VOLUNTEER
We are always seeking compassionate, hard-working volunteers to help out at the center. Volunteers can work as little as one to five hours a week or month. Whatever amount of time you have to offer, it is always valuable to us! Below you will find descriptions of the various volunteer opportunities we offer at The International Center of Kentucky.
Learning & Play place
1-2 days or 4 hours a week preferred
During the school year, help care for young children while their parents participate in ESL classes to learn English. A consistent schedule is required for this opportunity!
ESL Assistant
/instructor
Monday through Thursday from 8 am-12 pm.
Assist our ESL Instructors in testing students, preparing materials for class, and other duties for the class. We have two different classes available to help with, beginner and intermediate. You do not have to have any teaching experience to help with our ESL classes! If you comfortable enough to teach a class, materials will be provided.
Special events
Schedule decided by volunteer & special events coordinator.
Being a Special Events volunteer is perfect for the person with a busy schedule. Although we do not have weekly special events, you can still help the International Center through special events like World Refugee Day! This is a perfect opportunity for groups and individuals who are seeking to help at the International Center from one to five hours a month or for people who love to plan events!
Organization & Beautification
Up to volunteer/groups.
Friday and Saturday are great days to get stuff done here at the International Center, providing several opportunities for volunteers and large groups. Both days can be used for donation room organization, landscaping and other outdoor activities, and other types of office organization. This is a perfect opportunity for groups and individuals who are seeking to help at the International Center from one to five hours a month. If Fridays don’t work, other arrangements can be made with advanced planning.
civics classes
Once or twice a week (as decided by volunteers & coordinators).
This program allows us to provide courses for our clients to educate them on numerous topics including domestic violence, human rights, and legal services. We need volunteers who would be willing to teach classes regarding civil rights, the US judicial process, and their overall rights as refugees. If you have a class in mind, please come share your idea with us!
sewing classes
Monday and Wednesday from 4-6 pm
This program allows us to provide courses and materials to our female clients to educate them on how to sew small items to provide for their families. If you are interested in volunteering, please inquire!
Mentorship program
At least two hours a week for a minimum of three months.
Mentors at the International Center of Kentucky are caring, responsible, and reliable volunteers who serve as trusted friends and guides to our clients. They help ensure that their mentees develop important academic and life skills through their support and friendship.
Mentors spend two hours per week with their mentee for 6 months. Mentors can teach their mentees new skills, new hobbies, and do activities with them, as well as learn about different cultures and customs.
We would love to have you and anyone else interested sign up to join the program. Learn more about these opportunities below.
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Youth mentors are paired with refugee high schoolers to help them with their homework, preparation for college or jobs, and social issues that they face. Many mentees also wish to learn about different careers they can become in the future and practice for their permit or driving tests.
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Family mentors are responsible for assisting refugee families with the acculturation process by identifying specific needs of the family. Many refugee families can benefit from activities such as how to check and open their mail, how to navigate around the city to major destinations and how to maintain safe and healthy homes. Each family’s needs are different and therefore appropriate activities for each family vary.