Refugee Response- August 2022

With all that is happening in the world, it is easy to be overwhelmed by all the perceived needs and choose instead to walk away. It is almost one year since the fall of Kabul, which led to the frantic escape of many Afghan allies fleeing from the Taliban regime. The Virginia Conference of the United Methodist Church stepped up to help those refugees when they were temporarily at U.S. bases and now that they are settling into their more permanent new homes. We were truly God’s hands and feet for our new neighbors.

Although individual Virginians and congregations have certainly helped, resettlement agencies have been officially responsible for attending to the needs of the new families who have arrived. The numbers from the largest movement of refugees to the United States since the Vietnam War have been overwhelming, and the ensuing needs have, in many cases. exceeded the ability of these groups to meet them. The war in Ukraine has added an additional drain on their resources.

The Refugee Response team of the Virginia Conference of the United Methodist Church has been working closely with the resettlement organizations to provide continued support. As we have tried to do for the last year, we are once again updating you with the most immediate and pressing needs in the certainty that you will join us in working to show hospitality and grace to these newcomers, many of whom served our country bravely before their departure. While apartments and homes to rent and car donations are important continuing needs, there are other smaller, immediate needs that you and your congregation may wish to fill. Almost all resettlement agencies are looking for youth and family members as well as volunteers to provide transportation. There are also many opportunities to help refugees improve their English and learn about American culture. Attached is more specific information about needs in your locale.

Global Ministries is offering $2,000 Mustard Seed Migration Grants to up to 50 local United Methodist churches in the United States to engage in a new, one-time community-based service project focused on refugees and migration. You can find more information at https://umcmission.org/migration/mustard-seed-migration-grants/ Applications will be accepted any time before the September 1, 2022 deadline and will be reviewed and processed within a month of receipt.

We ask each congregation’s support to keep our new neighbors in their prayers and help us continue to welcome the least among us.

Thankful for the connection and your serving heart!

In Christ,

Refugee Response Team

Virginia Conference of the United Methodist

Immediate needs for Resettlement Organizations by area

Click by Area

Charlottesville Area

The International Rescue Committee

375 Greenbrier Drive
Suite 200
Charlottesville, VA22901

(434) 979-7772

Donate: https://help.rescue.org/donate/us-charlottesville-va?_gl=1*kjbtxq*_ga*NjIzMzUyNDM1LjE2Mjk5MDIwMzU.*_ga_DDZCWB8N2Y*MTY1ODQzODQyMS4xOS4wLjE2NTg0Mzg0MjcuMA..

The International Rescue Committee in Charlottesville offers a number of team oriented activities. These activities range from group work days at New Roots Farm to organizing a fundraising event. Gather a group of friends, family members, or co-workers and get involved! For more information, contact [email protected].

Current opportunities:

New Roots Farm & Garden Workdays (on-site)

Throughout the spring and summer, our New Roots team and farmers need extra hands to help out at the Farm. In addition to evening work-days that are open to all interested in helping, inquiries about special opportunities for groups are also welcome. Groups are typically hosted on Saturday mornings. Groups larger than 50 are more difficult to accommodate. Contact [email protected] to learn more.

In-Kind Donations Drives (off-site)

Consider hosting a dish drive, a back-to-school drive, or a holiday toy drive! Drives are a great way to spread the word about the IRC and have multiple hands contribute to our mission of serving refugee families. Suggested drives include:

Personal Hygiene Bundles: soap, lotion, deodorant, hair brush/comb, razors, toothbrushes, toothpaste, towel set, toilet paper, shampoo/conditioner
Household Bundles: Multi-purpose cleaner, glass cleaner, sponges, scrub brush, toilet cleaner, hand soap, laundry detergent, mop/broom, paper towels, bucket
Diapers: especially sizes 4 and up, plus wipes

Do-It-Yourself (DIY) Fundraising Events (off-site)

Invite your friends and family for dinner, tea, or a dance party and ask for a suggested donation at the door, making your guests aware ahead of time why you’re hosting this time around!

