Opportunities From: VolunteerWNY

This project provides a fulfilling opportunity for a team of volunteers (minimum 10-12 people) to collaboratively create a safe and welcoming home environment for a family of refugees who are scheduled to arrive in Buffalo, NY in the near future.

The bulk of this project will consist of collecting new and gently used household items to fill the apartment with. You have until the day of the home set-up to complete your collection (the amount of time will vary). Each team is provided with a list of items needed to complete the home set-up and detailed instructions to ensure that your experience goes smoothly and is meaningful for volunteers.

Here are some ideas to get you started: Reach out to your existing networks, and ask if they have any of the items needed on hand, or if they might be willing to sponsor your project with a monetary donation or by purchasing one of the items. Many of these items can be found at a thrift store or dollar store. Research local community closets, furniture warehouses, or other organizations to see if they might be willing to help. We encourage you and your team to be creative with this process, and have fun with it!

Please follow the list of items and instructions provided very closely, so that you collect quality items that are needed, and don’t over or under-collect. We are always here to answer your questions or address your concerns.

We are typically notified of family arrival dates about two weeks prior to arrival, but often times less. Once an apartment is secured for the family, a member of our volunteer services team will be in contact with you to discuss the best days for your team to set up the apartment. We suggest 2 days- one for cleaning and one for set-up.

Requirements: 

Age 18+ (or Youth Consent Form submitted)

Client interaction level: None

Time commitment: One-time*

*Some Home Setup Teams go on to form Circles of Care, which provide additional social support to families during the first six months following their arrival in Buffalo. Circles of Care are High client interaction, long-term commitments. 

For Erie County contact David at djankowiak@jfswny.org or 716.883.1914 ext. 405

For Niagara County contact Emily at ewirth@jfswny.org or 716-796-4994

 

 

Title: Jewish Community Services Volunteer

Department: Jewish Community Services

Reports to: Manager of Jewish Community Services and Volunteer Coordinator

Time Involvement: Minimum 3 Month Commitment, Frequency will vary

Summary: The Jewish Community Volunteer will assist our Manager of Jewish Community Services in meeting the needs of our Jewish clients by assisting them with transportation to medical appointments and religious events, kosher food drop-offs, and other various needs, in addition to spending time socializing with clients.

 

Special Requirements:

Age Must be 18+ or youth consent form uploaded Complete a Background Check through Sterling Volunteers at the cost of $9 Proof of Covid-19 Vaccination Sexual Harassment Prevention Training Complete Staff Exclusion List (SEL) Check Upload driver’s license, registration, and insurance.

Major Responsibilities: Transporting clients to and from medical appointments, religious events, etc. Accompanying clients to social activities or socializing with client at their residence Reporting any issues or concerns to Manager of Jewish Community Services Additional varied tasks as needed

Qualifications:

Familiarity with the Greater Buffalo area preferred. Good interpersonal skills. Demonstrates compassion for the aging population and people with different abilities, patience, and the ability to operate from a mindset of cultural humility.

 

For more information and to apply, click here. 

 

Help our new neighbors learn how to use Public Transportation in Buffalo. In order to be self-sufficent it is important to know how to get around! 

Requirements: 

Age 18+ or youth consent form uploaded Proof of covid-19 vaccination status Staff Exclusion List Check completed

Client interaction level: High

Time commitment: One-time (minimum 2 shifts) to Short-term (3 months). Volunteers commit to spending at least two, 2-hour sessions with an individual or group of refugee clients, taking them on the bus and metro.

For more information and to apply, click here. 

Volunteer Mover

 

Title: Volunteer Mover

Department(s): Community Services

Reports to: Volunteer Coordinator & Program Manager

Time Involvement: Varies

Summary: Volunteer Movers will assist with picking up donated furniture and household items from various locations across Erie and Niagara County, and dropping them off at clients’ houses. The more volunteer movers we have, the less funding we will need to spend on moving services, which means that we will be able to use that money to help our newly arrived refugee families and other families in need!

 

Special Requirements: 

-Consent to Waiver

- Driving Background check at a cost of $7

-NYS Driver’s License and Access to a truck, van, or other vehicle that can carry furniture

Title: JFS Refugee Services Volunteer

Department: Refugee Services (Community Services Division)

Reports to: Manager of Refugee Resettlement, Resettlement Case Managers, and Manager of Volunteer Services

Time Involvement: 2-4 hours per week, for a minimum of 3 months.

