Making An Impact Through Volunteering

Currently, with the crucial support of active volunteers, IRC Phoenix offers several ESL classes at various levels and times throughout the week. Reaching over 60 clients since its beginning, the once fledgling program took flight during the course of Sara Jensen's internship.

After 18 months of teaching English in South Korea, the ASU graduate began volunteering with the program. Jensen and fellow intern, Kathy Scott, worked to put in place a concrete structure for the ESL classes, instituting a system where clients are given pre and post assessment and taught from a nationally recognized curriculum. In addition to establishing the classes, Jensen trains and manages the numerous ESL instructors and one on one tutors whom work directly with clients.

Sara Jensen is a prime example of how much the professionalism, dedication and skills of many interns and volunteers contribute to the work of IRC Phoenix. Yet, Jensen is the first to note the rewards this internship has brought her, saying, "Interning with the IRC allowed me to gain firsthand experience of what working for a non-profit would be like, what my daily tasks would be, and if this is a career I want to make for myself." As she will intern with UNHCR in New York this winter, Jensen appreciates her experience gained at IRC and the people who helped along the way, "The IRC is made up of a great team of caring, passionate, and giving individuals."

If you are interested in volunteering or an internship, please contact our new Volunteer Outreach Coordinator Emily Taylor at 602.433.2440 x265 or Emily.Taylor@Rescue.org.