Connecting People to People

Being a volunteer coordinator is equal parts people management, strategic planning, and heart. It’s a role that blends logistics with empathy, and no two days look exactly alike. Still, there’s a rhythm and a dance between supporting volunteers and organizing efforts while making sure the mission stays front and center. 

Every day involves checking emails, responding to volunteers with scheduling questions, confirming attendance, reviewing background checks, organizing materials for upcoming events and fine-tuning the onboarding process to make it more welcoming. I also get the privilege of meeting with our staff to keep a pulse on the volunteer needs of each program and any changes we can make to improve the flow and function of the organization. 

I like organizing schedules and thinking through logistics, but my favorite thing to do is having the opportunity to read our new volunteer applications. Each application provides the opportunity to learn about a new willing volunteer! I get to read about their passions and heart of why they want to help at City of Refuge. From things like “I want to make sure refugee communities feel welcome” or “I want to be more involved in my community.” Connecting the people of mid-Missouri to our Program Directors and refugee neighbors. Connecting people to people- the part of the job I love the most! 

It’s encouraging to see how these connections are meeting real needs, too! Before the summer sessions started, I met with our program director for English Class. Based on the growing size of our English program it was clear we needed more hands on deck to help assist in the class. I returned to my desk and less than an hour later there was a new volunteer application for someone who had experience teaching English as a second language and was willing to volunteer. Some may call this coincidence, but I see it as God at work here at City of Refuge!

Needs like this are being met every day through the help of our 300+ weekly volunteers. City of Refuge is what it is today because of the hundreds of community members who give their time and talents. Each day when I head home, I’m excited to think about the ways people are helping people! Volunteer coordination is more than just scheduling people. It’s about building relationships, connecting skills to needs, and creating a culture where everyone feels they matter. If you are a current volunteer reading this….THANK YOU!! What you are doing each week here is an invaluable part of our mission!

How can you get involved in giving of your time or resources to help serve and empower our refugee neighbors? 

Give of your Time: Volunteer to help at our Back to School Bash on August 11th. Click the link for details!

Give Monetarily: Donate Monthly! We are looking for 1,000 people to donate $50 monthly to continue serving and empowering our refugee neighbors. Will you consider becoming part of our giving community and invite others to do the same?

Give a Physical Donation: Host a Basic Needs Drive! Find some friends and help fill our Basic Needs Closet. We are always looking for items that support our refugee friends with basic hygiene needs.

Lauren Walter
Volunteer Coordinator & Administrative Assistant

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