Volunteer to Help Refugees!

Join us and welcome refugees!

Volunteers are at the core of welcoming refugee families and helping them feel at home in Western Massachusetts. From mentoring newly arrived families, to running in-kind donation drives for a specific family due to arrive, to mentoring a young person, to teaching English and work skills in the classroom – volunteers make resettlement possible at every level. To individual refugees and refugee families, volunteers make a life-changing impact. Join us to welcome refugees to Western Massachusetts.

JFS is urgently recruiting for these volunteer roles:

  • Become a Language Coach! Individual language coaches are matched with one or more learners to meet virtually to go through online language classes, practice core skills, and learn digital literacy. Language Coaches can teach from anywhere, and form strong bonds with learners as they’re getting on their feet. With more refugees expected to arrive late in 2021 and 2022, JFS is actively searching for Coaches to join our team and impact adult learners as they transition to their new home, and transition to work. For more information, contact Syonara Tomoum, Adult & Youth Education Coordinator. Click here for our flyer!
  • Mentor a Refugee Youth! Mentors are matched with youth ages 15-24 to work on individualized goals the youth sets. Goals vary from getting a driver’s license, to applying to college, to practicing English, to playing sports, to gaining confidence during presentations. Mentors make a huge impact for a young person who is learning to find their way. Click here for more information.
  • Teach English, Digital Literacy Skills, or Cultural Orientation! JFS is proud to offer New American clients the chance to develop the skills needed to use a Chrombook as a pathway to education and employment opportunities. We are seeking volunteers to meet in person at our Springfield office with New American learners as they develop digital literacy. Teachers should be comfortable working or tutoring in small groups, with confidence in using Zoom, Google Documents and Mail, and a willingness to learn Burlington English. Lesson plans will be provided.
  • Intern with JFS! Looking to start a career in social services or international relations? Become an intern to get an inside look at this work, and learn how to succeed in the field.

For more information on volunteering with JFS, or if you are an organization looking to partner with JFS to provide ongoing volunteers or organize in-kind donation drives, contact Massara Almafrachi at m.almafrachi@jfswm.org

Your support helps welcome refugees and give them a strong start in their new lives.

    Volunteering at JFS has been an amazing experience. I am part of a great community and enjoy helping out in any way I can!
    Monich Long, longtime In-Kind Donations Assistance JFS Volunteer