Summary: The Refugee Services Volunteer will provide support to our Case Managers in the office and in the community, and perform clerical duties as needed.

 

Special Requirements:

Successful Completion of Sterling Volunteers Background Check, at the cost of $9 Sexual Harassment Prevention Training Record of Covid-19 vaccination Complete Staff Exclusion List Search Upload driver’s license, registration, and insurance (if driving clients)

Major Responsibilities:

Assisting clients during walk-in hours Assisting clients with apartment set up & orientation to household management Conducting client field trips using public transportation Driving clients to appointments when needed. Assisting with weekly Cultural Orientations Assisting in clerical duties Other duties as assigned by Supervisors

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree preferred. Word processing skills. Ability to organize. Attention to detail. Good interpersonal skills. Knowledge of Public Transportation Demonstrates compassion for refugees, patience, and the ability to operate from a mindset of cultural humility. Multilingual is a plus!

Client interaction level: Varies

Time commitment: Short-term (3 months) or Long-term (6 months)

For more information and to apply, click here. 

Title: Career Services Volunteer

Department: Career Services

Reports to: Career Services Manager

Time Involvement: Three Months Minimum; 15 hours per week

Summary: This individual will assist our Job Developers with clients within our Employment programs, assisting clients to develop resumes and cover letters; and fill out job applications.

 

Special Requirements:

To participate, you must complete the following requirements. We will provide instructions.  

Successful Completion of Sterling Volunteers Background Check, at the cost of $9 (if working directly with clients) Sexual Harassment Prevention Training Record of Covid-19 vaccination Complete Staff Exclusion List Search Possession of valid New York State driver’s license and access to vehicle (if driving clients)

 

Major Responsibilities:

Assist staff with assessment, information-gathering, and client education during individual and group counseling programs Provide outreach and responses to people, organizations, schools, colleges, and other groups for program development Prepare reports and notes for sponsoring agencies Research information, such as market and industry trends, employer prospects, or job openings Develop career services materials, such as client resumes, handouts, or social media content Other duties as assigned by supervisor

JFS Career Services is willing to provide additional relevant experiences as available to coincide with individual volunteer interests and agency opportunities whenever possible

Qualifications:

Good Writing Skills Good Relational/Interpersonal skills Demonstrates compassion for refugees, patience, and the ability to operate from a mindset of cultural humility. Multilingual is a plus!

Client interaction level: High

Time commitment: Short-term (3 months) or Long-term (6 months)

 

To see more information and apply, click here. 

Title: Volunteer ENL (English as a New Language) Mentor

Department(s): Reception & Placement

Reports to: Volunteer Services & Program Manager

Time Involvement: 3 month minimum commitments, negotiable

Summary: Volunteers will be matched with an individual, based on the volunteer’s strengths and the individual’s needs. Volunteer will engage in an initial virtual meeting with the individual, guided by the program manager, to begin building rapport, and to establish a regular schedule. Volunteer must commit to at least one one-hour block of English language assistance per week.

 

Special Requirements: 

Successful Completion of Sterling Volunteers Background Check, at the cost of $9 (if working directly with clients) Sexual Harassment Prevention Training Record of Covid-19 vaccination Statewide Central Registry Search Age 18+ or youth consent form uploaded

 

Major Responsibilities:

Commitment to at least one hour per week, for the duration of at least three months. Providing quality English assistance to the individual assigned to. Reporting any issues or concerns to program manager or Volunteer Coordinator

 

 

Qualifications:

Multilingual is a plus- Arabic, Burmese, Karen, Spanish, Swahili, English Good interpersonal skills. Demonstrates patience, and the ability to operate from a mindset of cultural humility.

Client interaction level: High

Time commitment: Short-term (3 months)

 

For more information and to apply, click here. 

Host a donation drive for those in need!

We are always looking for generous individuals to donate items for newly arrived refugees. When a refugee family arrives, we find permeant housing for the family to live. With the help of our wonderful donors and volunteers we are able to fill the home with all the necessary items. You would be in charge of collecting items on our list and bringing them to our donation space.

