Outreach
volunteering with catholic charities refugee services
Volunteering with refugees can be a rewarding experience!
volunteer opportunities available at this time:
ENGLISH TUTOR – ADULT- English tutors will work with adult refugees who may have varying levels of English. Some refugees are starting with basic literacy while others need help with grammar, reading and writing. We encourage “real life lessons” that include hands-on activities. Tutoring takes place in the client’s home 1-3 times a week depending on the schedule of the client and volunteer.
RESUME HELPER/JOB APPLICATION HELP- Many refugees have significant work experience in their home countries but need help translating this in a way that will appeal to an American employer. Resume helpers meet one-on-one with a refugee client to compose or revise a resume that can be used for his/her current job search. Clients often need assistance filling out online job applications as well. Resume work can be done in one of our offices during normal business hours or in the client’s home if they have a computer available.
CONVERSATION PARTNER- Some refugees have a basic knowledge of English but need to build their confidence and conversation skills. This volunteer position helps a refugee with a basic English level to navigate their local community. This may include demonstrating how to take a bus, finding local resources, and making informational phone calls. Conversation partners can meet with clients 1-3 times a week in the client’s home or in an agreed upon location.
REFUGEE COMPANION- New refugee families often need assistance with various tasks in order to become self-sufficient. This may include assistance learning bus and metro routes, helping to fill out paperwork, help with studying for a driver’s permit test, sorting through mail, understanding the school calendar and holidays, learning how to leave informational messages. The companion teaches the refugee family how to do these things for themselves. Refugee companions meet in client homes as often as needed (usually more in the beginning but less as time goes on and family is self-sufficient).
TRANSLATION/INTERPRETATION- If you are able to speak an additional language fluently, we may be able to utilize your ability in assisting with translating various documents or helping families with interpretation. Check with us to see what our current language needs are and how you may be able to help. This opportunity can be a one-time or ongoing commitment depending on the language and availability of the volunteer. It is preferable for an interpretation volunteer to be available during normal business hours. Translation tasks can be done at any time from the volunteer’s home.
OFFICE ASSISTANT- Our office operates 9-5 Monday-Friday and is very busy assisting clients with various needs. We always need help with clerical work or small projects during the workday. Please note that this opportunity is only available for our normal business hours. We can use a volunteer at any of our 4 offices: Arlington (Main Office), Route 1 (Alexandria), Falls Church, Chantilly, and Fredericksburg.
OTHER- If your interest is not represented here or you have a special project that you would like to suggest, feel free to speak to our staff about making it happen. In the past we have had volunteers teach computer classes, citizenship classes, lead workshops for tutors, teach art classes, and move furniture!
Interested in Volunteering?
Anyone wishing to volunteer or simply learn more about volunteering must attend one of our New Volunteer Orientations held twice a month at our office on 80 North Glebe Road (directions are below):
Directions to our office: From Route 50 going west (towards Northern VA) get off on Glebe Rd., turn RIGHT at the light (If you are coming from the west and taking Route 50 EAST, you'd make a left at the light when you exit onto Glebe and then follow the directions from there) and immediately get into the LEFT lane (you'll see a McDonald's and Kentucky Fried Chicken on your left) and turn LEFT at the first street, Cathedral Lane. Make a RIGHT into the parking lot (you'll see the Cathedral of St. Thomas More on the left hand side of the parking lot). Our office is located in the small building with the blue roof adjacent to the KFC on the right hand side towards the end of the parking lot. Our address is: 80 North Glebe and we're on the lower level.
By Metro: The nearest metro stop is Ballston on the Orange line. When you come off the metro you can walk down Fairfax Drive towards Glebe Rd. (You will see the Ballston mall on your left side.) When you reach Glebe Rd. Follow it south (towards the left). You will pass Harris Teeter and keep walking until you pass a large office building on your right (200 N. Glebe). Ours is the small white building next to KFC. We are located on the lower level. You can also take various buses from the Ballston stop that will drop you near our office. They are: 10B, 23A, and 23C.
Check our Upcoming Events for the latest dates. For more information, email: l.pachon@ arlingtonrefugeeservices.com
ENGLISH TUTOR/YOUTH MENTOR- Similar to the English Tutor for Adults but works with children and teens to increase English ability and help with other homework/school needs. Also can serve as a mentor to help youth experience events and opportunities in the local community. Assistance can also include helping a college-bound youth with applications, etc. *This position requires a background check. Tutor/Mentor meets in client’s home 1-3 times a week depending on the schedule of the client and volunteer.
SPECIAL EVENTS- Periodically CCDA-MRS will have larger events requiring assistance with planning and implementation. These events only require a short-term commitment. Some events are monthly while others occur annually. Check with the volunteer contact to see what is coming up soon! Special events usually take place either at one of our offices or a predetermined location in the community.
DONATION SORTING- Periodically we have a need to organize our donations and closets. If you are only available to help every now and then, this might be the position for you! You can also get a group together for a morning/afternoon of sorting and organizing. We also welcome individuals who would like to help us by washing and folding donations as well. Sometimes there is opportunity to assist in setting up a new home for incoming refugees.
PLEASE NOTE:
Migration and Refugee Services is now operated by the Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Arlington.