Getting Involved
Volunteering
Volunteering with Lutheran Family Services Refugee & Asylee Programs is a unique and challenging opportunity. Volunteers are rewarded with an array of fascinating multicultural experiences. In turn, volunteers greatly enhance the efforts of LFS in providing support and services to refugee and asylee families.
Whether you are interested in volunteering on an individual basis, as part of a congregation, school/youth group, or business group, or through an internship, there is sure to be a place for you within the LFS Refugee & Asylee Programs.
Individual volunteering
Our individual volunteer opportunities include cultural mentoring and office or events assistance. We place an individual volunteer with a refugee to provide assistance in various aspects of cultural adjustment, including teaching English, shopping, or accessing public transportation. Volunteers may serve as drivers taking refugees to doctor's appointments or to the social services office. Other volunteers serve as donations assistants or tutoring refugee children with our after school programs. Volunteering with a refugee is about being a first American friend to a displaced newcomer. Training is provided.
For further information and materials related to individual volunteering, please contact the Volunteer & Church Relations Coordinator at refugeecommunications@lfsco.org.
Current Volunteers, click here for a downloadable time sheet (PDF, 17kb)
Congregational & Community Organization Co-sponsorship
Congregational and community organization co-sponsorship provides an opportunity to mentor a refugee family using a team approach. We pair one congregation or community group to one refugee family. The team provides assistance in aspects of cultural adjustment similar to those provided by the individual volunteer.
The structure used in the team approach comes from the Support Team Network (www.supportteam.org), recognized nationally as an excellent approach to assisting those in need . Each year, dozens of congregations and community groups, representing a broad spectrum of denominations, faiths and interests have successfully assisted refugees with rebuilding their lives in the United States . Training and ongoing support is provided, and teams can be formed with as few as four people and a commitment of only four months.
In addition, since 2003, our program has partnered with the Family Rescue Ministry of the Denver Rescue Mission (DRM) to provide teams to help refugee families. Please ask about this dynamic partnership when you inquire about co-sponsoring a refugee family.
For further information and materials related to co-sponsorship, please contact the Volunteer & Church Relations Coordinator at refugeecommunications@lfsco.org .
Internships & Work-Study
Internships
The LFS Refugee & Asylee Programs are committed to importance of refugee resettlement and providing experience to future leaders in the field. Internships are provided for up to one year. Many of our previous interns have moved into successful careers in the refugee field both in the United States and internationally. For internship applications or more information about internship positions, please contact the Volunteer Coordinator at refugeeinterns@lfsco.org
Work-Study Positions
In addition to the volunteer opportunities listed above, work-study placements for college students are also available at the LFS Refugee & Asylee Programs. For more information, please contact the Volunteer Coordinator at refugeeinterns@lfsco.org or your educational institution directly.
If you are interested in receiving more information about volunteer opportunities, please contact either of our offices by telephone or email. If would like to begin volunteering for the LFS Refugee & Asylee Programs please contact one of our offices to schedule an orientation session.
Denver Office: 303-980-5400 / 877-270-2193
Colorado Springs Office: 719-217-7571 / 877-603-8086
Northern Colorado Office (Fort Morgan): 970-867-4388
refugeecommunications@lfsco.org
Donations
LFS Refugee & Asylee Program relies heavily on donations from the community to support our families during their transition to life in the United States . From large items such as cars, furniture or monetary donations to smaller items such as housewares, toiletries and school supplies, your generous donations are welcome. All gifts are matched with receipt letters documenting your tax-deductible donation.
For a list of items we need & how to drop off, click here (Popup Window).
Although LFS Refugee & Asylee Programs accept both new and used items for our clients, we request that all donated items be of high quality and not require repair or cleaning. LFS will not accept waterbeds, used mattresses or sofa beds..
Thanks so much for your generosity!
