Refugee Resettlement Support Teams 

Volunteers who work directly with refugee clients typically go to the client’s house once a week to provide support and information. For many new refugees, this becomes their first U.S. friendship with someone outside their community. Many of the connections made when we match volunteers with refugees become deep and long-lasting relationships that are equally meaningful to both parties.   

The Support Team program matches groups of volunteers with a refugee family to support them in the refugee resettlement process. Groups consist of 2-6 members and work directly with a family to assist them in completing specific tasks. Examples of these tasks include help using public transportation, grocery shopping, ESL tutoring, and introducing clients to their surrounding neighborhood. We ask for a time commitment of approximately 3 to 5 hours per week for around 6 months.   

At this time, we are only accepting already formed groups of 2-6 members.

We ask that you only fill out ONE application per group. Each group is required to have a Team Lead who will be the primary contact with our Volunteer Services staff. Please have your team leader fill out the application. 

Background check, proof of auto insurance, and driver’s license are required.  Due to the nature of the short notice we receive before families arrive, your team could be matched with a case within a week or 90 days after the team’s completion of vetting and training.

This is a great opportunity for families. Children can volunteer as a member of the support team with a parent or guardian. Parents must go through the vetting process. 


For more information about these volunteer opportunities and to get started, please send us an email at volunteer@jewishfamilyservice.org.