Victor Gil and his family arrived in Knoxville in September 2024, the end of a years-long journey that saw them fleeing their native Venezuela and finding temporary refuge in Colombia. Safe, with his wife and their 7-year-old daughter, in a hotel room arranged by Bridge Refugee Services while they awaited a permanent place to live, Victor felt overwhelmed with gratitude.
Then and there, he decided to start giving back – immediately.
“I understand that sometimes you only need a person that tells you, ‘I’m here to help you. What do you need?’” he said.
He became that person, for many people. A strong English speaker, Victor started translating for Spanish-speaking Bridge clients before he even moved out of the hotel. After he had a place to live, he found a bicycle and rode the seven miles to Bridge’s Knoxville offices, eager to lend a hand any way he could.
He found plenty of opportunities. He assisted people with completing important paperwork — making sure everything was filled out accurately to avoid delays. He gave out his cell phone number so people could call him if they needed help. “I always say, if you are in transit, or you need to do something important, just call me and I will be your translator,” he said.
It’s not unusual for Bridge clients to show gratitude and find ways to give back, said Heba Al–Obaidy, Bridge employment specialist. But Victor’s service to Bridge and its clients has been “truly exceptional.”
“His proactive approach and enthusiasm to help others go above and beyond what we typically see,” she said. “Having someone like Victor, who is so passionate about giving back, creates a sense of inspiration and hope within the community. His efforts not only uplift other clients but also energize our team and remind us of the resilience and generosity that define the immigrant experience.”
In many ways, Victor’s life has prepared him for this role. Growing up in Venezuela, his mother encouraged him to learn English and pursue an education. After college, he became a politician in his community, then was targeted after he spoke out against things he saw as wrong. He was briefly jailed, then fled to Colombia. There, Victor, who had bachelor’s degrees in medical microbiology and bacteriology and graphic design, had to “start from zero.” He took jobs as a dishwasher and car washer. “I don’t feel bad about it, because I always think that one of the most important things in life is to be resilient,” he said.
Soon enough, he was back on his feet. He started his own company and fell in love with the country of Colombia. But then life threw another curveball. He was receiving threats from people in Venezuela. He and his wife decided they needed to find a safer place to live, far from their home country. The United Nations granted their refugee status, and they came to the United States.
This time, he knew exactly what he needed to do to thrive in his new country. With support from Bridge, he quickly found a job, cars for himself and his wife, and school for their daughter. Even with so much change happening in his own life, he still devoted time to helping other Bridge clients. “I like to help people, teach people,” Victor said, for the “joy of helping.”
Much of his support is practical, helping people with the basic steps they must take to build new lives in Knoxville. When his fellow refugees need to get a driver’s license or open a bank account, for example, he gives them a ride. He understands there is a need for emotional support, too. That’s why Victor reviewed the menu of items Bridge provides to refugees when they first arrive in the United States and suggested foods Bridge can add to remind people of their homes — like arepas for people coming from Venezuela and Colombia.
Critically, Victor has helped many Bridge clients find employment. At the staffing agency that helped him find a job, he made a strong personal connection — and now has helped nearly two dozen other Bridge clients find jobs.
“Victor has leveraged his language skills, connections, and resourcefulness to assist clients in finding job opportunities,” Heba said. “He actively supports them by identifying openings, preparing them for interviews, and even advocating for their skills with the employers.”
Despite his many contributions, Victor still feels as though he is repaying an enormous debt for what he has been given — a warm welcome, steady employment, and a brighter future for his family. “I feel I’m in my dream right now,” he said.
He has no plans to slow down his support — and he seems to make connections everywhere. After seeing what a difference having a car made in his own life, he approached Knoxville car dealerships about creating programs to make it easier for Bridge clients to purchase their first cars. “By providing transportation and assisting with car purchases, he has empowered clients to overcome a major barrier to employment and independence,” Heba said.
With your support, we will continue to help refugees become productive, contributing members of society – like Victor.