Liz Dunbar knows well what it is like to move from one culture into another.

"I am an Air Force brat; I am very adaptable," the executive director of the Tacoma Community House (TCH) said.

"I was in a lot of places and a lot of cultures; I am very empathetic to those who come here for assistance."

A nonprofit organization, TCH provides a wide range of services to refugees, immigrants, and English speaking adults and youth.

"We are in the business of helping people move up, and we've been very successful at this," Dunbar said.

She pointed to the fact that those individuals who either learn or improve their English language skills are as competent as any community college students.

Not only does TCH help in educational matters, it also helps low income families with employment and, if needed, immigration issues.

Dunbar pointed out that TCH has helped some military families.

Founded in 1910, TCH was created to provide assistance for immigrant communities in Tacoma and increase understanding between neighbors.

Over the past century, the TCH has hosted Tacoma's first baby clinic, held the first organized kindergarten class and offered free services ranging from adult education and bilingual job assistance to youth programming and on-the-job training.

"People leave here better able to support themselves and their families," Dunbar continued.  "We offer the skills to make them more productive than when they walked in the door."

The TCH has been busy.

Last year, the organization contributed to the livelihoods of nearly every ethnic group that calls Tacoma home with over 3,000 individuals served from 93 countries of origin.

"We serve a very diverse group of individuals," Dunbar continued.  "There is always a need to help others."

During the time of the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC), the Tacoma Community House relies on donations to continue its work.

TCH's CFC donation number is 43826.

"We work hard to help and improve the lives of others in the community," Dunbar said.
TCH is located at 1314 South L Street in Tacoma, WA.  For more information, call (253) 383-3951, email info@tacomacommunityhouse.org or visit www.tacomacommunityhouse.org.