Examples of Assignments

What is it like to volunteer for World Relief? Basically, it's a lot of fun and a lot of hard work - and most importantly, it's a chance to minister to a variety of unique people whose needs are great but who appreciate a helping hand.

Here are two examples of the kinds of volunteer experiences that World Relief offers. However, actual volunteer opportunities vary by office, so please contact us for specific details.

EXAMPLE 1 : WANTED : Strong Backs, Big Hearts
(Furniture Movers)

Refugees who arrive in the United States usually come with the clothes on their back and possibly one small bag. They need a bed to sleep on, dishes to eat with, as well as a table and chairs to eat a meal - and generous local churches are typically ready to donate these items.

World Relief needs strong individuals to pick-up donated furniture and deliver the heavy items to the homes of newly arrived refugees. You will enjoy meeting these hospitable people in their new homes, many who have fled war or persecution in their homelands. Your efforts make an immediate difference to them, and you'll receive their gratitude as well.

All you need is:

• a valid driver's license
• 1 or 2 days per week or month
• a heart of compassion
• a strong back!

We'll provide:

• truck for deliveries (or use your own!)
• pick-up/delivery information and directions
• an opportunity for you to serve cross-culturally, right in your hometown!

You can make a world of difference to refugees!

EXAMPLE 2 : ROAD RUNNERS
(transportation assistance)

You can act as a guide for refugees who must navigate a complicated world of forms, applications and other confusing new duties.

Volunteer ministry description: You will work with a group of 6-8 refugees that have limited English and are new to America. Your main duty will be to help them apply for such services as social security and public aid. Having a friendly face that knows the system makes a big difference to a refugee in need!

Qualifications:

• Enjoys meeting new people.
• Sensitivity to people of other cultures and a willingness to try to communicate with limited English speakers.
• Patience and flexibility.
  Basic understanding of the public transportation system (or a willingness to learn about it!)

As a ROAD RUNNER you will:

• Lead a group of 6-8 refugees from World Relief to social security and/or public aid offices and back to World Relief one or two mornings a week for 2-4 weeks. (We can work with schedules).
• Teach your group how to use the transit card/token vending machine.
• Teach your group a little bit about public transportation and some basic vocabulary words.
• Direct your group through lines at the agency and assist them (if necessary) with speaking with clerks.
• Trouble shoot if any challenges arise (i.e. translation issues or paper work).
• Ensure that each client receives receipts and necessary paperwork following their appointments.
• Have fun getting to know someone of a different culture and coming up with creative ways to communicate with them!
• Take your group back to World Relief and turn in transit cards/tokens to the receptionist.

World Relief will provide:

• Training by a knowledgeable caseworker on what to expect at social security and public aid.
• Directions on how to get where you are going and a list of the people in your group.
  Transit fares both ways.
• Ensure each client in your group has their caseworker's business card if translation is needed.

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