Running a race this year or next? Ask your supporters to donate a dollar or ten for each mile you conquer!

If you are a teacher or student, consider holding a “Change for Refugees” coin drive or penny war among your class(es) and donating the total raised to the IRC in Charlottesville.

Contact [email protected] for more information.

Car Donation

With the vehicle-dependent culture that is so prevalent in most of the U.S., a donated car can be life-changing for a newly-arrived refugee struggling with transportation. Donated vehicles help refugees travel to work, regain control over their lives, and achieve self-sufficiency.

In order to donate your vehicle to the IRC, it must be in running order and not in need of any costly repairs that affect the safety or reliability of the vehicle. Vehicles must also have current registration and receive a state inspection 30 days prior to transfer. If your vehicle meets these criteria, an IRC volunteer will meet with you to test drive the vehicle and determine whether we will be able to accept it. If accepted, you will sign over the title to IRC and provide a Bill of Sale (we have examples). We will provide a letter of acknowledgment for your records and a copy of the Kelley Blue Book value of the vehicle on the date of transfer. The following January, the IRC will mail you a form 1098-C for your tax filing.

Once we have received the vehicle, it is usually transferred over to a refugee client within a matter of weeks. Vehicle recipients are selected based on need, family size, and financial capability. If interested in donating your vehicle or learning more about the process, give us a call at 434-979-7772 ext. 114 or contact [email protected].

In-Kind Donations

The IRC in Charlottesville relies on the generosity of our community to provide families with needed items as well as comforts. Donated items are placed in families’ new apartments or distributed to families through our network of volunteers. In recent weeks, volunteers have been working to bring families staying in hotels things to make their stays more comfortable while they wait for long-term housing.

Effective March 1, we are accepting a limited number of items based on the needs of the families we serve.

Current Needs:

Diapers sizes 4, 5 and 6 and Pull-ups
Infant car seats, new (we have one on the Amazon wishlist) or gently used, less than 5 years old, all pads washed and surfaces wiped
Laundry detergent (smaller sizes that can be easily carried to shared laundry facilities)
Gift cards to Walmart, Food Lion, Kroger
Sets of bowls, plates, and utensils
Items from our Amazon Wishlist.

Items can be brought to the office at 375 Greenbrier Drive, Suite 200, Monday-Friday, 10am-4pm.

At this time, we cannot accept any other items for donation, including but not limited to; clothing, food, toys, furniture and other household items.

Employ a refugee:

Refugees are resilient and are eager to find work and integrate into their new community. The IRC’s employment services helps to prepare refugees for Charlottesville’s job market and secure employment locally. Have a job lead? Let us know at [email protected].

Help us find affordable housing:

Do you know of affordable housing along or near a Charlottesville bus line? The IRC works with various property managers and landlords in the community to provide suitable housing to newly arriving refugees. Tips are welcome!
Open your guest home or short-term rental as a place of refuge for emergency temporary housing with IRC’s partner Airbnb.org’s Open Homes Program.
*Please note: We have received many offerings from community members to house newly arriving refugees in their private homes and guest rooms. While we are deeply grateful, the IRC arranges for refugee families to rent their own apartments or houses as we feel it is a more sustainable solution that respects the inherent dignity of the people we serve.

Harrisonburg Area

Church World Services

250 East Elizabeth Street, Suite 102
Harrisonburg, VA 22802

Donate: https://cwsharrisonburg.org/donate/

Volunteers can help support our new neighbors as they find and build their new lives in Harrisonburg. Help us continue the over 30-year tradition of welcoming refugees to Virginia!

Volunteer Opportunities

Requirements

18 Years of age or older.
Attend a community information and volunteer orientation session.
Complete a background check.
Complete a volunteer application- https://cwsharrisonburg.org/volunteer/.

If you have any questions regarding the volunteer process, email our volunteer coordinator, Olga Baltazar with any questions, [email protected].

