Appointment Transportation: Newly arrived refugees have a number of appointments when they first arrive. Volunteers can help transport clients to and from these important appointments.
ESL Tutor: As part of our education and employment program, refugees must attend ESL classes. ESL Classes are held Monday through Thursday, from 9-11 a.m. at Augustana Lutheran Church. Volunteers are needed to help assist teachers and offer one-on-one assistance to students.
ESL Mentor: It’s not always possible for refugees to attend ESL classes. ESL mentors can assist refugees, secondary migrants and immigrants with acculturation to Omaha and the U.S. by coordinating with Lutheran Refugee Services and by acting as a teacher, advocate and friend. Contact is weekly, coordinated between volunteer and client.
Cultural Orientation Child Supervision: While the parents are learning how to adjust in their new environment during cultural orientation, volunteers in this position will supervise children, practice basic English with the children, play games that encourage speaking in English. Cultural orientation is held at the ICH on Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to noon.
Office Aide: Assist LFS staff by helping out with a variety of office and clerical duties including filing and organizing documents and case files.
Personal Shopper: (Grocery or Household Items) Volunteers purchase general household items or groceries for our newest neighbor just prior to their arrival at their new home. We will provide you with a list of household items and culturally appropriate groceries, and our account number to pay for the items. You may also put the items away in the home if you would like.
Set-Up Team: Help with the initial set up of a house or an apartment before refugee(s) arrive. This involves moving in donated furniture and household items and arranging things to make it feel more like home.
Walk-In Aide: Assist in the International Center of the Heartland during walk-in days on Mondays and Wednesdays. This includes helping client’s complete applications for benefits, sorting mail, etc. Training will be provided and volunteers will work alongside interpreters.
Mentor: Be an ambassador to a newly arrived refugee family or individual. Help them learn English and teach them about life in America. Be creative and engage in activities that also teach, such as how to use household items, how to grocery shop, utilizing community resources, helping kids with homework or just getting familiar with Omaha. This position may also include transportation if the volunteer is authorized. Contact is weekly and is set up between the volunteer and client.
Sponsorship: Sponsoring a family is a group volunteer opportunity. If you would like to get more information please talk to Jennifer for further details.
Click here to view LFS volunteer opportunities.
To begin the volunteer application process, please complete and email the following forms to hr@lfsneb.org.
