The Languages We Speak at So What Else

#SoWhatElse(SWE) is a food bank in North Bethesda. I volunteer there on Tuesdays and Thursdays. We serve everyone who needs food. 

English is not the first language of many people who come. A lot of our clientele, volunteers, and staff speak Spanish.

I spoke no Spanish a year and a half ago. I love to talk and I want to be able to speak with our people. So I decided to learn Spanish. I use 3 apps and try to practice an hour a day. Now I can manage to communicate with people who know some English. We use a little bit of Spanish, a little bit of English, and a little bit of Charades! When someone comes in and speaks no English, I need help from our fluent people.

One day an Asian couple came in. They needed to make an appointment for food. They didn't speak Spanish or English. They only spoke Chinese. I tried to show them how to make an appointment,  but I needed help. I grabbed my phone and pulled up my Google Translate app. We went back and forth for a good 30 minutes. When we were finished, they had an appointment and I got a hug!

Another day, a lady came in and indicated that she needed paper and a pen because she is deaf. I was a Sign Language interpreter for many years. I was able to communicate with her in her language. She was so happy and so was I!

We accommodate people as best we can. Many languages are spoken at So What Else. 

Most of all we speak Love! 

All donations are tax deductible and greatly appreciated. Click the link below if you would like to donate.

https://linktr.ee/sowhatelsedonates

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