VOLUNTEER
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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Current PRSG Refugees: 429
Current PRSG Volunteers: 83
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VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
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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 or in a group setting. 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.
Staff Volunteer
You can join at least one of our projects or programs, either by managing or assisting in a program / project, or by being involved in administrative work. You will have the opportunity to combine your own expertise with the needs of the program / project you join. For example, you could lead or assist in the following: Community Wellness Program (Mental Health), Tutoring Program, Bake Sales, In-Kind Donations, Community Outreach, Grant Writing, Benefits Advising, and more!
Plus, you can volunteer in other capacities, such as helping out at our events, or interpreting for refugees, etc.
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To all our amazing volunteers ... THANK YOU so much!
To all our refugee families ... we love you!
