Volunteer Request Form

We’re seeking compassionate and reliable volunteers to help refugee and immigrant clients get to and from their medical appointments. Volunteers will provide safe, friendly transportation within the Anchorage area, helping clients access essential healthcare services and navigate their new community.

Responsibilities:  Pick up clients from their homes (or our office) and transport them to scheduled medical appointments  Wait during the appointment (as needed) and provide return transportation  Communicate with staff to confirm ride details and schedules

Qualifications:  Valid driver’s license, clean driving record, and access to a reliable vehicle  Comfortable interacting with people from diverse backgrounds  Friendly, patient, and dependable 

This volunteer role directly supports newly arrived individuals and families as they build healthier, more stable lives in Alaska. 

We’re looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help plan and facilitate fun, hands-on health and wellness workshops for refugee and immigrant clients. Volunteers do not need to be health experts or certified instructors—just people who enjoy sharing ideas about healthy living and helping others learn in a welcoming, supportive environment. 

Workshops may include topics like nutrition, exercise, stress management, or self-care. Volunteers assist with planning activities, setting up materials, and engaging participants in discussions and demonstrations. 

This is a great opportunity to make a positive impact while promoting healthy habits and community connection!

Join our volunteer team to help keep the Catholic Social Services Refugee & Immigration Services Welcome Center clean, welcoming, and comfortable for the clients and staff who use it every day! 

The Welcome Center is home to our Education & Employment Services, Youth Employment Specialists, and the Fresh International Garden (FIG) program. Once a month, volunteers come together to do a deep clean of shared spaces—helping create a bright, organized, and inviting environment for our refugee and immigrant community. 

Tasks may include wiping down tables and surfaces, organizing supplies, cleaning windows, floors, and common areas, and light rearranging to refresh the space.

Bring a team of friends, coworkers, or family members and make a difference together! All cleaning supplies are provided.

Make a meaningful impact by volunteering to teach English to refugees arriving in our community. Help individuals and families navigate their new environment, build confidence, and connect through language. This position requires a background check. Training and ESL supplies will be provided. 

Are you passionate about making a difference in the life of a young person? We are looking for youth mentors to support refugee youth (ages 15–24) as they adjust to life in Alaska. Mentors help with English, academics, career exploration, and—most importantly—offer friendship and encouragement during a critical time. Just a few hours a month can help a young person feel seen, supported, and empowered to thrive. No experience needed—just a commitment to show up and be present. This position requires a background check. Training will be provided. 

Are you interested in mentoring a family that has recently arrived to the United States? As a family mentor, your role is to help the family begin integrating into American and Alaskan life by guiding them through the aspects of our every-day lives that may not be so normal to them. Family mentors will establish a supportive and trustworthy relationship with the refugee family so they can attain self-sufficiency in their new community. You can offer friendship and support as families adjust to their lives in Alaska. This position requires a background check. Training will be provided. 

Join the Refugee Assistance & Immigration Services (RAIS) team to help newly arrived refugees and immigrants navigate their new community. We are seeking volunteers fluent in Swahili, Kinyarwanda, or Spanish to assist staff and clients with translation and interpretation during program activities, appointments, and client interactions. 

Responsibilities: 

Provide verbal interpretation between RAIS staff and clients in Swahili, Kinyarwanda, or Spanish. 

Translate basic written materials or forms when needed.

Support communication during intake appointments, workshops, and case management meetings.

Maintain confidentiality and professionalism at all times.

Time Commitment:  Flexible volunteer shifts available between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Volunteers may assist on an as-needed or scheduled basis depending on availability. 

Impact:  Your support helps RAIS clients access essential services, understand important information, and feel welcomed in their new community.