Volunteer

Childcare Team

Our childcare support team looks after young children in a child-centered classroom on site. 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 The United States!

Advocate

Looking for a way to connect with and amplify our mission? Consider becoming a City of Refuge Advocate. An Advocate is a community connector who uses their voice to helps us grow our network of donors, visitors, and partners in Columbia, whether that’s a doctor at Mizzou, a local retiree, or a friend who would love to visit

We’ll give you insight into how our mission plays out in real time, and the ways that refugees make our community richer, so that you can be part of it and invite others to join you!

City Boutique & Donation Sorting

Volunteers help sort donations, run the register, restock and tag new items, etc. You’ll receive all necessary training your first time with us. City Boutique allows us to sell any excess donations we receive, and all proceeds from go directly into Refugee Care and Programs!

English Buddy

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 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 ideas and experiences are shared.

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 volunteers assist with many things, including connecting staff with guests and appointment arrivals, helping refugees “shop” in our Wardrobe and Basic Needs Closet, and taking phone messages on the main office line.

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.

Kids Community

This program provides Elementary School students an inviting and inclusive learning environment to interact with other students and build community. Volunteers build relationships with students and support them with social skills, English language practice, academic support including homework, and their overall wellbeing. Students come from a wide variety of ages, cultural backgrounds, and skill levels.

Youth Impact Group

The Youth Impact Group program provides Middle School and High School students an inviting and inclusive learning environment to interact with other students and build community. Volunteers build relationships with students and support them with social skills, English language practice, academic support including homework, post secondary plans, and their overall wellbeing. Students come from a wide variety of ages, cultural backgrounds, and skill levels.

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!