PRSG coordinates with the major resettlement agencies. Most agencies only receive funding to support the refugees for 6 months with limited services. And if a member of the refugee family finds employment before the 6 month period, the resettlement agency will close their file and discontinue services. This 6 month period, or less, usually isn’t enough for most refugees to gain the skills they need to succeed, leaving them to fend for themselves and their families, often with limited to no English skills, limited income, and a limited understanding of the culture. PRSG picks up where those agencies leave off. PRSG works with the families on any services they could possibly need such as housing, employment, education, benefits, legal, social, medical, financial, transportation, etc.
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You can choose one or more of our volunteer positions
Core Volunteer You will be assigned to a refugee family. You will visit or contact the family once a week and help them meet their varying needs. There are tasks that every family will need help with, especially at the beginning of their transition; these include, but are not limited to: making appointments, arranging for interpreters and transportation, teaching families how to use the buses and trains, and showing them where to purchase cost effective food and clothing. At PSRG we offer a customized approach for each family, so while your tasks may vary, your impact never will. |
Volunteer Tutor You would be tutoring both families or individuals, adults or children, once per week, in-person or virtually. Most of your time will likely be focused on tutoring English to our client families, but there are also times where you may be helping the children with their school work. You may be working with the families in their homes, in a public place, or in a group setting. It's your choice. The goal is to help families improve and feel confident in their use of the English language to help them integrate into American society with greater success. |
Other volunteering opportunities
You can also volunteer in other capacities, such as helping out at our events, taking photographs or making videos, interpreting for refugees, translating documents, assembling and distributing in-kind donation boxes, helping write our monthly newsletter and other articles, etc. We also provide volunteer training. |
Now is the time
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Do you have questions you'd like answers to before filling out the application form?
Click below!
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Our Mission and How You Can Get Involved
Let's get active!
Volunteering with Portland Refugee Support Group is a way for people to invest their time and talents for a higher purpose – serving others in their local communities.
Volunteers gain a sense of satisfaction in knowing they are touching the lives of their new neighbors. Every task, no matter how small, adds to PRSG’s mission.
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