Community Engagement
What You Can Do
Refugee families come to the United States seeking a safe haven from violence and persecution in their home countries. They leave behind family and friends, as well as virtually everything they own. Many Americans, seeing these families in their communities, wonder: What can I do to help? Neighbors for Refugees provides a mechanism for people to directly help new arrival refugee families with the things that they need to get started in their new lives – from diapers to beds to cleaning supplies and toiletries.
There are numerous ways to help during the year, here’s what you can do:
Donate
Purchasing or donating items such as furniture, computers, household items, food, and clothing for both newly resettled families and refugees who have been living in the U.S. for over a year.
Fulfilling the needs identified in “Giving Trees,” which we frequently include in our events and fundraisers.
Of course, we welcome cash donations. Your contribution helps us support a new family as well as families who have been here for a while, but who are still struggling or who have an unexpected financial emergency.
For more information: Send us an email at info@neighborsforrefugees.com
Volunteer
Neighbors provides a range of volunteer opportunities to accommodate your interests, skills and schedule.
Here is a sampling of ways in which you can become involved:
Family teams consist of 3-4 members and work directly with a new family to coordinate their
resettlement:
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Assess needs of family (e.g. English proficiency, medical, benefits, school enrollment, employability); communicate these needs to Resource team members and help coordinate their efforts; orient family and monitor their adjustment to new community.
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Time commitment approximately 6-9 months for 3-10 hours per week depending on the
needs and size of the family. -
Training provided.
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Resource teams work with others to support the Family teams:
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Locate apartments, assist in employment search; tutor (including ESL) and other assistance that the Family team may request.
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Team nature allows flexibility if your schedule changes.
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Time commitment varies, but typically lasts for shorter periods of time.
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Training provided if appropriate.
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Occasional teams
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For volunteers who wish to help but whose availability or flexibility may be limited. Roles include driving family members to appointments, joining others to move a family into a new apartment, setting up the apartment (furniture provided).
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Time commitment is usually a few hours on a periodic basis and subject to your
availability.
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Special events for those whose time or availability is more limited:
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Organize special events for family members such as social outings; or sponsor collections of food, clothing, school supplies etc.
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Help with special events that increase Neighbors’ profile or raise funds.
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Time commitment variable, lead time can be long.
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Neighbors is happy to discuss ideas!
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Administrative teams
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Assist Neighbors with social media; grant-writing and fund-raising; manage our database; manage website; coordinate internet and utility contracts; communications.
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Flexible time commitment
Many of our needs are activated once we receive notice that a family has been approved for resettlement, which occurs throughout the year but often with short notice. Please be assured that each and every volunteer opportunity, whether ongoing or one-time, helps Neighbors fulfill its mission to welcome refugees to their new community.
Please click on the link below to fill out and submit your Volunteer Form. You can check as many activities as interest you. This form does not represent a formal commitment and we understand that your circumstances may change. Someone from Neighbors will be in touch shortly after you submit the form to answer any questions you may have and to gain a better idea of your interests.
Advocate
Given the current political climate, we need to advocate for refugees’ rights and let our representatives (local, state and federal) hear from us about pending legislation. For example:
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We can help you set up postcard writing events or possibly meet and visit your representatives in person.
Host community dinners to educate others in Larchmont and Mamaroneck about the plight of refugees.