“Other than being a well structured organization offering a wide range of programs and activities to integrate all kinds of newcomers into Berlin, everyone involved with GSBTB shows a tremendous capacity to love and empathise with one another."

“It’s so difficult here to find culture, to find friends. This organisation helps you to find that. If you find a friend at the cooking group they can help you with a lot of things. Finding a flat, somewhere to live – maybe even work.”

“Not only does GSBTB listen to the needs of the refugees, but they also give them the power to organize volunteers to find positive solutions to those needs … GSBTB then spreads awareness of what it’s learned by educating and involving the community in its goal.”

“It is really important to be engaged within your community, even more so for expats. GSBTB brings people together and helps them not only see what is going on in their surroundings, but helps them to get involved.”

“When I first arrived I was sleeping on the streets ... It’s good to connect with local organisations like Give Something Back To Berlin – they can really help you to find your way.”

"When I first arrived here I wanted to help refugees so I volunteered with some organisations like GSBTB. That experience with the Refugee Cooking Group led to me running a stand at the streetfood site Markthalle Neun.”

“I am really proud of what we have done as a team and the strong bond that we have made with these people despite the terrible situation that they are living in… Everybody needs community, everybody needs support.”

“I always find time to support GSBTB because I think they are really one of the most reliable and sustainable organizations in town and they need to be supported and expanded.”

“I have a small group that I know a little better than others and we also meet outside of the English lessons. As a result, I might be invited to birthday parties or Syrian meals. By this I have gathered new friends and experiences that I wouldn't have otherwise.”

“They help me with my German at the language café. But more importantly for me Give Something Back to Berlin is about all the kind and interesting people I meet anytime I go there.”

"I posted a listing on the GSBTB website offering my expertise in child and family protection, and from there an organisation invited me to try working for them for two months, doing translation, therapy and psychosocial support for a refugee family."

“GSBTB is an example of how big and beautiful a simple idea can become.”