an affluent suburb of Atlanta to facing povity face to face has been hard. I have a lot of support but it can feel lonely at times.
I had to learn very quickly how different cultures live and had to learn to change some of my own views and prejudice against people different to me. I had to learn how to be respectful to the Muslim community here and give them understanding regarding how they live especially when it comes to women and the many restrictions and expectations are placed on them. I had to learn how to help people have a step up but not keep handing out. I to learn not to enable people and help them to stand on their own two feet.
I found and still do how to deal with the depths of povity that I’m exposed to. I have embraced more culture foods, ways of life and become a lot more understanding.
I struggle with the lack of understanding from outside Clarkston and having recently just had one of my teens get shot after calling child protective services on that child 5 times!!
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I was trained in the UK as a social worker I worked with hard to place teenagers in the system. I have had many different volunteer jobs and raised my own six children.
I specialise in working with teen refugees. Creating a fun place where they can be teens, a place where they know they are seen and loved. I just show up! these teens won’t care about what I have to tell them until they know I care. showing them I care is about showing up for them. Helping them to navigate the US and the family expectations. just recently I’ve been working with 2 teen Mom’s getting them to Drs , and helping them to be good Mom’s.
We are the only non profit set up in Clarkston for the teenagers. it’s a vital, necessary organisation. these kids struggle. We are faith based, we raise our funds mostly from Churches. I am the only full time member of the non-profit. we rely on volunteers . Many of our leaders were the refugee kids in middle school, they are now in their twenties and are giving back to their community. that makes us stand out as an organisation.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
You Can Mentor by Zachary Garza is one of my all time favourites , the podcasts to. I use Soul care by Dr Rob Reimer to help the teens work through trauma from their past .
I attended a church in Sandy Springs, Elevate City Church.
Ive read many books on understanding our Muslim community
Contact Info:
- Website: https://fridaynightlight.net
- Instagram: hilaryjoy61. fnlclarkston
