Volunteer Opportunities

JVS Center for New Americans
Volunteer Positions Available
Jewish Vocational Service is the leading agency in Western Missouri helping to resettle refugees in Kansas City, MO. The goal of JVS is to help refugees start a new life in America. Volunteers are a vital part of a team effort which integrates with JVS staff to provide a list of core services.
 
Your involvement can strengthen a refugee’s ability to thrive in a new culture. By caring and contributing to change, you can make an impact to decrease suffering and disparity!         
Volunteer opportunities JVS needs your help with:
 
Refugee Mentor
· Introduce refugees to locally beneficial organizations ~ libraries, food banks, discount stores
· Answer questions, provide solutions, listen to concerns
· Teach skills: financial literacy, read & understand home lease obligations, improve English
· A friendly face and a non-judgmental attitude are truly appreciated!
 
Community Orientation Teaching Assistant
· Teach Community and Cultural Orientation (topics will vary) to adult refugees
· Help students understand activities and materials, work within groups, and role-play games
· Must have transportation (classes are held at the Don Bosco ESL school)
· Must be flexible and willing to work in a discussion/group-based class environment
 
Health Educator and Advocate
· Teach new refugees how to access healthcare services and resources, and specific concerns of health, nutrition, and basic living practices
· Help write class materials and coordinate class schedules and topics
· Background experience in nursing, medicine, health, and/or health-related fields preferred
 
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Home Orientation Specialist
· Train new refugees how to properly clean their home
· Teach how germs, bacteria and bugs affect hygiene and health
· Must have transportation to drive to refugees’ homes
 
Bus Training Specialist
· Train new refugees to use the public transportation system in Kansas City
· Give an overview of the basic layout/map of urban public transportation and where they live in relation to other important locations (hospitals, Health Department, DFS office, etc.)
· Must have transportation to drive to refugees’ homes (to then get on the bus from there)
 
Warehouse and Food Pantry Support
· Sort clothing; organize and tag donations
· Repair slightly damaged items
 
Transportation Assistance
· Drive refugees to doctor appointments
· Help teach refugees to drive
 
Requirements for JVS Volunteer Teaching positions:
  •       A passion for educating, assisting, and advocating for new refugees in America
  •      Cultural sensitivity and competence with people of different cultures, religions, and beliefs
  •       Willing to be flexible with time, schedules, and different levels of English language
  •       Available at least 1 or 2 days a week
To volunteer, contact Pete Cabell at 816-471-2808 or pcabell@jvskc.org