Volunteer Opportunities

There are many ways you can be part of the team to welcome refugees. Some of this important work is directly with the refugees, some is behind the scenes, and some is coordinating the work of others. Time commitments vary from one-off efforts to recurring activities. Review the list of ideas below for something that piques your interest. When you’re ready, complete this form to sign up.

NOTE:  Anyone who wishes to provide services that involve direct contact with families must attend a training session and complete and submit the background check forms.  Those who want to support TBE’s refugee resettlement initiative without having direct contact with individuals and families do not need to attend a training or submit these forms.

Teach: Help our new neighbors learn English by teaching ESL twice a week; 1 ½ hours a session. Or teach computer literacy/financial literacy. A minimum six-week commitment is required.

Talk: Be a conversational English partner to reinforce ESL lessons. Once a week via Zoom.

Drive: Transport individuals to doctors visits, job interviews, important appointments, etc. Help our new neighbors navigate public transportation.

Prepare: Meet our new neighbors at the airport, help set-up their new home (cleaning, unpacking, stocking supplies), prepare a homecoming meal.

Welcome: Help familiarize our new neighbors with stores in town, how to get around, food shopping, enrolling kids in school, getting a bank account or library card, etc.

Guide: Help our new neighbors research job leads, write resumes or hone interview skills. Provide computer training.

Care: Help with childcare needs or tutor school-aged children.

Collect: Help secure donations of books, furniture, clothes, packing boxes, bikes, household goods, used cars & computers.  For example, collect photographs of furniture to post on I-RISE’s website.

Advocate: Assist our new neighbors with legal issues like asylum or documentation.

Lead: Join Temple Beth-El’s Refugee Resettlement Committee. Help communicate the needs through the website or other communications vehicles. Partner with other organizations or recruit others to help in this important work.

Donate: Make monetary donations:

• Visit https://templebethelnj.shulcloud.com/form/Tribute-Donations.  In the drop-down, select the Fund to which you would like to direct your contribution.
  • TBE’s refugee resettlement fund supports general needs of refugees, e.g., clothing, transportation, and food.
  • TBE’s refugee resettlement education fund provides support for college tuition, English-as-a-Second-Language classes, and workforce training.
• Or donate furniture or housewares. Contact for guidance: furniture@interfaithrise.org or housewares@interfaithrise.org respectively. Watch for information on specific collection drives in the weeks ahead.

Contact RefugeeResettlement@templebethelnj.org if you have questions or would like to learn more.

Sign up here