Get Involved: February 2024
By Sophia Donis
Opportunities for folks to pitch in and get involved have continued to pop up all across the state! Local resettlement agencies, service providers, and other partners in our resettlement network are sharing ways people can volunteer, donate, or even work in this realm to support more newcomers finding their way to the region.
Check out the opportunities below, and please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions!
St. Louis
Donate
The International Institute has an urgent need for cold weather items:
Furnishings: New space heaters, twin size blankets and comforters, pillows, cookware sets, stock pots, and electric tea kettles
Outdoor clothing: winter coats, heavy socks, shoes, and boots
You can also donate $50 grocery gift cards (Aldi and Schnucks), $50 Visa gift cards, and Tao Fund donations
Wish lists and additional information can be found here
Volunteer
The International Institute has a wide range of volunteer opportunities like grocery shopping for new arrivals and participating in mock interviews to prepare clients for job interviews.
IISTL Market/Bazaar: Help out with the Bazaar by checking in clients, restocking food, helping clients shop, and assisting with clean up. The next bazaar is February 23.
Black History Month Movie Night Volunteer: You can volunteer to assist IISTL during their Black History Month by working concessions or greeting attendees at the door. Feb. 29, 5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.
Mock interviews: Assist clients as they navigate US interview norms; no experience needed. Friday mornings, Feb. 16, March 1, March 15, March 29, April 12, April 26, 9:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
Grocery shopping: Shop for food staple items and stock client homes before they arrive. Additional dates are posted once IISTL is alerted of new arrivals. Feb. 21, Feb. 23, Feb. 27. Feb. 28, March 6
Youth mentoring: Through this program, mentors can support the successful integration of a refugee by helping him/her to meet his/her educational, vocational, and social goals through an ongoing, one-to-one relationship. You can further build this valuable relationship by participating in organized mentor/mentee events! (Scroll to the middle of the page linked above)
After School Program: Volunteers through this program at IISTL will help students with school assignments and/or other subjects, such as English and Math, in person AND/OR online via Microsoft Teams and Zoom. Volunteers may also lead students in recreational activities!
Events
For anyone interested in sponsorship, there are multiple upcoming Welcome Corps information sessions!
Wednesday, February 21 from 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. at the African Diaspora Council (1425 Ferguson Ave) (Information Session)
Wednesday, February 28 at 12:00 p.m. & 6:00 p.m. at the International Institute (Application session)
Wednesday, March 13 at 12:00 p.m. & 6:00 p.m. at the International Institute (Information Session)
International Institute’s Community Bazaar: Join the Institute every two weeks for food from refugee owned businesses and live music. This is a great way to build connections with the community and support a local business! Friday, February 23 from 12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Job openings
IISTL has several job openings for part-time and full-time positions. Learn more and apply today!
Immigrant Service Providers Network (ISPN) is seeking a highly motivated and organized self-starter to join their community as an administrative intern for Spring 2024.
Kansas City
Donate
Della Lamb needs household items to help set up homes for newcomers:
Smaller household items like plates, cleaning supplies, pots and pans, and electric kettles can be donated directly on Wednesdays from 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Email help@dellalamb.org for large furniture donations
KC for Refugees has urgent needs for their Welcome Closet including household items, hygiene kits, and cleaning kits:
Urgent need: size 4 diapers, twin bed sheets, large pots and pans, pillows, and dish sets. All items should be new or gently used.
Items can be dropped off at the Welcome Closet on Thursdays from 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. or by appointment
Jewish Vocational Service needs clothing and household items to support new arrivals:
Winter clothing, coats, household items (dishes, utensils, and cleaning supplies), furniture (sofas, dining room tables and chairs, end tables).
Clothing and household items can be dropped off on weekdays from 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Request furniture pick up services here.
If you’re interested in hosting a collection drive with your colleagues, friends or family, email volunteer@jvskc.org
Volunteer
Della Lamb recently launched a volunteer platform where individuals can easily sign up for various service opportunities. From preparing a home for new arrivals to assisting with transportation, there are plenty of ways to get involved!
