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Suggested Volunteer Projects

Dallas/Ft. Worth refugee agencies work continuously to assist refugees arriving in our community, and will appreciate your support at any time.

Who Can Participate?

Individuals, companies, schools, community organizations, religious groups, (anyone!)

There are many options for one-time or ongoing volunteer service. Any individual or group can contact the agencies to find out what they need at the moment, and arrange a schedule that is convenient for you. Many of the following suggestions apply particularly to resettlement agencies, although some are relevant for all service-providers. Ask for the Volunteer Coordinator or other representatives listed in the "Directory of Refugee Service Agencies."
  • Activities
  • Prepare welcome kits and apartments for newcomers
  • Meet new arrivals at the airport and drive them to apartments
  • Become friends and mentors
  • Tutor in English, cultural orientation, life skills, citizenship
  • Drive to appointments, grocery shopping, classes, employment
  • Assist with child care
  • Professional service (child psychologist, counselors, physicians)
  • Interpreting and translating
  • Pick up and deliver donated furniture
  • Receive, organize, distribute donations (inventory management)
  • Office clerical help: data entry, database development, telephones, filing, other support services
  • Fundraising, grant-writing
  • Networking to find additional volunteers and resources
  • (For agencies assisting asylum-seekers: Attorneys are also needed to donate pro bono legal service.)
Useful Items for Donation
• Furniture: sofas, chairs, tables, lamps, dressers, bookcases
• Household supplies: dishes, cookware, bedding, towels, clothing, cleaning supplies
•  Personal hygiene products: soap, deodorant, shampoo, toothpaste, etc.
• Car seats for transporting small children
• School supplies, board games, and toys
• Materials for teaching English to adults and children
• Money, food, sometimes clothing ÷ call to inquire
• Office equipment and supplies
For Students
* Graduating college students: Furniture and other items no longer needed can be donated to the agencies, to furnish apartments for newcomers. Please ask your classmates to join you!
* Internships -- Continuing college students: Refugee agencies often welcome students to work as interns (usually unpaid, although sometimes a small stipend might be available depending on the agency's resources). Check with agencies to find out current needs and opportunities -- and with your professors, academic deans, or internship coordinators about the possibility of receiving course credit as well as practical experience. The Directory of Refugee Service Agencies can be added to campus internship and volunteerism sources.