Refugee & Employment Services

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"Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota expresses the love of Christ for all people through acts of service."

Refugee Services Volunteer Opportunities

The Refugee Resettlement program helps provide a smooth transition of refugees to their new life in the United States. Bilingual/multicultural staff facilitates resettlement in a variety of ways with the cooperation of sponsoring family members, churches and other interested community groups. They do this by ensuring that basic needs are met such as food, shelter, and clothing. Staff also helps refugees apply for needed documents, registration for school, obtaining employment, enrolling in ESL classes and much more!

There are a variety of opportunities in volunteering with Refugee Resettlement. For more information, contact Sharon Bangsund at Sharon.Bangsund@lssmn.org or 612/879-5260

Green Card Day Assistant
Provide assistance to refugees in filing for green card documents. This is a wonderful opportunity to meet and help refugees from all parts of the world file for permanent residence. Hours are twice a month, flexible.

Employment Tutor
Here is an opportunity for you to gain experience working with culturally diverse populations and to hear their stories firsthand regarding their journey to the United States. Through "Partnerships Enabling Employment for Refugees" training program, you can provide one-on-one tutoring and/or help in group employment workshops. Teach refugees the basics of employment in the United States, help them learn how to apply, interview and obtain employment. Your volunteer contribution will help participants reach their goal of finding employment and becoming self-sufficient. Flexible schedule.

Bus Lesson Leader
As a group leader you will have the opportunity to help refugees become more independent by instructing them how to use public transportation. Clients are eager to learn about their new communities. Through your assistance they will not have to rely on others to get to work, go to the grocery store or to travel around the Cities. Tuesdays from 11:00-1:00.

Pack Rat Patrol
Refugees come to this country with little more than the clothes on their backs. By providing items like coats, hats, mittens, quilts, pots, pans, and other needed items, you help families become adjusted a bit more to their new life in Minnesota. Assist with organizing collection drives or contacting community organizations for donations. Flexible time schedule.

R.P.M Team
Spin your wheels with the R.P.M. Team-Become a "Refugee People Mover"! Helpers are needed to pickup homebound refugees and take them to job interviews, medical appointments, grocery shopping and other exciting places. Flexible schedule.

Refugee Mentor
Get to know refugees and learn from each other. Becoming a mentor is a great way to help newly arrived refugees learn more about their community, life in the United States, and help them adjust to a different culture. As a mentor you will gain valuable experience working with a different culture, learning new customs and hearing about the refugee experience. Multicultural training provided. Flexible Schedule.