Help Volunteers on the Balkan Route

My name is Kelsey Montzka-Boettiger from Boise, Idaho, and I am a former Fulbright ETA who was placed in Nis, Serbia two years ago. I have been volunteering in the movement crisis throughout Serbia since August of last year. After a few months of calm, now new crises are emerging. We have been so fortunate to receive your support for our ongoing projects. 

WHERE YOUR MONEY GOES:

Supporting volunteer costs: In order to build stronger connections between the refugee community and the host community, local volunteer initiatives must be supported. Many youth in Serbia have an interest in helping, but lack the financial support to pay for their transport, needs, and housing. Your money helps local volunteers cover their costs. Local volunteers have language skills, connections, cultural knowledge that international volunteers just don't possess. Your money last year helped sponsor several volunteers who singlehandedly set up camps and provided aid for weeks with little to no institutional support. 

Food and Non-Food Items: At this point, many of these needs are being covered by larger NGOs, however when an emergency strikes (such as a freak storm), it will always be small groups that are the first to provide urgent aid. 

Tools for projects: Currently, the creators of this fundraiser are providing help through an organization they made to protect volunteers and ensure better coordination of support activities. We are working on long-term educational outreach programs for people trapped in Serbia. Your money will support school supplies, teacher training, and books. 

These are our main funding areas. Your support has been magnified manifold. I (Kels) hope to sit down and crunch some numbers as to showing exactly where your money went. <3 <3 Much love from Serbia.