Refugee Services

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Background:

Our mission at AIRS is to provide services to newly arriving refugees to ensure a successful transition from arrival to economic self-sufficiency.

AIRS programs provide refugees and legal immigrants with housing, food, clothing, translation, English language instruction, job training, employment assistance, immigration and other referral services.

"Refugee" status is a form of protection granted by the US government that may be granted to people who meet the definition of refugee and who are of special humanitarian concern to the United States. Refugees are generally defined as people who are forced to flee their country origin and are unable or unwilling to return home because of they fear serious harm and persecution on account of race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion.

WHY Volunteer At AIRS?

1. You get to work with good people who are passionate about providing services for refugees
2. You feel warm and fuzzy about meeting and helping refugees start their new, safe, self-sufficient lives in the USA
3. Great experience for social, admin, policy, NGO, non-profit, international work and more
4. Log as many volunteer/internship hours as you want
5. Most importantly, what we do is important and we'd love your help!

WHAT Can You Do At AIRS?

Social Work Intern:

• Job shadow / ride along with case workers in the field
• Assist in providing general services and attending appointments with refugees
• Record case notes to complete case files

Every Wednesday Cultural Adjustment Classes:

• Pick-up refugees from their home and take them to AIRS office for classes
• Assist in class (either Bus Training, Law Enforcement Workshop, English Testing, or Financial Literacy), translate, share experiences, etc
• Drop-off refugees at their homes after classes

• Help caseworkers shop for apartment needs of our newly arriving refugees
• Gather appropriate donations
• Assist in apartment set-up

English Class:

• Help teach English to newly arrived refugees
• Possible transportation assistance to and from classes
• Translation/interpretation

Donation Handling:

• Receive incoming donation pick-ups from donors
• Organize, sort & label donations
• Take out-going donation drop-offs to refugees

WHO Can Volunteer At AIRS?

ANYBODY, who:

• Is nice
• Communicates effectively
• Gives permission to conduct a Background Check
• Commits to AIRS's mission; to help refugees reach self-sufficiency in America!

HOW Can You Volunteer At AIRS?

• Go to www.AIRSAZ.org
• Download and complete the Volunteer Paperwork and DES Direct Service Form
• Email both forms to INFO@AIRSAZ.org
• Wait for a reply to schedule your volunteer orientation
• Accept invitiation to AIRS communication page
• Coordinate your first day with AIRS staff

AIRS is a resettlement affiliate of ECDC ( www.ecdcus.org ). Its activities are conducted with support from the United States Department of State through ECDC; the Office of Refugee Resettlement, United States Department of Health and Human Services; the Department of Economic Security of the State of Arizona; and countless other community groups and individuals