Get Involved: November 2024
By Sophia Donis
FY 2024 was a record-breaking year for Missouri, with 3,273 refugees being welcomed across seven local resettlement agencies.
The steady flow of newcomers is not slowing down, as the Biden administration capped the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP) for FY 2025 at 125,000 arrivals. As we embark on a new fiscal year, local resettlement agencies and other immigrant service providers need your help to meaningfully welcome refugee families.
In the spirit of giving, we have compiled donation and volunteer opportunities across Missouri for you to support. Each organization has its own unique mission and programs, but all are working towards the goal of spreading joy and inclusion during the holiday season.
St. Louis
Immigrant Service Provider Network (ISPN)
ISPN increases collaboration by convening organizations and community members to educate and facilitate responsive collective impact in the St. Louis region.
Donate:
The Immigrant Service Professional Network Saint Louis (ISPN) advocates for immigrants and their families in the region. Donate here to support their work.
Event:
ISPN is hosting their annual conference on December 5 with the theme, “Using Your Voice and Protecting Your Soul.” This conference will provide continuing education credits for social workers and educators. You can learn more and purchase tickets here.
Volunteer:
ISPN invites service providers and community members from across the St. Louis region to join in collective impact advocacy on behalf of immigrants in the region. To learn more about becoming a member of ISPN go here.
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:
IISTL is seeking donations of household items, feminine hygiene products, toilet paper and more. You can purchase items and have them delivered using their Target wishlist and Walmart wishlist.
IISTL is anticipating an uptick in arrivals just in time for the winter months, so they’re having donation drives for winter clothing items, including coats, heavy socks, shoes and boots. Drives will be taking place at IISTL on Saturday, November 23 and Saturday, December 7 from 9:00 a.m. to noon.
Volunteer:
IISTL is seeking volunteers to shop for groceries for newly arriving families as well as help with job interview preparation and job fairs. More information about volunteering can be found here.
Events:
IISTL is hosting their annual Ubuntu Gala November 15.
Subscribe to their newsletter to stay tuned for events and volunteer updates!
Job openings: IISTL is hiring a Behavioral Health Case Manager, Assistant Housing Coordinator, and more.
Kindness Begins with Me
A local non-profit focused on connecting refugee families in the community and supporting refugee women.
Donate:
Kindness Begins with Me is looking for supplies for refugee children’s English classes and general operating supplies.
Volunteer:
Sign up to be a volunteer driver to assist refugees in getting to and from their programs.
You can also assist with English classes and various excursion days. Learn more here.
Events:
Kindness Begins with Me is hosting a Trivia Night November 16. Their inaugural trivia night invites you to participate in 8 rounds of trivia and games as well as raffles and a silent auction.
Migrant and Immigrant Community Action (MICA) Project
Established in 2011, the MICA Project provides low-cost legal and support services to immigrant communities.
Donate:
The MICA Project is trying to file dozens of applications as soon as possible, which means their clients have to come up with thousands of dollars of filing fees. A work permit application comes with a $520 filing fee and a $630 fee accompanies an application for Advance Parole. You can donate to support their efforts here.
Volunteer:
Assist the MICA Project with administrative and clerical work, interpretation and translation, legal assistance and more. Learn more and complete the volunteer application here.
They will also be having volunteer days on November 25 and December 18 to assist with administrative work to help them process the applications by mid-January and prepare their clients. You can sign up here.
Welcome Neighbor STL
A local non-profit supporting newcomers with a “pay it forward” mentality.
Donate:
Help build Welcome Kits for new arrivals. Choose a kit, purchase items from the corresponding Amazon Wishlist, and the items will be sent directly to Welcome Neighbor.
Volunteer:
Drive refugee moms and their kids to their Mother's Support Group on Fridays from 10:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. You can stay and help with childcare or just return for pick-up.
You can also become a Family Partner and get paired with a refugee family.
Events:
Welcome Neighbor STL is hosting their annual Winter Party on December 8 with refreshments, games, crafts and entertainment.
You can also sign up to volunteer here.
Central Missouri
Catholic Charities of Central and Northern Missouri (CCCNMO)
A local resettlement agency with a mission of providing care and creating hope.
Job openings:
CCCNMO is seeking a Community Outreach Coordinator, Health and Nutrition Programs Associate, and more.
City of Refuge
Established in 2010, City of Refuge helps refugees integrate and thrive in their new communities.
Donate:
Their Basic Needs Closet is running low on supplies that help meet the immediate needs of newcomers. Items can be purchased from their Amazon wishlist.
Events:
City of Refuge is partnering with Ragtag Cinema to host a screening of One Life on November 14 at 7:00 p.m.
They are also hosting their second Holiday Market on December 7, featuring local and refugee artisan work, delicious food, hot beverages, entertainment, and even a visit from Santa. You can also sponsor the event or volunteer.
Kansas City
Asylum Clinic Kansas City
A local non-profit that provides free legal consultations and pro bono representation to newcomers.
Volunteer:
There are non-attorney volunteer opportunities as well as opportunities for attorneys to get involved with the work of Asylum Clinic KC.
Della Lamb Community Services
As a local resettlement agency, Della Lamb supports newcomers and provides services to help inspire a kinder Kansas City.
Donate:
Della Lamb is hosting their annual Operation Holidays December 13-14. You can donate holiday gifts, meals, or winter clothing items to those in need in KC.
You can also “adopt a class” and donate winter coats to an early education class.
Volunteer:
Join refugee families on trips to the Zoo November 13-15.
You can also volunteer to attend or assist with childcare at an upcoming “Ladies Team Time” for refugee mothers and their children.
Job openings: Della Lamb is seeking an ELL and Adult Education Specialist, Reception & Placement Coordinator, and more.
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:
JVS is seeking donations of winter clothing, including jackets, hats, gloves, scarves and boots. Items can be purchased from their Amazon Wishlist.
Additional wishlists for children’s clothing, health access and school supplies are also available.
Job openings:
JVS is looking for an Employee Program Manager, Human Resources Assistant, Immigration Law Clerk, and more.
Southwest Missouri
Refugee and Immigrant Services & Education (RAISE)
RAISE is a local resettlement agency with a goal of creating a thriving, integrated community.
Volunteer:
Assist RAISE with childcare during English classes, housing setups, transporting clients to appointments, and more.