The Caring Circle Program matches Rochester residents with refugees in a partnership of cultural exchange and support.
While there are social support agencies that provide assistance to refugees, there is often a social gap between refugees and their host country’s population. Caring Circle volunteers engage in activities that promote refugee self-sufficiency and independence. At Refugees Helping Refugees, we believe that everyone has something to learn and everyone has something to teach.
All smiles at Refugees Helping Refugees
Caring Circle Program Overview
Volunteer activities should reflect the program goals of empowerment, enrichment, and exchange. These could include helping someone understanding public transportation, food shopping, financial literacy, reading/writing/speaking English, utilizing the library, and more. The Caring Circle Program requires a commitment of at least 10 hours a month for a minimum of 3 months. The exact time and commitment should be decided at the beginning of the partnership and can be re-evaluated over time. Volunteer times for this commitment are flexible and include evenings and weekends.
How Does the Caring Circle Work?
Both volunteers and refugees complete an application. Participants may make specific requests about matching preferences, but an important part of the program is open-mindedness and flexibility. Thus, if requests cannot be fulfilled, participants are asked to be flexible.
Matching is based on hobbies, special interests, etc. that refugees and volunteers have in common based on their application forms. Caring Circle volunteers must be at least 18 years old and can be individuals, couples, or families.
Application Process:
1. Volunteer Application
2. Interview
3. Background check
4. Complete the online course “Welcoming our Newest Neighbors: Learn How to Welcome Refugees” offered by the Refugee Center
5. Initial group meeting scheduled between the community members and the Caring Circle volunteers. Volunteers and community members will have the opportunity to get acquainted with one another, learn more about general goals and priorities, establish expectations for the friendship, and navigate initial language and cultural barriers, often with the help of a translator.
6. Check-in every month
Activity Ideas:
Transportation
• work • school • doctors’ appointments • zoos and museums • job interviews • swimming lessons • Rochester destinations
Paperwork
• interpreting bills • school enrollment • state testing • advocacy in school settings
Teaching
• English • American culture • caring for Western-style homes • cooking using Western-style appliances • cleaning using Western-style appliances • American etiquette • healthy eating
Healthcare
• interpreting healthcare paperwork • advocacy • teaching Western healthcare norms
• finding specialists
Fun
• attending events in Rochester together • going to a restaurant or cafe • going to the park
• celebrating holidays
Program Benefits:
– Create lifelong friendships
– Learn about other cultures, including new cuisines and languages
– Become a tour guide in your own city
– Make a positive difference in the lives of refugees