For Erie County contact David at djankowiak@jfswny.org or 716.883.1914 ext. 405

For Niagara County contact Emily at ewirth@jfswny.org or 716-796-4994

 

Below is a list of items we are always looking for. Feel free to run your donation drive however you feel is best. (Choosing one category is encouraged)  

 

Linen and Other Household Supplies: One bath towel and one wash cloth per person (must be new) One set of comforter/sheets/pillowcase(s) per bed (Bedding in a Bag sets can be had cheaply online, esp. in clearance sales) (Twin set for children or single adults, and full/queen for 2 parents – these must be new) Appropriate seasonal blankets (must be new) for each bed (light blanket for late spring/summer; comforter for fall/winter, or preferably both) Electric alarm clock (no wind-up clocks) (can be used as long as it works) Notebook, pens and/or pencils (one new set, and a cheap composition book or legal pad from Dollar Store is fine) Two Lamps and package of new light bulbs (Lamps can be used as long as in excellent working condition and no loose parts) Shower Curtain and Shower Liner and Hooks (new) Hangers for closet (new)

 

Cleaning Supplies (everything should be new and in original packaging – Dollar Stores are great for some of these items, if people don’t have in their pantries at hom. Multiples of cleaning items like liquid all-purpose cleaner and dish soap and sponges, are most welcome!): Dish Soap Bathroom/kitchen cleanser (like Comet) Liquid All-Purpose Cleaner like Fabuloso or Lysol Powder laundry detergent Sponges/Scouring Pads Big package of paper towels Two wastebaskets (big one for kitchen, small one for bathroom) Box of large trash bags Broom w/dustpan for broom and/or Mop w/bucket Toilet Brush

 

Kitchen Items (most can be gently used but clean and not chipped preferred): One place setting of tableware per person (fork, knife and spoon) One place setting of dishes (plate, bowl and coffee/tea cup) per person (these do not have to match as long as they are not chipped! New dish sets are very much appreciated!) At least one drinking glass per person (no chips, clean and like new – no plastic cups, wine glasses or beer mugs. New glass sets are very appreciated!) Pots and pans (at least one sauce pan, frying pan and baking dish – no old Teflon or heavily used or scratched ones – new sets are very much preferred and appreciated) Large pot for making soup, stews for bigger family Mixing/serving bowls (no chips, do not have to match) One set of kitchen/cooking utensils (new very much preferred) One set of sharp knives (new), Cutting board Dish towel (new) Two batteries for smoke alarm (new) Package (or more) of paper napkins Can opener (not electric, new preferred) Scouring pads (new)

 

Toiletries (only in original packaging and new, and family-size please. Multiples of toiletries are most welcome!) Large package (or more) of toilet paper One bottle shampoo (or more) Two bathroom soaps (one for sink and one for shower), per person Toothpaste One toothbrush per person Hand and body lotion – family size Deodorant (number based on size of family – for example, if there are three, then provide three deodorant sticks) Box of sanitary napkins, for teens and young women (No Tampons!) Boxes of Kleenex Basic first aid kit Disposable razors Shaving cream Hand sanitizer Disinfectant wipes for kitchen/bathroom

 

Helpful Items NOT On Required List, but if you have them lying around and are in clean/excellent working condition or new, would be wonderful additions. Small microwave (new is best; but will take used if clean and in good working condition) Small-Medium flat screen TV with antenna and remote (new is best). Please make sure it is in good working order. Television is an excellent way for our clients to pick up English. We cannot accept old TVs that are not flat screens, due to space reasons. Extension Cords (new preferred) Dictionary Electric Fan (if possible, several box fans for bedrooms) City map Extra alarm clock Basic tool box Tea Kettle (preferably new; no instant coffee makers) Working toaster oven (used and clean is fine, but new is best) Radio (plug-in) Umbrella(s) Family-sized rice cooker (clean and in excellent condition, if used; new preferred – all our families use rice in cuisine) Large soup pot Colander/strainer (new) Plastic wrap and foil (new) Bins for rice, tea, and sugar Grocery Gift Card to Aldi, Price Rite, Tops, Walmart, Wegmans (any amount helps!)