Work One-on-One with a Refugee: Mentor, Tutor and Guide as They Acclimate to Life in The U.S.

Individuals interested in working one-on-one with a refugee or refugee family can be paired as a cultural mentor, community guide, or home ESL tutor. Pairings are carefully made based on the specific needs of the client and the strengths and interests of the volunteer.

LSS provides volunteer introduction, goal setting, and ongoing support throughout the commitment period. Volunteers collaborate with LSS staff to develop a plan for scheduled meetings with the case. Pairings satisfy one or more of the focus areas listed below.

• Cultural Mentor: Mentors are paired with refugee clients in order to support specific resettlement goals such as navigating medial appointments or connecting parents with their children’s school.
• Home ESL tutor: Volunteers assist with home ESL lessons and English conversation. This is an especially helpful resource for cases with small children or other needs that make it difficult to attend formal English classes outside of the home.
• Community Guide: A meaningful support for newly arrived refugees is guiding the family to discover resources close to their new home. This could include trips to the local library, discovery of parks and playgrounds close to their home, trips to museums, or other introductions to places and resources in their community.