Volunteer with Us
Your support makes a world of difference for refugees rebuilding their lives in Chicago.
Volunteer Roles
Adult Mentor
Individual Role
Support an adult refugee (25+) as they build a life in Chicago. Practice English and navigate city life – building a friendship along the way. Flexible schedule according to mentee availability. Must commit to weekly meetings in the mentee’s home for 6 months.
Location: Rogers Park/West Ridge
Young Adult Mentor
Individual Role
Be a friend and role model for a young adult (15-24), helping them work toward education and career goals and attending workshops and social events together. Flexible schedule according to mentee availability. Must commit to weekly meetings in mentee’s home for 6 months.
Location: Rogers Park/West Ridge
Youth Tutor
Individual Role
Be a friend and role model for a school-aged youth (5-14). Offer academic tutoring, English practice, and social support as they navigate life and school in Chicago. Flexible schedule according to mentee availability. Must commit to weekly meetings in student’s home for 6 months.
Location: West Rogers Park/West Ridge
After-School Program
Individual Role
Help with homework and facilitate activities for school-aged youth alongside RefugeeOne staff. Must commit to at least one afternoon per week (4:00-6:30 p.m. Mon-Fri on CPS school days) for at least a semester term (Jan-Jun/Sep-Dec).
Location: Rogers Park/West Ridge
Adult Education
Individual Role
Support Adult Education staff by leading an English Study Group, teaching basic digital literacy, or serving as a classroom Teaching Assistant. Must have daytime, weekday availability and commit to one hour per week for at least one 12-week term.
Location: Rogers Park/West Ridge
Mentor Team
Group Role
Join together with your community to form a team of 3-6. You’ll provide support for a refugee family with ongoing and higher needs as they adjust to life in Chicago, offering friendship and helping them navigate community resources.
Location: Rogers Park/West Ridge
Dental Clinic
Individual Role
The RefugeeOne Dental Clinic relies on dentists and dental professionals to provide pro bono services at our in-office clinic. Email volunteer@refugeeone.org with subject “Dental Clinic Volunteer” to learn more and get signed up. (Currently seeking IL licensed dentists. Dental Assistant spots are full!)
Location: West Ridge, 6008 N. California Ave
Short-Term Opportunities
Individual Role
Occasionally we have one-off opportunities, like helping sort donations or administrative projects. If a long-term commitment doesn’t work for you, reach out and we’ll see if there are other ways to get involved!
Location: Rogers Park/West Ridge
Steps to becoming a RefugeeOne volunteer:
1. Fill out an application
Once you submit, look for a confirmation email to sign up for a virtual orientation.
2. Attend orientation
You’ll learn more about resettlement, RefugeeOne, and available roles.
3. Submit release forms
Sign required forms and submit a background check.
4. Receive a match, complete training
It can take 3-6 weeks to match into role. You’ll then watch a short, online training.
5. Get started as a volunteer
Staff will answer questions along the way, and our volunteer resources are available for reference!
FAQs
Who is eligible to volunteer?
RefugeeOne volunteers must be 18+, complete RefugeeOne orientation and training, clear a background check, sign confidentiality and consent forms, and be based in Chicagoland with the ability to travel regularly to neighborhoods on the far north side (Rogers Park, West Ridge, etc.).
Do volunteers need any special language skills?
No language skills besides English are required. If you have specific language skills or cultural experience, we’ll consider that in matching you with a refugee partner. Beyond that, matches are made by need, not preference. You might be matched from someone from Afghanistan, DR Congo, Burma, Syria, or elsewhere! Some volunteers will work with newcomers, others will be matched with refugees who have been here longer.
Can I volunteer to fulfill a service hour requirement?
Volunteers may use their hours with RefugeeOne to fulfill a service, school, or community-based requirement, but must still meet all of RefugeeOne’s volunteer expectations, including minimum time commitment.
Can my children volunteer with me?
Our volunteer roles are not suitable for minors on their own, but your kids may join you as long as your refugee partner is comfortable with it and you’re still able to fulfill your commitment.
Special Collections
Organize a Collection
Call on your community to collect items in bulk so we can more efficiently equip refugee families in need. Let us know you’re interested and we’ll share our most current needs and coordinate a weekday drop off that works for you!
Email donatestuff@refugeeone.org to inquire.
Organize a Diaper Drive
Diapers, wipes, and formula are always in high demand among RefugeeOne program participants. Let us know you’re hosting a drive and we’ll let you know what size diapers and what brands of formula are needed most.
Email donatestuff@refugeeone.org to get in touch.
Amazon Wish List
Refugee families with tight budgets benefit from distributions of basic necessities like toiletries, cleaning supplies, or seasonal items. You can stock our shelves so we can provide items when someone shows up with a pressing need!