Get Involved!

There are many ways to get involved in refugee resettlement in Grand Rapids. Take a look at opportunities to voluteer as an indivdiual or as a group! Spread the word to your communities and share the love!

Become a Cultural Mentor:

Get to know the refugees in your own community and empower them to get acquainted with their new life in the United States.

We are looking for self-directed, justice-seeking, highly motivated members of our community to join our team in refugee resettlement. Cross-cultural experience is a plus but not neccesary. We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds and skill sets.

Building a relationship with a refugee could include: practicing english, learning to ride the bus, cooking together, grocery shopping, going to the library, learning an instrument, job coaching, visiting museums-the possibilities are endless!

We're looking for a minimum 3 month commitment. Get involved today and participate in cross-cultural experience in your own back yard!

Become a Health Hero:

Are you passionate about healthy living?
Do you have a desire to help those in need?
Can you drive newly arrived refugees to important medical appointments?

If you answered "yes" to any of those questions, consider becoming a medical advocate for refugees in your own back yard! Upon arrival, your new neighbors need assistance getting to and from important appointments, deciphering their medical documents, filling prescriptions and the like. Please contribute to the health and wellness of our refugee friends!

Requirements:
-A valid driver's license/clean driving record
-Willingness to transport clients
-Responsible and dependable
-Patience communicating with English language learners
-A heart to help

[Previous cross-cultural experience is a plus but not required!]

Become a Library Liason:

You can study history, brush up on a foreign language, learn how to knit or job hunt online-all for FREE at your local library! Our libraries are a great resource for our community members, especially our new refugee neighbors.  The world, including American culture, is at the fingertips of a newly arrived refugee- if they know how to access it.  We need your help!

Consider becoming a library liaison for refugees in your neighborhood.  Help them register for a library card, learn to use the catalog system, locate books, and utilize the computer system!

Become a Public Transportation Teacher:

Help your refugee neighbors learn to navigate the public transportation system.  Meet new friends and have a party on the bus! Help them learn to use the bus to get to important appointments or fun events. Experience using bus lines is preferrable, but if you have the desire to learn, this might be a great way for you to start too!

You must be responsible, flexible, able to think on your feet, patient and have a desire to help your new neighbors navigate a system that will give them independance in their new city!