Nature and Purpose
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) was founded in 1933 at the request of Albert Einstein to assist those suffering from the policies of Nazi-controlled Germany. Since then, the IRC has been a leader in global humanitarian relief: mobilizing quickly to bring support to those in regions shattered by violence and deprivation as well as providing a fresh start for refugees and asylum seekers in the U.S. Twenty two offices across the US provide resettlement services to newly arriving refugees, ranging in age from newborn to the elderly, and helping those separated from their families by assisting with the reunification of family members who were lost or left behind during their traumatic flight. Hours are Monday through Friday 9am - 6pm.
The IRC Boston resettlement office, located in downtown Boston, first opened its doors in 1979 to respond to the increasing number of refugees from Vietnam; since then it has resettled over 14,000 refugees. Today, IRC provides opportunity for refugees from countries as diverse as Somalia, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Sudan. In 2008, we expect to resettle Burundians, Burmese, Iraqis, and members of the Kunama group from Ethiopia. The services we offer include: resettlement case management and orientation, employment skills training and placement, literacy instruction, financial literacy tutoring, specialized programs for women and youth, and after school tutoring. These services offer refugees a chance to learn skills, adjust to their new communiteis in the U.S., and find work as they rebuild meaningful lives in their homeland. Additionally, our Resource Development office looks for interns who are willing to help with the business side of funding these crucial services. We are currently looking for about 8-12 volunteers.
Tasks
Resettlement volunteers will assist case managers to help newly arrived refugees find housing, medical care, English classes, and orient them to transportation, schools, social security and other systems i n Boston. Busy case managers also need help with file creation, case note writing, and computer tutorials. Hours are between 9 AM-6 PM.
Employment volunteers will work to match newly arrived refugees with jobs by tutoring in vocational ESL, practicing applications and interviews, accompanying clients on job interviews, and/or teaching small classes in work-related skills. Hours are Monday through Friday 9 AM-5 PM.
Youth Program volunteers will work between the hours of 1-5 PM with refugee high school students in an afterschool program, teaching and tutoring, as well as planning and going on fieldtrips. Since many of the students need extensive remedial academic tutoring, volunteers with a teaching focus and previous experience are highly desirable.
Resource Development Department activities include responding to requests for proposals from identified sources as well as private foundations; creating newsletters, brochures, and other materials highlighting IRC's programs; supporting activities that further the awareness of the general public about refugees and the IRC programs; and assisting with fundraising events. Hours are Monday through Friday 9am-6pm.
Women and Children - The North Star Program provides class and in-home orientation and literacy instruction to refugee women with preschool aged chidlren in Lynn. It also provides structured developmental activities to the children while their mothers attend class, and provides after-school tutoring and mentoring in two elementary schools. This is a community based model program where volunteers are working directly with families and IRC staff. Hours are two days a week 10am-4pm.
Evening ESL - We are utilizing volunteers teaching English to adults in the evenings. This is ideally for students with ESL experience. Hours are weekdays 5:15-7:00pm.
Immigration Services volunteers will work with the Immigration Program Specialist to assist clients to apply for their green cards and citizenship, helping to process and fill out forms, gather information from clients, answer queries, and provide routine file management. Hours are from 9am to 5pm Monday through Friday.
Supervision
IRC's regional director will provide oversight for PULSE volunteers and match them with the appropriate staff or clients. Program Supervisors/Department Heads will provide training, support, supervision, and discussion for experiences and issues of concern. Orientation to working with refugees will be provided, as well as orientation to working with refugee youth for volunteers in the after school program.
Supervisor
Katy Hurley
Address:
101 Tremont St., Suite 401
Boston, MA 02108
Tel.: (617) 482-1154 ext. 201
Fax: (617) 482-7922
Council Member:
Megan Wilkie