Volunteer

Childcare Team

Access to childcare gives refugee parents the ability to attend our English classes, driving courses, and other resources that can dramatically change their pathways for success here in America! Our childcare support team looks after young children in a child-centered classroom on site while these classes take place. We hope you’ll join us!

Buddy Groups

 Buddy Groups are comprised of 4-6 community members who can commit to coming alongside newly arrived refugees for one year, providing tangible and practical assistance with adjusting to life in Mid-Missouri. Buddy Groups would not provide financial assistance, but would help with navigating housing & employment solutions, social benefits forms & programs, school registration, transportation, language skills, how to shop for household necessities, financial understanding, etc. This role is highly relational and requires a high level of shared commitment from the group, particularly in the first 1-6 months. This opportunity is excellent for groups of people that have a wide window of availability throughout the week, are willing to learn and advocate, and are excited about making a lasting impact in the refugee community! We would be glad to accept pre-existing groups who want to serve together, or individuals who are willing to be paired with other community members to form a Buddy Group.

City Boutique & Donation Sorting

City Boutique allows us to sell any excess donations we receive, and all proceeds from go directly into Refugee Care and Programs! We always need volunteers to help sort donations, run the register, restock and tag new items, etc. Fill out our application or contact us to let us know when you are available! We’ll accept any/all help, and you’ll receive all necessary training your first time with us.

English Buddy Program

The English Buddy program is a way to gain a deep and long-term relationship with a refugee and make a big difference in their experience here in Columbia.  Local citizens are partnered with refugees to provide them with friendship, guidance, and language acquisition mentorship. The partnership focuses on whatever the refugee needs: Helping them gain confidence navigating Columbia and its rich resources, language practice, and citizenship studies are among the most common things English Buddies help with. Buddies are usually paired by gender and meet in their refugee friends’ homes or in public spaces once a week for up to two hours. The program coordinator personally visits each family to ensure that it is a safe and suitable environment for learning. Volunteers are expected to be curious and observant in noticing the needs of their buddy, and creative and proactive in helping to address these needs. Our program coordinator is an experienced English Buddy himself, and is available for additional support or training. Additional resources are available, and all English Buddy volunteers join together in a community where we share ideas and experiences.

Transportation Team

We’re looking for individuals to provide regularly scheduled as well as short-notice transportation for refugees! This could mean van rides to/from English classes at our building, or to/from social services offices or the DMV. We have two City of Refuge vans available for regularly scheduled transportation, but  also appreciate anyone willing to use their personal vehicles if necessary for one-off needs.

Driving Instructor

Transportation access can be one of the most influential pieces in the gap between surviving and thriving for refugees in Mid-Missouri. We are looking for volunteers to walk refugee students through a driving education course, which includes online training, driving simulation experiences, and on the road practice. Volunteers would be properly trained for instructing on-site and would not be required to use their personal vehicle for on the road practice.

Homework Helpers

The Homework Helpers program provides K-8th grade students with academic help in a fun, positive environment. Tutors assist students with homework and building critical English and social skills. Students come from a wide variety of ages, cultural backgrounds, and skill levels. You may be assisting with anything from learning the English alphabet to high school-level algebra! This program has two options:

Youth Impact Group

The Youth Impact Group program provides 9-12th grade students with academic help and community building in a fun, positive environment. Tutors assist students with homework and building critical English and social skills. Students come from a wide variety of ages, cultural backgrounds, and skill levels. You may be assisting with anything from expanding English vocabulary to high school-level algebra!

Front Desk Greeter

As refugees enter our front door, we rely on friendly faces to greet our friends and connect them with staff or resources. Our front desk volunteer will assist with many things, including helping refugees “shop” in our wardrobe and Basic Needs Closet.

Artisan Studio

Our Artisan Studio space brings refugees together to learn new crafts, develop skills, and connect with one another! We’re looking for volunteers to join us in empowering participants by assisting with classes and helping to keep the Studio welcoming!

Artisan Workshop: Do you have a skill set that you want to share with our refugee women- something like candle making, soap-making, cookie decorating, crafting, etc.? We’d love to have you join our crafting team to share your skills!

Sewing Class Assistant: We’re looking for volunteers with some sewing machine experience to assist refugee women with Sewing Classes on Friday mornings. Your presence will allow us to keep our machines in good working order so that more women can use them each week.

Operations Volunteer

Help with anything from donation drop-offs, building maintenance, IT,  business partnerships, events, or any other partially skilled labor! We are always looking for more handy folks that can help us grow and take care of our resources well!