Immigrants and Refugees

Find Local Community Partners interested in Immigrants and Refugees below.

Barby Clark~ (402)803-8430 ~ barby.clark@redcross.org

2912 S 80th Ave, Omaha, NE 68124 ~ https://www.redcross.org/local/nebraska.html

Volunteers Opportunities include:  responding to local disasters such as house fires; organizing and participating in neighborhood smoke alarm installations; helping educate the community about the services and support provided by the American Red Cross; and more!

Types of Service: Assistance with daily activities, healthcare or health education, office support/clerical or computer work

Looking for volunteers who can commit a semester or longer to the organization!

Miah Sommer, Executive Director ~  miah@thebikeunion.org ~ 402-238-5890

1818 Dodge St, Omaha, NE 68102 ~ http://www.thebikeunion.org/

The Bike Union and Coffee provides workforce development and life skills for young adults impacted by the foster care system. 100% of your purchases go toward supporting our community programming. We have a unique approach to volunteering. Our greatest need is awarenesses of the stats that young adults who have aged out of foster care face. We ask volunteers meet with us over coffee and we can share some facts about foster care with them. With that knowledge, we hope they will invite someone for a coffee meeting at The Bike Union and share these statistics. In this way more and more people hear about foster care and how supporting The Bike Union can help alleviate this problem.

Dave Vankat, Senior Director & Community Relations ~ davev@ccomaha.org ~ (402) 829-9238

3300 North 60th Street, Omaha, NE 68104 ~ https://archomaha.org/discover/

Catholic Charities ministers to the greatest and most fundamental needs of our community. Since 1926, Catholic Charities has had a rich tradition of serving and advocating for the voiceless, hungry, addicted, abused, and forgotten individuals and families annually throughout the area.

At Catholic Charities, we . . .

-give shelter and safety to battered women and children

-feed the hungry

-assist immigrants during times of need

-develop new small business owners

-listen to and counsel people with mental illness

-partner new mothers with experienced mentors

-promote health and recreation to children and seniors

-reunite adoptive families

-support and guide those faced with untimely pregnancies

-teach children

-seniors and families life skills

 

Requirements: Some volunteer roles require background checks or bi-lingual (Spanish) ability.

Ramon Caldaza, Executive Director ~ director@sucentrolatino.com ~ (712) 256-6009

300 West Broadway Ste 16 Council Bluffs, IA 51503 ~ www.sucentrolatino.com

Our mission is to educate and empower Hispanic/Latino individuals and families towards a self-sufficient, safe and healthy life

Dasha Sudar ~ dashasudar@creighton.edu ~ 402-280-3300

814 N. 20th Street Omaha, NE 68102 ~ TRiO Educational Opportunity Center

The TRiO   Educational   Opportunity Center serves low-income adults, helping them advance their education goals through GED and ESL classes, resume and financial aid assistance and much more. The EOC is looking for volunteers to help during  GED and ESL classes, Monday- Wednesday, any time between 9:30-1pm. Volunteering as an individual tutor or leading a workshop (Financial literacy, money management, etc.) is also welcome.

Tia Houston ~ tiah@fhasinc.org ~ (712) 322-4436

3605 Q Street Omaha, NE 68107 ~ https://www.fhasinc.org/tax-services.html

Family Housing Advisory Services’ Omaha EITC Coalition administers the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites in the metro area. We recruit and train two corps of volunteers (Site Navigators-Intake Specialists and Tax Preparers). Training is in the Fall between Labor Day and Thanksgiving at a variety of times. Service is in the Spring (January through April) but we also are open year round for tax preparation. We have a variety of internships also available and can tailor to student interest. See our website for more information at www.fhasinc.org/tax-services.html or call 402-546-1013, ext 6209 for more information.

Types of Service: Non-partisan/advocacy work, office support/clerical and computer work, tax preparation or customer intake

Understanding of Spanish, Arabic, and Nepali would be valuable, but certainly not required!

Melinda Eames, Community Outreach Coordinator~ 402-552-7418 ~ Meames@heartlandfamilyservice.org

2101 S. 42nd St., Omaha, NE 68105 ~ www.heartlandfamilyservice.org

With 50+ programs and 15 locations, volunteers are the lifeblood of our organization. Volunteer opportunities are available in many different locations and capacities. From a one time to an on-going opportunity, from an individual to a group, we always could use willing hands to help us in our work and accomplish more in the community. Making a difference is what we are all about. Our needs are constantly changing, so please contact us to plan your involvement.