Cultural Orientation (CO) Class Volunteers assist in our CO classes, which teach essential cultural concepts such as: getting a job in the US, budgeting, transportation and more. Responsibilities include teaching CO courses, leading field trips to relevant locations (example: going to the bank after a financial course), and planning CO courses with various staff members. Classes are currently held in person and virtually, based on family need. Preference is given to volunteers who can commit to volunteering for 3 months or more. Additional steps required before volunteer placement is confirmed.

Reception Volunteers manage our front desk and help to greet clients and answer the phones. Reception volunteers can also be trained to help with administrative tasks while they are working. 3 hours or more per week and a minimum 3-month commitment preferred. Additional steps required before volunteer placement is confirmed.

Public Transportation Volunteers will help our clients gain independence and self-sufficiency by teaching them to use the public transportation system. Volunteers meet clients at their home, walk with them to the bus stop, and assist them in riding the correct bus to a predetermined location (Example: grocery store, bank, etc). Training can be provided for those interested but who are not familiar with the bus already. 3-month commitment preferred. Additional steps required before volunteer placement is confirmed.

Transportation Volunteers will assist CWS staff and clients by providing transportation. Volunteers will drive clients to appointments, work, or other important locations. Volunteers must be 21 years old and pass a CWS driving check. Need varies weekly, but volunteers are expected to have 2 hours of availability a week and preferably 3-month commitment. Additional steps required before volunteer placement is confirmed.

High School Youth Mentor: (Flexible timing) CWS is looking for adult mentors to support and encourage our high school refugee youth in achieving their academic, social, and career goals. Mentors do not need to be experts or have any previous mentoring experience. Mentors are matched with a high school refugee youth for one year based on social or career interests. The commitment is to meet at least once a month, but more frequent meetings, field trips, or shared home visits are all encouraged. Additional steps required before volunteer placement is confirmed.

Youth School Tutors will assist students in grades K-12 with homework and other school assignments. School tutors are expected to meet once a week for one hour.

Computer Literacy Volunteers will assist clients with their computer skills. This includes introducing the client to the computer, email, zoom and keyboard basics. Computer literacy classes should meet 1-2 times a week and last for about an hour. Additional steps required before volunteer placement is confirmed.

Childcare Volunteers will assist with children during ESL & Cultural Orientation classes. Volunteers will always be assigned in groups of 2. All volunteers must be comfortable working with children of various ages, possibly with limited English.

Hot Meal Volunteers will provide new families with a hot meal on the day/night of their arrival. Culturally appropriate food lists will be provided. Meals are to be dropped off at the CWS Harrisonburg office the day of the family’s arrival. Hot meals will be delivered to the family by CWS.

Grocery Volunteers will provide a new family with their first set of groceries. Culturally appropriate food lists will be provided. Volunteer is responsible for picking up the groceries, paying for the groceries, and delivering the groceries to the client’s home. Grocery costs will vary depending on the size of the family.

Housing Volunteers will assist families as they are moving into their new homes. Move-ins require assistance in transporting and carrying baggage and transporting clients to their new home. It is recommended that volunteers be comfortable carrying heavy baggage, as well as over 21.

Occasional Events:
Sometimes the Refugee Resettlement office hosts events and needs volunteers to make these events happen. In one case it might be helping to set up and tear down, or it could be providing on-site childcare for parent meetings. Interested volunteers will be placed on an email list and will receive notice when events are happening.

