Volunteer Spotlight

Kevin & Anita: Dynamic Duo

Husband and wife passionate in serving New Americans

August 11, 2026 | Volunteers at the International Institute of Minnesota make our many programs and classes possible. Kevin Harding and Anita Terry are a dynamic husband and wife duo who are regular volunteers at the Institute. Kevin and Anita volunteer in several programs and classes, including refugee services, citizenship, entrepreneurship, employment assistance, and more. During Operation Metro Surge, they helped us deliver groceries to students, clients and unload the Second Harvest food truck. They are there for us whenever help is needed! Learn more in this question-and-answer series about what inspires and motivates Kevin and Anita.

1. You could share your valuable time and skills with many deserving non-profits. Why do you choose to donate your time to the International Institute of Minnesota?

Anita: I support the mission of the IIMN. Especially at a time when immigrant communities are under attack from our government, I think it is vital that we all stand up and support those communities however we can.

Kevin: Moving to another country is hard, and I can only imagine the situations the new arrivals are coming from. I volunteer to try to make Minnesota as welcoming as possible to these people who add so much to the life and culture of our state.

2. What kind of volunteering do you do with us?

Kevin: Refugee housing set-up, grocery delivery, citizenship application support, Apply Now job-search support, entrepreneur presentation “judging.”

Anita: I have done refugee housing set-ups, grocery delivery (during Operation Metro Surge and beyond), and citizenship application support.

3. Can you share a memory of a volunteer moment that helped make this work rewarding for you?

Anita: The relief and gratitude clients showed when we delivered groceries this winter was so humbling. I cannot imagine being afraid of going out to buy food for my family.

Kevin: At times, the houses/apartments we would set up for new arrivals were not in the best shape. I remember once being concerned about the size of the bedrooms for one family in particular, but when they moved in, the children were so excited that they had bedrooms at all. “Is all of this for us??” That reminded me that the IIMN’s work, no matter how big or small, has such a positive effect on new immigrants.

4. What kind of impact do you hope your volunteer work has?

Kevin: I hope new arrivals feel like the community welcomes them.

Anita: I hope that immigrants see IIMN volunteers as the true face of this community. I want new Americans and new immigrants to feel as welcome in Minnesota as I do.

5. Why is this work important to you?

Anita: I support the mission of the IIMN.

Kevin: To support immigrant communities.

Thank you to Kevin & Anita for sharing her story and to all our volunteers for the work that helps New Americans become self-sufficient and reach their dreams.

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From virtual to in-person opportunities, we have a variety of chances for individuals and groups to volunteer at the International Institute of Minnesota. Your time and talents are an essential part of our success in welcoming New Americans to Minnesota.

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