The Family Mentor program pairs volunteers with newly resettled refugee families in the Dallas-Fort Worth area to provide essential support during their initial adjustment period. Mentors help families navigate their new community, build essential life skills, and foster connections that ease their integration into American society. Volunteers assist with tasks such as practicing conversational English, learning public transportation routes, and accessing local resources like grocery stores and libraries. Beyond practical support, mentors introduce families to community spaces like parks, coffee shops, and restaurants to help them feel at home. This program emphasizes building meaningful relationships while maintaining clear boundaries to empower families in their journey toward self-sufficiency. Mentorship is a six-month commitment with a minimum of two hours per week or 4-6 hours per month, offering a flexible and rewarding opportunity for volunteers. By sharing your time and experiences, you can make a lasting impact on a family’s ability to thrive in their new home.

 

COMMITMENT: Requires 2 hours per week for a minimum of 6 months. Flexible, based on your and the family's availability. Weekly to monthly commitment preferred. Minimum 6-month mentorship period.

 

LOCATION: DFW area, within 100 miles of IRC Dallas's Greenville office, pairings are made based on which clients live closest to you. 

 

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

  • Help newly resettled refugee families acclimate to their new community 
  • Provide support with tangible skills such as: 
    • Practicing conversational English 
    • Introducing families to local grocery stores, libraries, and other essential locations 
    • Assisting with navigating public transportation 
    • Offering guidance for budgeting and shopping 
  • Foster community integration by introducing families to parks, coffee shops, restaurants, and other local spots 
  • Build a supportive relationship with the family while maintaining clear boundaries 

 

REQUIREMENTS: 

  • Strong interpersonal skills and cultural sensitivity 
  • Ability to work independently to identify and address family needs in a limited-English environment 
  • Reliable transportation to meet with the family within the DFW area 
  • Ability to use translation apps or work with possibly 1 family member that translates on behalf of the family  
  • Adhere to IRC professional standards and volunteer policies, including maintaining boundaries 

 

HOW TO APPLY: 

  • Attend an info session by emailing [email protected] 
  • Submit a volunteer application here. 
  • Pass a background check ($45 contribution is encouraged to offset the cost). 
  • Complete IRC onboarding and training. 
  • Submit required paperwork and confirm your start date. 
  • Begin your mentorship!