About the Role
Family mentors are individuals or small groups (maximum 4 people) who meet with a refugee family or individual to ease their transition to the Baltimore region. Mentors will focus on practicing English, socialization activities, and integration to the local community. This opportunity is highly interactive, client-focused, and adapted to meet each client's interests. Participating clients have usually lived in the Baltimore area for at least six months. IRC facilitates an initial in-person match meeting, and then checks in monthly throughout the six month mentorship. Mentorships start at three different times throughout the year (spring, summer, fall) so mentors can share experiences and ideas with others in their cohort.  

Skills & Qualifications

The family mentor must have a strong internal drive to support humanitarian immigrants and display a positive and upbeat demeanor. Experience working in a multicultural setting or with English language learners is preferred, but not required. Mentors should display creativity and initiative to support the self-sufficiency and integration of clients, and be able to work independently. 

Location

Family mentorships take place in-person, typically in client homes and community locations, depending on client preference. 

Time Commitment

Groups of family mentors are matched three times per year (spring, summer, fall). This position requires a commitment of two hours per week for six months. Mentors and mentees may also participate in two group sessions with other current family mentor program participants. These group sessions are a great way to connect with other volunteer mentors. 

Spring cohort: training in February, mentorship matches start in March and ends in August

Summer cohort: training in June, mentorship matches start in July and ends in December 

Winter cohort: training in October, mentorship matches start in November and ends in April

How to Apply

The first step is to attend one of our monthly information sessions: RSVP here. Prospective mentors are also required to attend a special family mentor training and complete background and reference checks. Each matched individual or group is also asked to make a one time $600 donation to the IRC, which helps support the costs of the program. 

Read more about the family mentor program: Pizza and Papusas