At the Migrant Reception Center operated by JFS, we provide respite shelter, food, clothing, diapers and toiletries, as well as medical, legal, and travel assistance to thousands of asylum seekers each year.
Help clients navigate the airport, get boarding passes, check their bags, move through TSA security, and ensure they get to the correct gate.
Engage with children and young adults in a game of soccer, jump rope, arts & crafts activities, etc. to help pass the time while they await their travel.
The Refugee Resettlement Program assists arriving refugees as they adjust to settling in San Diego by helping them find employment, learn English, navigate public institutions, connect to community resources, and more.
Share your industry knowledge with a new San Diegan who is seeking to start a career in your field of expertise.
Help connect refugee families with resources such as applying for reduced-cost internet, low-income programs through SDG&E, accessing library services, and enrolling in community college courses or trade schools.
Help translate documents and interpret in-person or by telephone with clients
Opportunities vary by program need, so please check with the Volunteer Engagement team if you are interested in helping out with any of the following programs:
The Immigration Legal Services Program at Jewish Family Service provides quality, low-cost immigration services to refugees, asylees, lawful permanent residents (green card holders) and undocumented immigrants within the community.
The following volunteer opportunities are available to interested community members:
Assist staff members and work directly with clients in the translation of documents and live interpretation in the following languages: Arabic, Farsi, French, Haitian Creole, Pashtu/ Dari, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Tagalog, Vietnamese, Ukrainian. Volunteers are required to be fluent in English and one of the languages listed above.
Assist in the Immigration offices by completing case notes, filing documents, and performing data entry pertaining to immigrant legal cases. Previous experience in an office environment with computer use is beneficial.
Act as a teaching assistant in helping Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs) gain the necessary skills to pass the civics and literacy portions of the Citizenship test. Volunteers are asked to attend at least one class a week (roughly 2 hours/ class) for 10 weeks. Classes will take place throughout the San Diego region; volunteers are required to have reliable transportation to get to and from scheduled classes.
Work directly with immigration staff in helping clients prepare and apply for various immigration benefits. Volunteer Case Aides will complete intakes with clients, prepare case files for staff, and translate/ interpret for staff (if needed). Case Aides will also provide general administrative support in the office as needed. Volunteers eligible for this opportunity are asked to have some experience/ knowledge of immigration law.
Note: All volunteer opportunities require candidates to undergo a background check and interview with the Immigration Volunteer and Outreach Coordinator. Volunteers will also need to complete HIPAA/Privacy and Security training.