Types of Service: Assistance with daily activities, child care, environmental clean up/garden work, music or art activities, office support/clerical or computer work, tutor or teach

Alison Ostrowski ~ aostrowski@immigrantlc.org ~ 402.898.1349

4223 Center St Omaha, NE 68105 ~ https://www.immigrantlc.org/

The Immigrant Legal Center is a nonprofit organization that provides legal services, education, and advocacy for immigrants in Nebraska and Southwest Iowa. Employing a diverse team of specialized professionals, we are uniquely qualified to take a holistic approach to our clients’ immigration-related needs.

Volunteers typically help with filing, translations, help with special events, different tasks around the office (organizing, assisting reception, etc.), and in the case of an emergency (like a raid) a volunteer would help prep forms, packets, or anything else the legal staff would need.

Sonia Gray, Volunteer Manager ~ sonya@incommoncd.org ~ (402) 933-6672

1340 Park Ave, Omaha, NE 68105 ~ https://incommoncd.org/join-us/

inCOMMON alleviates poverty at a root level by uniting + strengthening vulnerable neighborhoods. Because the greatest strength of any neighborhood are the residents who call these places home, we’re committed to transforming neighborhoods through neighbors. Through a variety of community-based and resident-led initiatives, residents are finding ways to rebuild their neighborhoods together, as well as setting a community course away from poverty and toward sustainable futures for themselves and their families. Volunteers are a vital part of all of our activities! For some volunteer opportunities, certain qualifications are beneficial (i.e. Spanish-language skills are beneficial to an ESL tutor), but we also have many opportunities available that do not require special skills–there is a place for everyone!

Wildey Rodriguez ~ (402)444-6529 ~ wrodriguez@interculturalseniorcenter.org

5545 Center St, Omaha, NE 68106 ~ https://www.interculturalseniorcenter.org/

The Intercultural Senior Center is a non-profit organization that strives to improve the dignity, quality of life and physical well-being of seniors from around the world through advocacy, education, access to social services, and cultural enrichment activities that benefit the entire community. We envision an Omaha that values the wisdom and experience of our diverse elders and creates opportunities for them to embrace and enhance their community.

Ana Barrios ~ anamb@ccomaha.org ~ 402-731-5413

3300 N. 60th Street, Omaha NE 68104 ~ https://www.ccomaha.org/about/centers

Serves South Omaha with food assistance, family enrichment, immigration legal assistance, Latina Resource Center and micro-business training.

Efren Garcia ~ EGarcia@latinocenter.org ~ 4821 South 24th Street Omaha, NE 68107 ~ 402-733-2720 ~ https://www.latinocenter.org/get-involved/ 

The Latino Center of the Midlands provides a magnitude of bilingual services that focus on educating the community through a three main programs and one main partnership. We also seek to enhance the lives of the Heartland Latino Community by supporting the education and development of our youth and adults; promoting comprehensive engagement of our families in all facets of their lives; and by fostering leadership through a variety of services and activities.

Volunteers perform tasks as teaching a class, assisting a class, tutoring, child care and activities. As well as helping with major events where volunteer help is needed. Health & well-being services, financial education, social education, physical education, behavioral health education, adult basic education, advocacy services, youth truancy prevention services, youth groups services, and many other educational services are provided along with workforce assistance.

Healthy Kids Club is looking for 1-2 volunteers per day, Mondays, Tuesdays or Wednesdays from 5:30-7:30pm. This service opportunity is a great fit for anyone interested in healthy eating & lifestyle, public health, and/ or medicine. Volunteers must pass a background check. Spanish speaking volunteers are especially helpful!

Upcoming Get out the Vote phone banking opportunities are November 17 3pm-5pm, November 22 3pm-5pm and December 15 3-5pm.

 

Skills: Bilingual (Spanish & English) preferred, but not required for all volunteer roles

 

Katie Weber, Program Coordinator ~ katie@golearnall.org ~ 402-502-0698

8610 W Dodge Road Omaha, NE 68114  ~ www.golearnall.org

Our mission is to provide adult education (Literacy, GED, English as a Second Language, classroom and one-on-one tutoring). Classes are offered from 9:30am-7:30pm and volunteers are welcome at any time.

