Volunteer Opportunities

As a Refugee Support Volunteer you will be paired with an IRC Caseworker to help provide support to newly arrived refugee families. Volunteers will be assigned to one of the following specific roles: Transportation Ambassador, Grocery Shopping Assistant, Laundry Access Assistant, Child Watch Assistant, or Activities and Integration Assistant. As such, you will be expected to learn about the IRC (history, scope of work, values, etc.), our clients, and core services. All activities will be done in coordination with office staff and under the supervision of the Casework team.

Volunteers work with Immigration Program Caseworkers to directly assist clients with the processing and filing of applications for citizenship, lawful permanent residence, family reunification, and other immigration petitions necessary to receive legal residency in the United States and reunite family members. This position reports to the Immigration Coordinator and requires a minimum 8 hr/week commitment. Preference will be given to those who can commit a minimum of 15 hrs/week or more.

Under the supervision and direction of the Immigration Caseworker, the Immigration Support Intern will help immigrants attain residency and citizenship in the United States and promote civics outreach activities throughout the San Joaquin Valley.

Under the supervision of the Resettlement Manager, casework support interns provide services and guidance for newly arrived refugees and assist with locating housing for them.

Under the supervision and direction of the Employment Supervisor, the Economic Empowerment Intern will help with a range of activities to help prepare refugees and other survivors of conflict for their first jobs in the United States.

Health Outreach Interns support a grant-funded program to provide refugees and other survivors of conflict and persecution with COVID-19 safety information, testing, vaccine information and assistance with cultural sensitivity and in-language support.

Under the supervision of the Vocational English as a Second Language instructor, classroom aides will assist with individual instruction in English classes to newly arrived refugees.

Under the supervision and direction of the Employment Supervisor, volunteers help with a range of activities to help prepare refugee clients for their first jobs in the United States.