Nature and Purpose
Catholic Charities Refugee and Immigration Services (RIS) is a division of the Catholic Bureau of the Archdiocese of Boston, Inc. and shares the agency's primary mission of: building a just and compassionate society rooted in the dignity of all people. RIS services are provided to clients throughout Eastern Massachusetts without regard to age, race, gender, religion or sexual orientation. We currently host a diverse population of refugees and immigrants from Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Latin America and the Caribbean, and Eastern Europe.
Tasks
PULSE students will be able to participate in a diverse range of activities in Refugee and Immigration Services, they may choose from one of the following areas:
Refugee Resettlement
Work closely with the resettlement team assisting with the provision of essential services to clients. Students would be involved with the delivery of pre-arrival/reception services and post-arrival services. Specific tasks could include airport pick-up and reception; procurement of essential household items, food and clothing; administrative follow-up; orientation (culture, community and transportation) and assistance with medical, financial, housing, and child-care needs.
Refugee Employment Services
Assist refugees in finding employment by helping them write resumes, fill out applications, and prepare for job interviews. Contact and build relationships with employers to facilitate their hiring of refugees. Accompany refugees to interviews and job fairs. Document work with refugees in case notes.
Immigration Legal Services
Assist legal staff with walk-in immigration clinic and ongoing client caseload. Meet with clients, assist with intakes, form completion, follow-up phone calls and preparation of affidavits. Observe consultations. Follow-up with clients regarding necessary documents and evidence. Draft letters, complete file notes and file applications under the supervision of legal staff members.
Time Requirement
Refugee Resettlement & Refugee Employment Services typically require two four hour shifts per week (students may fulfill their weekly obligation in one shift if the situation warrants).
Immigration Legal Services requires rotating participation in the walk-in clinic (Wednesday evenings and some Saturday mornings).
Supervision/Training
Volunteer Coordinator and RIS staff will provide informal supervision. Training will be provided by Volunteer Coordinator though staff may train interns for specific duties.
Supervisors
Maureen Wagner, Kristen Kenney (legal clinic)
Address
75 Kneeland Street, 8th Floor
Boston, MA 02111
617-451-7979
Council Member
Kuong Ly