Get Involved: June 2024
By Sophia Donis
Refugee resettlement agencies and immigrant service providers are welcoming record numbers of newcomers in communities across Missouri. As a state, we have already surpassed last year’s total number of refugee arrivals (1,563), and we still have five months left before the current fiscal year ends September 30.
The need for support has never been greater. In honor of World Refugee Day on June 20, we encourage everyone to come together to honor the journeys of every family and meaningfully support the organizations assisting newcomers.
World Refugee Day serves as a time for us to acknowledge the thousands of newcomers who are forced to flee their homes and rebuild their lives in unfamiliar environments.
We have compiled donation and volunteer opportunities at local resettlement agencies and immigrant service providers for you to support. Each organization has its own unique mission and programs, but all work towards the goal of creating a more welcoming community for all.
St. Louis
International Institute of St. Louis (IISTL)
As the largest resettlement agency in the state, IISTL offers a variety of services to assist refugees and immigrants.
Donate
Kitchen items: drinking glasses, mixing bowls, utensils, bakeware
Bathroom items: hygiene products, toilet paper, towels
Bedding items: pillows, comforters, sheet sets
Cleaning products: mops, cleaning cloths, all-purpose cleaner
Other household items: fans, light bulbs, trash cans, hangers
Diapers of any size
For IISTL’s entire list of donation needs, click here.
To coordinate donation drop-off and for additional questions, email donateitems@iistl.org
Volunteer
Set up and organize apartments for refugee families
Grocery shop for new arrivals
Help out with administrative tasks (Fridays from 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.)
Job interview practice (Fridays from 9:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.)
Register here to volunteer
ICNA Relief
The newest resettlement agency in Missouri with a core value of hunger prevention.
Donate
Furniture: sofas, dining room tables and chairs, and end tables
Household items: dishes, utensils, cleaning supplies
Volunteer
Help set up and organize homes for incoming refugee families
Assist with storage organization
Kindness Begins with Me
A local non-profit focused on connecting refugee families in the community and supporting refugee women.
Donate
3-5 car seats
Lamination machine and laminating sheets
Educational games, books, toys for children ages 1-10
Art supplies for children ages 4-18
Items can be dropped off at the Welcome Center (6740 Loughborough Ave., St. Louis, MO 63123) on Mondays from 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m., Tuesdays from 6:45 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. and Thursdays from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Volunteer
Women’s Education Social (Mondays from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.)
Driver's Education (Tuesdays from 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.)
English Classes (Thursdays from 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.)
Excursion Days (Summer Mondays from 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.)
Register here to volunteer
Migrant and Immigrant Community Action (MICA) Project
Established in 2011, the MICA Project provides low-cost legal and support services to immigrant communities.
Volunteer
Facilitate communication with clients as an interpreter or translator
Highest need is Spanish speaking volunteers
Help out with paperwork and other administrative tasks
Plan campaigns and communicate with donors
Pro Bono attorney opportunities
Register here to volunteer
Summer internships are available for legal, social work and bilingual practicum
Send resumes and cover letters to Maria Torres Wedding at mariatorres@mica-project.org
Welcome Neighbor STL
A local non-profit supporting newcomers with a “pay it forward” mentality.
Donate
Welcome Kits: choose a kit and purchase the specific items from the corresponding Amazon Wish List
To coordinate a fundraiser or donation drive, email Ann Wittman at ann@welcomeneighborstl.org
Volunteer
Help families transition by volunteering as a family partner
Assist with cooking classes
Tutor adults and students in English
Deliver food to homeless shelters
Register here to volunteer
Central Missouri
Catholic Charities of Central and Northern Missouri (CCCNMO)
A local resettlement agency with a mission of providing care and creating hope.
Donate
Welcome Kits: choose one of the themed kits and purchase the items from the list
Volunteer
Deliver food boxes to local senior citizens
Organize shelves and assist customers at the food pantry
Help maintain their Community Garden
Register here to volunteer
City of Refuge
Established in 2010, City of Refuge helps refugees integrate and thrive in their new communities.
Donate
Kitchen and bathroom items
Home decor
Seasonal shoes and clothing in good condition (newborn through adult sizes)
Electronics and toys
Sheet sets, comforters, blankets, rugs and towels
Any donations that don’t fit the needs of incoming families are sold in their City Boutique. All profits made from the boutique go directly to the refugee program.
Items can be dropped off at their office (10 N. Garth Ave., Columbia, MO 65203) from 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Monday-Thursday
Volunteer
Sort donations and restock items at the City Boutique
Support teachers and aids at the City Preschool
Assist refugees with transportation
Develop a relationship with a local refugee through the English Buddy program
Help refugees develop special skills as an artisan workshop teacher
Register here to volunteer
Kansas City
Della Lamb Community Services
As a local resettlement agency, Della Lamb supports newcomers and provides services to help inspire a kinder Kansas City.
Donate
Cleaning supplies, personal care items, household items, furniture, bedding and more!
Urgent need of strollers for expecting refugee mothers
For a list of specific donation needs, click here.
Donations can be dropped off at their office (500 Woodland Ave., Kansas City, MO 64106) from 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Monday-Friday
If you want to coordinate a large resource drive, contact Kelsey Runge via email at krunge@dellalamb.org
Volunteer
Register here to volunteer
Connect with their volunteer team via email at volunteer@dellalamb.org
Jewish Vocational Service (JVS)
As a local resettlement agency, JVS has a mission of healing the world by welcoming all refugees and immigrants to the community.
Donate
School supplies & backpacks
Clothing
Furniture: sofas, dining room tables, chairs and end tables
Household items: dishes, utensils, cleaning supplies, etc.
Urgent need of window air conditioners and push lawn mowers
Donations can be dropped off at JVS on weekdays from 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
If you’re interested in hosting a donation drive, email volunteer@jvskc.org
Volunteer
Tutor a refugee in English
Mentor a refugee youth
Assist the front desk and help with administrative tasks
Register here to volunteer
Asylum Clinic Kansas City
A local non-profit that provides free legal consultations and pro bono representation to newcomers.
Volunteer
Volunteer application form: Accompany asylum-seekers to court, provide transportation and support clients
Attorney volunteer form: Offer pro bono legal support to clients
Southwest Missouri
Refugee and Immigrant Services & Education (RAISE)
RAISE is a local resettlement agency with a goal of creating a thriving, integrated community.
Donate
Bedding: twin and queen sheet sets, blankets and fitted mattress protectors
Kitchen items: all-purpose cleaner, pots, pans, can openers, tea kettles, trash cans, trash bags
Hygiene products: deodorant, hand soap, shampoo and soap
Other household items: alarm clocks, brooms with dustpans and mops
For donation questions, email Amanda Hollen at amanda@raisecommunity.org
Volunteer
Build relationships with refugees to support their community connection
Assist refugees with transportation to appointments and classes
Help with simple office tasks
Build furniture and set up homes for incoming families
Register here to volunteer