Volunteer - World Relief Chicagoland

We all want to make a difference in the world. It’s part of how we are designed. At World Relief, we believe making a difference is a two-way street. Over the past 40+ years, we’ve been guiding people like you to volunteering in ways that make a lasting impact. You can bring your gifts, abilities and interests, and World Relief will help you connect and walk alongside families and individuals as they rebuild their lives in Chicagoland.

We are so excited to partner with you as you grow, learn, and make a difference through volunteering.

Note: Our volunteer opportunities are generally transitioning back to in-person, although when clients and volunteers prefer they can continue meeting virtually. For one-on-one roles in particular, we're prioritizing local volunteers who have the option to serve face-to-face. In some cases, we have the ability to match non-local volunteers who can carry out their role virtually.

Volunteer Opportunities

Youth Tutor
Build relationships by coming alongside a refugee or immigrant youth and their parent(s) as they adjust to homework, school, and parenting in the U.S., in the midst of the current pandemic.

English Language Tutor
Practice conversational English and language skills with an adult refugee or immigrant, becoming friends in the process! (Note: Language tutors must be Illinois residents due to funding stipulations).

Friendship Partner
Combat loneliness and isolation through intentional friendship. Get to know a refugee or immigrant family and help them feel known and connected by providing consistent friendship and cultural empowerment, while assisting in practical ways.

Young Adult Mentor
Mentor a young adult refugee as they prepare for the next step in their higher education or career path, building their confidence and your relationship in the process.

Health Advocate
Provide friendship and support to a refugee or asylee individual or family who is facing extra challenges or barriers to receiving the services they need, or is simply experiencing additional stress under COVID.

Citizenship Tutor
Assist immigrants in preparing for their citizenship interview and exam in a one-on-one or small group setting. Held on various evenings/Saturday mornings at partner sites both in-person and virtually across our DuPage and Aurora suburban locations.

Transportation Assistant
Welcome and empower refugees as they access new places, whether it's picking them up from the airport upon arrival or helping them get to various appointments.

Apartment Set-up Assistants
Create a welcoming environment for refugees and immigrants in their new homes by delivering and setting up household items.

Volunteer Testimonials

"Serving in the ESL program has helped me love my diverse city even more, and the students inspire and remind me to love my neighbor each week by their joy, enthusiasm, tenacity, and gratefulness."
- Sarah, World Relief Volunteer

“Pat and I feel very much appreciated, and cherish each family we have helped. We remain friends with several and are enriched by having them in our lives.”
- Pat and Harriett, World Relief Volunteers

"I’ve learned about the needs of refugees and immigrants, immigration law and policy, and teaching English. Mostly, I’ve learned about the world by getting to know immigrants, their lives, and their stories.”
- Paul, World Relief Volunteer

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