Newport News

Commonwealth Catholic Charities

740 Thimble Shoals Blvd., Suite F, Newport News, VA 23606

757-247-3600

Donations: https://cccofva.networkforgood.com/projects/101737-c-the-power-of-hope

Volunteer Opportunities

Mentor/Tutor

Do you have a heart for youth? Are you looking for a volunteer opportunity on weeknights or weekends? Help an elementary, middle, or high school student by assisting with school subjects. Off site, evenings and weekends Apply here: https://www.cognitoforms.com/CommonwealthCatholicCharities2/VolunteerApplication

ESL Assistant

Our ESL department is in immediate need of volunteers to assist clients in learning the English language, life and job skills, computer skills, and/or other subjects as a teacher, helper, or tutor.
Classes meet Monday – Thursday from 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Class materials are provided. Apply here: https://www.cognitoforms.com/CommonwealthCatholicCharities2/VolunteerApplication

Transportation Assistant

One of CCC’s main responsibilities is connecting refugees to community resources, which requires driving them to and from appointments, classes and interviews. Enjoy personal time with clients while driving and gain knowledge of important services in which refugees are involved by volunteering to drive these vital routes. Apply here: https://www.cognitoforms.com/CommonwealthCatholicCharities2/VolunteerApplication

Transportation Volunteer

One of CCC’s main responsibilities is connecting refugees to community resources, which requires driving them to and from appointments, classes and interviews. This also requires training refugees to take the public bus and how to use taxi services like UBER/LYFT. Apply here: https://www.cognitoforms.com/CommonwealthCatholicCharities2/VolunteerApplication

Volunteers to assist with Apartment set-up

Help secure, prepare, and furnish an apartment for a newly arrived family. Assistance needed with moving furniture, shopping for household goods, hygiene items and food; delivering donations; creating a welcoming environment for a new family. Apply here: https://www.cognitoforms.com/CommonwealthCatholicCharities2/VolunteerApplication

Employment Assistant

Help newly arrived refugees with pre-employment training, creating a CV/resume, setting up email and other accounts, apply for online jobs, teaching families how to use online platforms like Zoom, etc. Apply here: https://www.cognitoforms.com/CommonwealthCatholicCharities2/VolunteerApplication

Northern Virginia Area

Lutheran Social Services of Northern Virginia

1730 Rhode Island Ave NW, Suite 712

Washington, DC 20036

Phone (202) 723-3000

Donate: https://lssnca.org/donate.html

Volunteer Opportunities

The current greatest need is pro bono legal assistance as all Afghans with humanitarian parole status must apply for asylum.

Legal Assistance

Thousands of Afghan Allies must apply for asylum within the next two months due to their humanitarian parole (APA) status. LSSNCA has resettled more than 4,500 Afghan nationals and needs support filing paperwork and providing legal assistance.

We always need pro bono legal service support. To offer services beyond the opportunities listed, fill out the form below.

To support Afghan clients applying for asylum, volunteers (with and without legal experience) are needed immediately:

1. Volunteers (no legal experience required) are needed for our July asylum application filing clinics for Afghan Allies clients. Translators will be on hand. You will assist with writing, editing, and saving narratives for the asylum application. There is nothing legally binding for volunteers. Dates:  July 19, 20, 22, 23, 25, and 26.

All volunteers must bring their own Windows or Mac laptop (with a USB port for a thumb drive) and charger (tablets and Chromebooks are not compatible) and have/download free Adobe Reader software. 

Sign up here – LSSNCA: Lutheran Social Services National Capital Area (LSSNCA) Pro Se Asylum Workshop-July 2022 (signupgenius.com)

2. Lawyers, law students and/or those with legal experience are needed July through the Fall to review the completed asylum applications (I-589,  Application for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal) in-person to ensure they are completed properly and present a clear narrative immediately before submission. Dates are flexible. Apply here – Volunteer to Review Completed Asylum Applications (office.com)

We always need legal service support. To offer services beyond the above, click here – https://lssnca.org/help/pro-bono-legal-assistance.html

Other top needs include employment connections and goods donations like gift cards, SIM cards and cell phones.

Employment

LSSNCA seeks to ensure resettled individuals secure work as quickly as possible. Many of the individuals we work with were members of government, international aid organizations, professors, doctors and other professionals, and mid-to-senior level executives. Their experience and skills are not only transferable but invaluable.

