For Volunteers

A wide variety of opportunities are available for individuals and groups to get involved in our efforts to assist in a refugee’s transition to American life. Whether you’re interested in a one-time, short-term, or ongoing commitment, your help is needed in a variety of ways! The first step for volunteering is to attend an orientation.

Here are our upcoming New Volunteer Orientation Dates:

Monday, February 20, 2017 from 12-1pm

Thursday, March 2, 2017 from 6-7pm

Thursday, April 6, 2017 from 6-7pm

(All orientations are at our office, 3610 Dodge St., Ste. 100, Omaha, NE 68131)

Organizational Support Volunteer Opportunities

Office Assistant

Support REC staff with various projects around the office. Each week, we are in need of volunteers to cover reception, complete data entry, manage files, and complete other administrative duties. This volunteer opportunity must take place during normal business hours. Come in to help once, or set up a regular schedule with the Volunteer Coordinator.

Donation Support

Volunteers to support staff with donation collection, organization, and maintenance of donations. In-kind donations are essential to support the financial stability of REC clients. To best utilize these donations, they must be acquired, sorted, and organized efficiently. This volunteer opportunity is very flexible! Pick up donations on the weekend or coordinate with the Volunteer Coordinator to come in to the office occasionally or on a regular basis.

Life Skills-Based Volunteer Opportunities

First Friends

This mentorship opportunity is perfectly suited for groups who want become immersed in the journey of New American families toward self-sufficiency. As a First Friend you will provide companionship, pass on cultural insight, promote self-advocacy, and assess other needs. You will volunteer with your family 3-4 hours weekly for at least 4 months. You can meet with your family during the week, nights, or weekends.

English Language Tutor

Meet regularly with an individual or small group to enrich English language skills in-home or at a mutually convenient location. No English tutoring experience necessary. You will meet with your tutee for 1-2 hours per week for at least 3 months. You can meet with your tutee during the week, nights, or weekends—whatever works best with your schedule!

Transportation Tutor

Help New Americans navigate the Omaha public transportation system. First step is to teach individuals or families to get from their home to the Refugee Empowerment Center Office. This volunteer opportunity must take place during the week, as bus schedules change on the weekends. Once you’ve been trained, you can accept assignments as they make sense in your schedule.

Co-Sponsorship Volunteer Opportunities

Co-Sponsor

This volunteer opportunity is especially designed for large groups. Help furnish an arriving family’s new home, pick them up from the airport, and maybe even become their First Friend along the way. Look for more details regarding this opportunity in mid-2017.

For volunteer inquiries, please contact Sarah Simmons at [email protected]