Summer opportunities:

Summer session starts June 7th and finishes July 29th. All classes will be remote and hosted on our online curriculum, Burlington English. We are capping class size at 10 students to give students the opportunity to participate fully in class.

At this moment, we anticipate needing 2 Advanced ESL class teachers and 1 Intermediate ESL class teacher. These classes are all on Tuesday and Thursday nights from 5:30-7:00 PM. Anyone interested in teaching would do a volunteer orientation with Katie and additional training on using the Burlington English curriculum with an employee at Burlington. Anyone who might be interested can call or email Katie.

Rose McCaffrey ~ 402-660-7882 ~ rose.mccaffrey@onelfs.org ~ 7929 West Center Road

https://www.onelfs.org/

Lutheran Family Services of Nebraska, Inc. is always in need of volunteers to assist with a variety of programs teaching job skills, mentoring children and adults, sorting donations, facilitating support groups and organizing community events. Volunteers are also needed to assist with refugee services; mentoring, tutoring, apartment set-up, and shopping. We also have opportunities for childcare, clerical support and special events. Lutheran Family Services matches volunteers to programs based on the volunteer’s location, skills and interests. Flexible hours and volunteer sites make volunteering at LFS convenient. We always welcome occasional volunteers and groups.

  • Refugee Family Mentor/Community Guide (ESL assistance, job skills, community guidance, grocery shopping, navigating through community, etc.) 
  • Co-sponsorship for Refugee Resettlement (Furniture collection/apartment set up) 
  • Farming Assistant (Global Roots) 
  • Movers and Shakers (moving furniture, household items, and apartment set up) 
  • Special Event Help 
  • Child Services 

The Global Roots program is seeking volunteers interested in gardening/ farming on a regular or one time basis. The Global Roots program provides access to land, resources and support to refugee farmers in Nebraska. All service is outside and socially distanced.

To apply to volunteer visit our Volunteer Hub website: https://www.onelfs.org/get-involved/

Rose McCaffrey ~ 402-660-7882 rose.mccaffrey@onelfs.org

Volunteer application:

Volunteer-Application

Amelia Simmons, Creighton Medical Student ~ ameliasimmons@creighton.edu ~ (402) 881-0143

1111 N 17th St, Omaha NE 68102 (Siena Francis House) ~ Website

Founded and run by students of the Creighton University School of Medicine since 2004, the Magis Clinic serves the homeless and uninsured of Omaha.  The Magis Clinic is staffed by volunteer students, physicians and pharmacists from the Creighton University School of Medicine and the School of Pharmacy and provides free healthcare and referrals to existing community services.  It is the first free medical clinic in Omaha open on Saturdays that treats homeless men, women, children and the medically uninsured.  Services include basic acute primary care consultations and follow-up, physical exams, mental health care, STD testing, laboratory services, including basic blood tests; pharmaceuticals.  Magis Clinic volunteers also partner with the Charles Drew Health Center, coordinating their efforts to achieve the mission of the Magis Clinic.

Requirements: Application & Interview

Selina Martinez, Organizing Director ~ Smartinez@neappleseed.org ~ (402)438-8853 x116

941 O Street, Suite 920, Lincoln, NE 68508 ~ https://neappleseed.org/volunteer

Nebraska Appleseed is a nonprofit organization that fights for justice and opportunity for all Nebraskans. We take a systemic approach to complex issues- such as child welfare, immigration policy, affordable healthcare and poverty- and we take our work wherever we believe we can do the most good, whether that’s at the courthouse, in the statehouse or in the community. Our volunteer opportunities are typically projects based on individual skills and talents of the volunteer. During peak moments of engagement, volunteers can help to staff booths at events, send texts, make phone calls or go door to door with staff to encourage community members to take action.

 

Glenn Simonsen ~ glenn.simonsen@ops.org ~ 531-299-0220

Yates Community Center, 3260 Davenport St, Omaha, NE 68131

Teaching English conversation and grammar to adult immigrants.Volunteers will work with small groups under the direction of a classroom teacher.

Enkela Vehbiu~ enkelejda.vehbiu@ops.org ~ (531) 299-9768

3215 Cuming St, Omaha, NE 68131

(Formally known as Yates Community Center, now located at the OPS TAC building.)