Interested in providing employment or learning more? Fill out our interest form -https://lssnca.org/help/virginia-employment.html

Goods Donation

To meet the needs of arriving families, we ONLY accept items on our Amazon Wish Lists and/or the following delivered items:

Laptops (NEW only)
Smartphones (new or refurbished) and SIM Cards (Mint Mobile preferred)
Gift Cards (Visa, Target, Walmart, Giant, Uber, Safeway, and Lyft)
Basic Needs (NEW only):

Hygiene (toilet paper, shampoo, deodorant, bodywash, razors, toothpaste, first aid kit)
Cleaning Supplies (all-purpose cleaner, dish soap, laundry detergent, sponges)
Kitchenware (pots/pans, cutlery, cups/plates/bowls)
Linens (blankets, sheets, pillows)
Kids (diapers sizes 4, 5, and 6; wipes, baby wash, car seats, booster seats)

Items will only be accepted at the following locations during the specified times. Do not leave items at the building as they cannot be collected or used. We do not pickup donations. LSSNCA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and your donation is tax-deductible.

LSSNCA Fairfax, VA – Monday-Friday 10 am – 3:30 pm
8922 Little River Turnpike
Fairfax, VA 22031

Join our VetPartners Program

Are you active duty, a veteran or frontline civilian? Join our VetPartners program!

The VetPartners program is dedicated to the military, veteran, frontline civilian communities and allies. Many of our staff are former SIV holders, veterans, frontline civilians and former refugees. Some of their families were just recently evacuated, while others still have family in Afghanistan. It’s been a long journey for our brothers and sisters and their families, but it’s not over even after they have safely resettled in the Greater Washington D.C. area. LSSNCA and our dedicated, invested team continues alongside Afghan Allies beyond their initial first few days in the United States, and we welcome you to join for the long term as well. For more info: https://lssnca.org/programs/vetpartners.html

The Ethiopian Community Development Council, Inc. (ECDC)

The Ethiopian Community Development Council, Inc. (ECDC)The Ethiopian Community Development Council, Inc. (ECDC)Top of Form

Bottom of Form

Arlington location:
901 S. Highland Street
Arlington, VA 22204
Telephone: (703) 685-0510
Fax: (703) 685-0529

Donations: https://www.ecdcus.org/get-involved/donate/

ECDC offers both volunteer and internship opportunities.

Volunteer Opportunities

Donation Organization: Helping to organize donations in the Arlington, VA office

Transportation Program: Airport pick-ups, delivery of documents, training refugees on how to use public transportation

Employment Program: Resumes and job application tutoring

Co-Sponsorship Program: (For groups) Raising money to sponsor a family, helping to meet core requirements like signing up for social services, finding housing, and ESL enrollment. If your group is interested in this 9 month program please contact the Volunteer Coordinator at [email protected].

First Friends Program: Cultural exchange program. Helping a matched refugee or refugee family become culturally integrated into the community for a period of 3 months or more.

To apply for any of these opportunities: https://www.ecdcus.org/volunteer/

Internship Opportunities

The Integration Program

This program is a masterclass in problem-solving. Interns help clients overcome barriers to self-sufficiency while providing comprehensive, wrap-around services. Integration Program interns also assist in the delivery of twice-weekly English classes, and twice-monthly continuing cultural orientation classes.

The Employment Program

In this program interns walk clients through searching for and applying to jobs, help them prepare resumes, and practice interviewing. Interns also search for new job opportunities, and conduct outreach with potential employers.

The Reception and Placement Program

Both fast-paced and client focused, interns in this program work with case managers to ensure clients accomplish as much as possible in their initial 90 days in the United States.

Social Media and Outreach

Maintaining a consistent online presence allows us to continue forging partnerships and soliciting donations. It also helps us keep our clients connected and informed. The Social Media and Outreach intern manages this presence so that we can continue to grow as an organization.