JVS has one-time and long-term opportunities for anyone looking to get involved. Some popular options include home setup for new arrivals, and clothing closet/warehouse organization. You can apply to be a volunteer here.
JVS and Della Lamb each have Youth Mentoring programs, as well, where you can volunteer to mentor refugee youth ages 15-24. Reach out to them at either of the following emails to learn more: help@dellalamb.org or info@jvskc.org.
Events
The International Relations Council is hosting their annual WorldQuest event! Each year teams of eight representing Kansas City businesses, universities, non-profit organizations, community groups, and more put their global knowledge to the test for the chance to win prizes. Trivia categories include global affairs, geography, world languages, cultures, and history. Wednesday, May 1 at 6:00 p.m.
Mark your calendars for Jewish Vocational Service's 75th Anniversary Global Table! Join JVS as they celebrate their rich history, and the gifts refugees and immigrants bring to Kansas City. Thursday, May 2 from 5:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Job openings
JVS is hiring a Resettlement Case Manager, Adult and Families Social Worker, HS/PRS Case Manager, Swahili Interpreter, and an Adult ELL Coordinator! Apply today!
Della Lamb is hiring a Development Director, Early Education Director, Case Workers, Case Managers and additional members for their Early Childhood Education team. Applications and interest forms can be found here.
Southwest Missouri
Donate
RAISE is looking for household items and hygiene products:
Household items: Twin bedding, alarm clocks, all-purpose cleaner, bath towels, new pillows, trash cans, trash bags, toilet paper, paper towels, tables, chairs, sofas, and dressers.
Hygiene products: hand soap, dish soap, and deodorant.
Email amanda@raisecommunity.org to arrange donation drop off.
Job openings
RAISE is hiring an Employment Administrative Assistant! All open applications can be found on Indeed!
The International Institute Southwest Missouri is hiring an Employment Caseworker, Immigration Coordinator, and Microenterprise Program Developer.
Volunteer
RAISE and IISMO each have Youth Mentoring programs, as well, where you can volunteer to mentor refugee youth ages 15-24. Reach out to them at either of the following emails to learn more: info@iismo.org or volunteer@raisecommunity.org.
Central Missouri
Donate
City of Refuge is always looking for new or gently used household goods and furniture. Donated items are given to refugee families and anything that is not utilized is sold in their City Boutique to raise funds for programs and services.
Items can be dropped off from 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Monday-Thursday.
To arrange donations of large items, fill out this form.
Catholic Charities of Central and Northern Missouri is looking for a variety of Welcome Kits for new arrivals like bathroom kits to provide towels, toilet paper, a first aid kit and more.
You can find a list of the different Welcome Kits on their website.
For all donations, email housing-donations@cccnmo.org or call 573-635-7719.
Volunteer
City of Refuge has tons of individual and group opportunities like Preschool Classroom Support, Driving Instructor, City Boutique & Donation Sorting, and more! Check out their volunteer application and list of opportunities!
CCCNMO has a Youth Mentoring program, as well, where you can volunteer to mentor refugee youth ages 15-24. Reach out to them to learn more: info@cccnmo.org.
Job openings
CCCNMO is hiring an Immigration Legal Assistant, Volunteer Coordinator, and a Director of Health and Nutrition Services among other positions. Apply today!
Statewide
Welcome.US Live Information Session: Join the next Information Session on the Welcome Corps hosted by Welcome.US. Marking two years since Russia invaded Ukraine, tune in to learn more about how you can become a sponsor and welcome a family seeking safety into your community. Hear from Abby and her husband Ben who offered to sponsor the Yeremenkos who then arrived in Kansas City a few months later. They will walk you through what to expect as a sponsor, and Abby and Welcome.US staff will answer your questions. February 20 at 4:30 p.m.
Lunch and Learn: From Sponsors to Advocates: Widening the Welcome: Hear about the personal experiences of a sponsor group in the Midwest that has welcomed numerous newcomer families. Situated some distance from the nearest resettlement office, this group has made connections in the community to help facilitate the families’ initial reception and longer-term integration. February 26 at 11:00 a.m.