Empower newly arrived refugees on their journey to self-sufficiency!
Catholic Charities Dallas’ Refugee Services provides compassionate support and essential resources to refugees, asylees, Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) holders, and Cuban/Haitian entrants. As a Refugee Mentor, you will play a crucial role in helping individuals and families navigate life in the U.S., fostering confidence, independence, and community connection.
What You'll Do
- Build a supportive and positive relationship with a refugee client and/or family.
- Meet weekly (1-hour sessions) or as agreed upon to provide mentorship.
- Maintain clear communication with the refugee family and assigned CCD staff member.
- Help clients access resources based on their expressed needs, such as:
- Cultural orientation and adjusting to American customs.
- Public transportation guidance (e.g., using buses and trains).
- Understanding the U.S. education system, including parent-teacher conferences and school advocacy.
- Basic life skills training, such as:
- Grocery shopping
- Checking and understanding mail
- Doing laundry
- Paying rent and bills
Why Volunteer?
- Make a direct, life-changing impact on a refugee’s journey to self-sufficiency.
- Gain meaningful cross-cultural experience while fostering inclusion and community integration.
- Help families adjust to a new home and provide them with tools for success.
What You Need
A successful mentor is someone who is:
- Reliable and committed to meeting weekly with their mentee.
- Empathetic, supportive, and patient in guiding refugee families.
- Respectful of individual differences and diverse cultural backgrounds.
- Flexible and adaptable to the mentee’s needs and goals.
- Willing to follow all program policies and procedures.
Location and Schedule
- Location: Varies based on mentor-mentee pairing
- Schedule: Weekly 1-hour meetings (flexible based on availability)
Ready to Make a Difference?
Click “Respond” and complete the required forms. When you’re done, remember to click “Respond” again—that’s what confirms your spot. New volunteers will also receive an orientation link from Learner Mobile. Once all requirements are processed, staff will connect with you directly and provide next steps.