The OPS Parent Education Program’s mission is to teach refugees, immigrants, and other community members skills that will help them be successful in the Omaha Community.

The OPS Parent Education Program offers:

• ESL Classes: Conversational English and Citizenship Class

•Computer Lab: Learn English and computer skill at the same time.

• Early Childhood Center: Four Early Childhood classes are offered to assist children in school readiness.

The OPS TAC building is walkable from Creighton’s campus. Volunteers are welcome and needed to help provide tutoring in classes, assist adults in studying for their Driver’s License exam, and teaching students how to use the computer. Classes are in the mornings. Volunteers must complete an OPS volunteer application.

Sarah Keeney ~ otocfornebraska@gmail.com ~ (402) 344-4401

3647 Lafayette Avenue, Omaha, NE 68131 ~ https://otoc.org/

Omaha Together One Community (OTOC) is a coalition of 30 congregations and community organizations which work together on issues of justice and the common good in the Omaha area. OTOC is a community organizing organization that helps ordinary people shape public policy decisions which affect their lives. Current OTOC Action Teams include Immigration and Refugees, Environmental Sustainability, Improving Mental Health Care, Health Insurance for All, Housing and Community Revitalization and Predatory Payday Lending Limitations. Looking for persons interested in learning about organizing and how to shape public policy toward the common good.

Courtney Spurgeon ~ cspurgeon@oneworldomaha.org ~ (402) 502-8917

4920 S. 30th St, Omaha, NE 68107 ~ https://www.oneworldomaha.org/volunteer/

Put your passion to work at OneWorld! Join people from diverse cultures and make a positive impact in the health and well-being of OneWorld patients.

Volunteer opportunities include:

  • Working in our Baby Boutique
  • Mexican Consulate Health Window (Spanish required)
  • Gardening and Grounds Keeping
  • Special Projects Support
  • Learning Community Center ESL Class Aide
  • Learning Community Center Child Care Assistant 
  • … and more

Alison Ostrowski~ Volunteer Coordinator~ aostrowski@immigrantlc.org ~ (402) 898-1349

1111 North 13th Street, Suite 128 ~ https://refugeeempowerment.org/volunteer/

The mission of the Refugee Empowerment Center is to resettle and empower refugees to become self-sufficient through direct services and educational programs. REC envisions a world where communities welcome all refugees and immigrants. We see ourselves as catalysts in the work of building welcoming communities. We aim to build relationships and a cross-cultural understanding between the Omaha and refugee communities. We are a community-based, Nebraska 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation.

Volunteers are key to our success in helping resettle newly arrived refugees and equipping them with the skills they need to be self-sufficient.  We have a variety of ways you can help including providing transportation to social security, medical appointments, job interviews and other first 90 days transportation needs.  Also setting up housing; helping set up household goods, etc.  ESL class help and other assistance for newly arrived refugees. Training is provided!

Requirements: REC general volunteer training

Hannah Vlach-Wyble ~ (402) 305-8139 ~ RestoringDignity@live.com
https://rdomaha.org/

Restoring Dignity is composed of people in the Omaha community who volunteer their time and resources to help impoverished refugee families. Over the course of a weekend, we go into individual family homes and clean, organize, and bring needed household items. New projects are listed every other month. We assist refugee families in two main areas: (1) teaching basic cleaning skills and providing them with cleaning supplies and (2) bringing these families basic household furniture such as dressers, beds, chairs, and tables. In addition, we also provide basic household items, such as toilet paper, towels, light bulbs, and bed sheets. Everyone can help in some capacity, and we need around 35-45 volunteers per family that we assist. Join us as we aim to restore dignity and hope to the lives of struggling refugee families here in the Omaha area.

Pam Font Gabel ~ info@refugeewomenrising.org ~ (531) 232-2167

3902 Davenport Street ~ https://www.refugeewomenrising.org/

We understand that refugee women seek a safe haven where they can not only survive, but thrive. A place to live, work, explore interests and safely grow their families.

Refugee Women Rising thoughtfully supports and empowers women from around the world as they reach their full potential.

Program areas include:

Driver's Education

Culinary Opportunities

Women's Wellness

Link to volunteer application. 

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