Help Refugees Adjust to Life in Maine

Are you passionate about helping refugees and making a difference in your community? Join us as a Cultural Orientation Volunteer and help refugees build a new life in Maine. Together, we can create stronger, more inclusive communities.

The Jewish Community Alliance (JCA) of Southern Maine provides educational and social programming to enhance Jewish life and continuity locally, in Israel, and around the world. We aim to generate financial resources to develop, support, and provide various services to strengthen our community.

The Southern Maine Agency on Aging has partneredwith the JCA to recruit volunteers for key, impactful roles!

Position Overview:
JCA is seeking compassionate and dedicated volunteers to help guide refugees through their transition to life in the United States by leading weekly Cultural Orientation (CO) sessions.

As a Cultural Orientation Volunteer, you can help new Mainers acclimate to their new homes. This opportunity will place you directly with a refugee family to cover topics such as US law, hygiene, housing and more! Youll establish a unique relationship with this family as you help them adjust to living in Maine.

his is an excellent opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of newly-arrived refugees and develop your teaching and communication skills in a supportive environment. This role is part of the JCA's affiliation with the HIAS partner network.

Key Responsibilities:
-Lead weekly sessions on topics such as U.S. laws, hygiene, housing, finances, cultural adjustment, and more.
-Sessions take place every Tuesday morning (Portland) and Thursday morning (Auburn) from 10AM-12PM; remote options are also available.
-Sessions run 60-90 minutes and are designed for 1-2 adult participants.
-Volunteers will receive a binder with materials to help teach, including slides and narratives for each topic.
-Prior to leading a session, volunteers will have the opportunity to review the materials and shadow a current volunteer for hands-on experience.
-Interpreters are available to assist via call-in interpretation services.

Ideal Volunteer Qualities:
-Empathy and cultural sensitivity, especially toward refugees' experiences.
-A desire to work with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
-Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
-Good oral communication and presentation skills.
-Patience and willingness to work with individuals who may have limited English proficiency.
-Must pass a background check.

Training & Support:
-Required: Attend one virtual HIAS Volunteer Orientation (multiple dates available monthly).
-Volunteers will be supported with ongoing training, access to resources, and recognition for their contributions.
-Shadowing an experienced volunteer is part of the onboarding process.

Benefits of Volunteering:
-Opportunity to directly help refugees transition to a new life in the United States.
-Develop valuable teaching, communication, and intercultural skills.
-Gain experience working in a multicultural environment.
-Meet new people and make a positive impact on your community.
-Access to continuous training, support, and recognition through the Southern Maine Agency on Aging (SMAA) and the JCA!

To get started, contact Southern Maine Agency on Aging Volunteer Services at [email protected] or 207-396-6595.