Internship Application form- https://acc-dc.org/internship/

Catholic Charities Diocese of Arlington

200 North Glebe Road Suite 250, Arlington, VA 22203

703-841-3830

[email protected]

Donations: Specify Migration and Refugee Services https://secure.ccda.net/Give/Give/Donate/Giving.aspx

Long-Term Housing

If you know of friends or others who own properties for rent, it will help to provide stable housing for families as quickly as possible. MRS provides financial support towards rent but without credit or work history, it can be difficult to secure leasing for newly arriving SIV families. Our families benefit greatly from being near their family and friends in the area and so we are urgently looking for housing in:
• Alexandria, VA
• Fredericksburg, VA
• Sterling, VA
• Woodbridge, VA
If you have contacts in other areas of Northern Virginia, please send them along – we are trying to work with ALL housing leads! email: [email protected]

(Pro-bono or deeply discounted) Professional Services

Our Afghan brothers and sisters are in need of the following critical services:
• Mental Health counseling
• Dental Services
• General Medical evaluations, services, and School Health Screenings
Please email: [email protected] for more information

Richmond Area

Commonwealth Catholic Charities

1601 Rolling Hills Drive, Richmond, VA 23229

804.285.5900

Donations: https://cccofva.networkforgood.com/projects/101737-c-the-power-of-hope

Volunteer Opportunities

Youth Mentor

Our Refugee Resettlement program is seeking volunteers to provide youth one-to-one mentoring with the goal of assisting clients with their career path. If the client is in high school, the volunteer will assist with the community college application process. If the client did not complete high school and would like to obtain a GED diploma, the volunteer will assist with the application process, class information, transportation information, etc. If the client has a college degree in their home country, the volunteer will assist with the college application process, FAFSA, federal work study, etc. Apply here -https://www.cognitoforms.com/CommonwealthCatholicCharities2/VolunteerApplication

Transportation Volunteer

One of CCC’s main responsibilities is connecting refugees to community resources, which requires driving them to and from appointments, classes and interviews. Help refugees by transporting them to appointments and home afterwards. Apply here – https://www.cognitoforms.com/CommonwealthCatholicCharities2/VolunteerApplication

Cultural Orientation Class Volunteer

CCC provides cultural orientation to all newly arrived families, to help them quick become self-sufficient and learn basics of life in the U.S. Topics include, but are not limited to, how to find a job, US laws, public education for children, banking/money management, and housing rights and responsibilities. Volunteers will work with our Education Specialist and assist with either virtual or in-person cultural orientation classes. Apply here – https://www.cognitoforms.com/CommonwealthCatholicCharities2/VolunteerApplication

Family Mentor

Family Mentors will work with CCC Case Management staff to provide on-going support to families as they resettle in their new home. Mentors are asked to commit to at least 6 months, meeting with the family multiple times a month. Needs of the family vary, but typically mentors assist with connecting families to community resources, assisting with grocery shopping, accessing libraries, and visiting local attractions. Apply here – https://www.cognitoforms.com/CommonwealthCatholicCharities2/VolunteerApplication

Digital Literacy Volunteer

Help newly arrived refugees learn basic computer skills and complete various online tasks. Tasks can include setting up email and other accounts, teaching families how to use online platforms like Zoom, apply for online jobs, etc. Apply here – – https://www.cognitoforms.com/CommonwealthCatholicCharities2/VolunteerApplication

Volunteers to assist with Apartment set-up

Help secure, prepare, and furnish an apartment for a newly arrived family. Assistance needed with shopping for household goods, hygiene items and food; delivering donations, moving furniture; creating a welcoming environment for a new family. Apply here – https://www.cognitoforms.com/CommonwealthCatholicCharities2/VolunteerApplication

International Rescue Committee

1301 North Hamilton Street
Suite 101
Richmond, VA23230

(804) 308-9144

Donate: https://help.rescue.org/donate/us-richmond-va?_gl=1*bj16ef*_ga*NjIzMzUyNDM1LjE2Mjk5MDIwMzU.*_ga_DDZCWB8N2Y*MTY1ODQzODQyMS4xOS4xLjE2NTg0MzkwMzkuMA..

