Refugee Mentorship

Mentors are integral partners in resettling refugees by providing extra care so that they may quickly become self-sufficient. Through weekly visits, mentors will assist refugees in realizing short-term goals while also providing an introduction to American culture and customs.Mentors are individuals that ease the transition to self-sufficiency by establishing a relationship with a refugee. A mentors goal is to assist a refugee in reaching self-sufficiency as quickly as possible through one-on-one guidance, advocacy, and individualized support.

Duties/Expectations-

• Be a friend [Help a refugee family become familiar with their new environment, actively support and encourage through a potentially challenging transitional period]
• Be a teacher [Tutor in conversational English, provide basic financial literacy training, assist with managing household affairs]
• Be an advocate [Help establish a social support network for refugee families, refer refugee families to RST staff for any issues or concerns regarding employment, healthcare, and other social services]

• Provide job readiness/pre-employment training (Demonstrate professional etiquette, conduct mock interviews, discuss workplace culture)
• Closely assist with the employment process (Build a rsum, job search, fill out job applications)
• Provide professional insight as it pertains to a particular job sector (Certification and training, general advancement opportunities)
• Coach and encourage mentee through potential challenges and setbacks
• Communicate with RST staff regularly to report progress and submit timesheets
• Commit to your mentee for the entire duration of your service term

Time Commitment- We ask that our volunteers commit to a duration of at least 4 months. Mentors and mentees should establish a more detailed schedule at their first meeting. Mentors must also attend a volunteer orientation and submit to a background check.

Gain insight into the refugee experience, and build cross-cultural understanding!

To apply,create your volunteer profile at houston.rstx.volunteerhub.com.