Befriender
When refugees arrive in the Twin Cities they face many challenges, including navigating our transportation system, adjusting to new customs, and often learning a new language. Having a friend can make all the difference in bolstering their courage to try new things! Volunteer Befrienders provide the social support that greatly increases a refugee’s ability to transition to self-sufficiency. In the process, Befrienders will learn about their refugee friend’s culture and experience our community through the lens of their refugee friend.
Volunteer Activities:
- Meet with your refugee friend 2-4 hours every week or every other week
- Help your friend achieve a set of predetermined goals that they wish to accomplish, for example, learning to understand bills, acquiring a library card, or becoming confident taking public transportation.
- Check in with the Volunteer Coordinator following your meeting with your refugee friend with a brief description of what you did, how it went, and how long you met so that MCC staff can help facilitate ongoing needs.
Volunteer Profile:
- Cultural sensitivity
- Ability to respond to refugee’s needs in a realistic, non-judgmental way
- Willingness to engage in respectful communication with people who may have limited English language ability
- Flexibility, promptness, and dependability
- Reliable transportation to get to and from volunteer activities
- Consistent communication with Volunteer and Outreach Specialist
Commitment:
- Six months
- 2–4 hour shifts every week or every other week
- Weekdays or weekends
Location:
Twin Cities
To Apply:
Pleasecomplete our volunteer application.
Questions? Contact the Volunteer Coordinator at 612-230-3291 or rsvolunteers@mnchurches.org.