Volunteer as a Group!

The IRC in Richmond offers several team oriented activities. These activities range from cultural outings with clients to organizing fundraising events. Gather a group of friends, family members, or co-workers and get involved!

For more information, have one member of your group complete an application https://irc-global.my.salesforce-sites.com/volunteer. In the field “Please enter the top three positions that interest you”, indicate you have a group and your area of volunteer interest.

Current opportunities:

Home Setup:

Collect donations of new and gently used items to help welcome a family to greater RVA. Assist staff on move-in day with transporting items and setting up the house or apartment. Flexible hours for group of 5-10 volunteers.

Family Outing:

Help families explore the city of Richmond and learn how to use public transportation. Have a picnic at Maymont Park, take the family to the library. Show refugees the heart of the city and its central cultural draws. 5-10 volunteers.

Donation Drives:

Community members can form teams and lead their own initiatives to shop or collect our most needed items that will go directly into client hands. Contact [email protected] to get started.

Future opportunities:

Employment Readiness Workshop:

Assist clients in developing skills needed for obtaining employment. Volunteers will have the opportunity to engage with clients at a job readiness workshop. Volunteers can assist with mock interview role playing and filling out job applications.

One day, 2-4 hour commitment for group of 5 volunteers.

Financial Literacy Workshop:

Assist clients to learn about banking and budgeting in the U.S. Explore benefits of different banking institutions and topics such as direct deposit of paychecks. Assist interested clients to open a bank account. Flexible hours for group of 5 volunteers.

Raise money:

Invite your friends and family for dinner, tea, or a dance party and ask for a suggested donation at the door, making your guests aware ahead of time why you’re hosting this time around!

Running a race this year or next? Ask your supporters to donate a dollar or ten for each mile you conquer!

If you are a teacher or student, consider holding a “Change for Refugees” coin drive among your class(es) and donating the total raised to the IRC in Richmond.

Contact [email protected] for more information.

Roanoke Area

Commonwealth Catholic Charities

820 Campbell Avenue, SW, Roanoke, VA 24016

540.342.7561

Donations: https://cccofva.networkforgood.com/projects/101737-c-the-power-of-hope

Volunteer Opportunities

Cultural Orientation Class Volunteer

Digital Literacy Volunteer

Help newly arrived refugees learn basic computer skills and complete various online tasks. Tasks can include setting up email and other accounts, teaching families how to use online platforms like Zoom, apply for online jobs, etc. Apply here – https://www.cognitoforms.com/CommonwealthCatholicCharities2/VolunteerApplication

Family Mentor

Mentor

Mentors will communicate weekly with their student using a choice of methods that might include email, phone, Zoom or facetime. The mentor will serve as a liaison and friend to the student and provide academic support, research and exploration of education or career goals. Mentors will encourage students to gain financial literacy and learn about and get involved in their community. Flexible hours and training provided. Six-month minimum commitment. Apply here – https://www.cognitoforms.com/CommonwealthCatholicCharities2/VolunteerApplication

Transportation Volunteer

Volunteer Coordinator

CCC is seeking a volunteer willing to assist our resettlement program and serve as a Volunteer Coordinator. Duties may include responding to and tracking volunteers, training new volunteers through orientation materials, on- boarding new volunteers through the paperwork and background process. Volunteer Coordinator will communicate with staff to assess needs and seek volunteers qualified to match these requests. Apply here-https://www.cognitoforms.com/CommonwealthCatholicCharities2/VolunteerApplication

Volunteers to assist with Apartment set-up

Help secure, prepare, and furnish an apartment for a newly arrived family. Assistance needed with shopping for household goods, hygiene items and food; delivering donations, moving furniture; creating a welcoming environment for a new family. Apply here-https://www.cognitoforms.com/CommonwealthCatholicCharities2/VolunteerApplication