Mentor
Support one-on-one as a mentor and help ease a refugee family or individual’s transition into their new community. Mentors will focus on a refugee’s English acquisition, socialization of American culture, and integration into the local community. Based on each client’s needs and relationship, mentors and mentees can cook together, schedule follow-up medical appointments, visit local attractions, parks, farmer’s markets, the library and museums. Mentors may also support in opening bank accounts, learning where to pay bills, navigating transportation, and more. Mentors and mentees will establish boundaries and expectations in an initial meeting with an IRC staff member and interpreter in order to better understand needs.
Location: Off-site in the Denver Metro, Aurora, or Northglenn area (exact location disclosed to volunteer).
Time Commitment: This position connects you to one family or individual client for six-months. We request 2-4 hours per week, depending on client’s needs.
Skills & Qualifications:
The Mentor must have a strong desire to work with diverse populations and demonstrate patience with English language learners. They may need access to a vehicle. Mentors should be willing to help teach clients to utilize public transportation, access different community resources and facilitate other activities geared towards achieving self-sufficiency. If you have a language skill and/or community connection of a different client population, please reach out. We encourage those who speak Dari, Farsi, or Pashto or come from the Afghan community to support at this time.
Please note that volunteers must undergo a background check for which we ask a donation of $49. All staff and volunteers at the IRC must be vaccinated against the COVID 19 virus and agree to wear a mask when interacting with clients.
The first step to become an IRC Volunteer is to attend a Virtual Information Presentation. Sign up here to attend one of our sessions: https://signup.com/go/abGtOjx
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