You can make a profound difference for a resettled refugee in Chicagoland.
When refugees are resettled in the U.S., they begin a new journey of rebuilding their lives from next to nothing. Refugees face the years-long challenges of learning a new language and culture, building new skills and a new home, while often feeling deeply isolated and lonely.
Through practical support, friendship, and community, you can help refugees who are building new lives.
The Exodus team will help you find the opportunity that’s right for you, whether serving one time or weekly for three months. We provide volunteer training and ongoing support during your volunteer experience. We’ll walk beside you as you walk beside a refugee individual or family.
Support
One-Time Service
It takes time for resettled refugees to rebuild their lives. A Care Pack is a practical way to meet essential needs,
while offering encouragement through a friendly visit.
Grocery
Care Pack
You can encourage a refugee family in need with a comforting taste of home. Collect culturally-appropriate groceries with produce, meat, and staple foods and deliver them to a refugee neighbor with a friendly visit.
See the lists.
Baby
Care Pack
Many refugees are separated from friends and family. You can bless refugee parents who are expecting a new arrival by collecting and delivering much-needed items, such as clothing, blankets, diapers, baby wipes, and more.
See the list.
All Care Packs are delivered to refugees living in Chicagoland.
The Exodus team will guide and support your efforts, to ensure your donations meet real needs in the refugee community.
Mentoring and Friendship
Once a Week for Three Months
Refugees of all ages are eager to build new skills that speed their adjustment in the U.S. They are also eager for friendship. As a New Neighbor volunteer, your weekly, friendly visit will help a refugee adult or youth grow in confidence and a sense of belonging.
New Neighbor for Youth
Visit weekly with a refugee student, coordinated with Exodus and the child’s parents. You’ll help build academic skills and confidence for a refugee student in elementary, middle, or high school. Training and resources are provided.
New Neighbor Conversations
You can help a refugee individual improve their conversational English, while building a friendship in the process! Conversation partners meet weekly at a mutually agreed upon time. Training and a conversation guide is provided.
All New Neighbor opportunities are in Chicagoland.
Engaging with Refugees: Volunteer Training is provided before becoming a New Neighbor.
Skills and Community
One-Time or Regular Service Opportunities
You can volunteer as an individual or a small group at one of our Heidi’s House community centers. Named after one of Exodus’ co-founders, Heidi’s House is a welcoming gathering place where volunteers and refugees meet for skill-building, friendship, and community.
Heidi's House Wheaton
Join us at our community center in Wheaton! Groups meeting at various times throughout the week include Kids Club, Moms and Tots, Teens Group, Young Adults, and English Conversation Practice for adults. Volunteers join in activities, mentoring opportunities, and practical support.
Heidi's House Chicago
Join us at our community center in the Rogers Park neighborhood! Groups meeting at various times throughout the week include Kids Club, Moms and Tots, and English Conversation Practices for adults. Volunteers join in activities, mentoring opportunities, and practical support.