A volunteer—like you—can make a profound difference in the life of a refugee.
A refugee’s fleeing is often sudden and unplanned. In order to save their lives, they leave behind family, friends, homes, belongings, jobs, and everything that is familiar. Refugees start their lives over in the U.S. with next to nothing and face the difficult challenge of learning a new culture and language. What’s more, refugees’ deepest wounds are often emotional. Even after resettling in the U.S., many refugees still struggle with fear and loneliness. They need welcome, friendship, and a place to belong.
Through practical support, friendship, and community, you can help create a sense of belonging for refugees.
Exodus is currently working with over 650 resettled refugee families in Chicagoland. Volunteers are needed to provide essential supplies, English conversation practice, homework help for kids, and more as they walk beside refugees who are rebuilding their lives.
The Exodus team helps you find the opportunity that’s right for you. We provide cross-cultural training and ongoing support during your volunteer experience. We’ll walk beside you as you walk beside refugees.
Support
One-Time Service
When refugees are resettled in the U.S., starting over is daunting. Volunteers can make a huge difference by providing household essentials, and most especially, a warm, personal connection.
Grocery
Care Pack
Encourage a refugee family in urgent need with grocery supplies. You’ll collect culturally appropriate produce, meat, and food staples, then deliver them to a refugee neighbor with a friendly visit. (See the lists.)
Baby
Care Pack
When preparing for a new baby, many refugees miss their familiar community. You can offer comfort and blessing to a refugee family who is expecting a new arrival by collecting and delivering much-needed items. (See the list.)
Household
Care Pack
You can provide a refugee individual or family with useful supplies as they rebuild their lives. By collecting and delivering these essentials, you offer practical support, along with a neighborly visit of encouragement. (See the list.)
All Care Packs are delivered to refugees living in Chicagoland.
Friendship
Once a Week for Three Months
When you become a New Neighbor, you are helping to ease the loneliness and isolation that many refugees experience when resettling in a new country. Volunteers help refugees with cultural hurdles, such as language, academics, and citizenship. Sharing these experiences paves the way for beautiful, mutual friendships.
New Neighbor
You can answer basic questions about life in the U.S. and be a friendly guide for a refugee neighbor. By sharing visits and experiences, you can build cross-cultural bridges and friendship.
New Neighbor
for Youth
Adult volunteers visit weekly with a student, coordinated with Exodus and the child’s parents. Volunteers increase academic skills and confidence for elementary, middle school, and high school students. Resources are provided.
New Neighbor Conversations
You can help a refugee individual improve their English and build a friendship in the process! Conversation partners meet weekly at an agreed upon time. A conversation guide is provided.
New Neighbor Citizenship
Refugees are eligible to apply for citizenship after living in the U.S. for five years—an exciting milestone. Using resources provided, you can help a refugee prepare for the citizenship exam by tutoring them in American history, civics, and English.
All New Neighbor opportunities are in Chicagoland.
Engaging with Refugees: Cross-Cultural Training is provided before becoming a New Neighbor.
When the Kurdi family, refugees from Syria, arrived in Chicago, they knew no one. Volunteers greeted them and provided consistent care and friendship to help them rebuild their lives. See how your friendship can make a big difference for a refugee family.
Community
Customize Your Service
You can serve as an individual or a small group with scheduled programs like homework help, English conversation practice, or shared interest groups—such as computer skills, music, art, and more. Named after one of Exodus’ co-founders, Heidi’s House is a welcoming gathering place where volunteers and refugees create communities of friendship and belonging.
Heidi's House Wheaton
Groups of volunteers and refugees meet weekly to explore a variety of skills and interests.
Heidi's House Chicago
Groups currently meet in the Rogers Park neighborhood at a temporary location.
Heidi's House in Action
Take a look at some of the ways volunteers connect with refugees at Heidi’s House.
Custom Activities and Events
There are many ways to walk beside refugees, and volunteers bring unique ideas and skills that go beyond the options above. Custom service activities and events may be created especially for you! Connect with us today to start a conversation.