All volunteers are required to attend a 1 hour orientation session. In Dallas, orientations are held the second Wednesday of every month at 6:00 pm and the second Saturday of every month at 10:30 am. All orientations are held at the IRC in Dallas office. For those who are interested in the mentor program, there is an additional 1 hour of training immediately following the orientation. In Dallas, please RSVP for the orientation to VolunteerDallas@Rescue.org. To learn about volunteer orientation in Abilene, please email VolunteerAbilene@Rescue.org
American Friend Program
Volunteers who serve as American Friends or family mentors to recently arrived refugees meet weekly with a refugee family at the refugee’s home and assist the refugee in becoming familiar with their new community (public transportation, grocery stores, library); managing household affairs (budgeting, teaching minor house-hold repairs); and helping refugees practice English. Requires 1 hour orientation and additional 1 hour mentor training. Volunteers must be at least 18 years-old or older.
Minimum Commitment: 2 hours per week for 6 months
Hours: Flexible
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
Administrative Assistant volunteer assist at the front desk by greeting clients, answering phones, assisting with general office tasks such as data entry and filing, and sorting donations.
Minimum Commitment: 1-2 shifts per week for 3 months
Hours: 8:30 am – 12 pm and/or 12 pm - 4:30 pm Monday through Friday
CASE MANAGEMENT/EMPLOYMENT ASSISTANT
Case Management/Employment volunteers work closely with refugees and staff to provide services that aid in developing self-sufficiency. Activities can include helping refugees apply for public benefits, setting up apartments for new arrivals, picking up refugees from the airport, job development and helping them fill out job applications. Training is provided.
Minimum Commitment: 1 – 2 shifts a week for 3 months
Hours: Flexible, 8:30 am – 4:30 pm Monday through Friday
ESL
ESL volunteers help prepare refugees for employment by teaching and/or practicing English conversation skills. This program focuses on basic English grammar and vocabulary related to life skills, job search and job application procedures. Training is provided.
Minimum Commitment: 1 class a week for 3 months
Hours: 8:30 am – 9:30 am and/or 9:30 am – 10:30 am Tuesdays and Thursdays
INTERPRETER
Interpreter volunteers enable communication between the IRC staff and refugee clients who do not speak English by providing interpretation and translation services. Training provided.
Minimum Commitment: On call at least one day per week
Hours: Flexible, 8:30 am – 4:30 pm Monday through Friday
DEVELOPMENT
Development volunteers assist the development staff in planning and coordinating fundraising events; soliciting donated services and products; and outreach efforts. This volunteer can also be responsible for generating three to five stories each month to go into the IRC in Dallas’ newsletter. Development volunteers work in conjunction with the development staff to determine the subjects for the newsletter.
Minimum Commitment: 3 months
Hours: Flexible, as needed for events
