Family Volunteer Opportunities + Refugee Resources

By Mile High Mamas on February 6, 2017 No Comments

Family Volunteer Opportunities + Refugee Resources

Do you want to get your family more involved with helping others while bonding and doing some good in the world? Volunteers of America Colorado has a few great volunteer opportunities for kids of all ages. Email mbarfuss [at] voacolorado [dot] org for more information.

Snow Buddies. Help shovel the sidewalks for our senior clients. Winter can be a hard time for seniors and unshoveled walks can make them miss doctors appointments, be isolated, get injured or even get fined. Volunteer as a Snow Buddy and we will match you up with a senior you in your area. When it snows, you go over and shovel their sidewalks and driveways. It is an easy way to give back to your neighbors.

Mission Meals. Volunteers are needed to help serve dinner at VOA’s Mission, a day shelter for the homeless, Monday – Thursday. Volunteer will set up, serve and clean up dinner from 4:15 – 6:30. Volunteer must be 14 years or older. The VOA Mission is located at:
2877 Lawrence St.
Denver, CO 80205

Runnin’ of the Green. The 29th annual Runnin’ of the Green is a 7K run/walk or a Leprechaun Leap 2 mile run/walk on Sunday, March 12th from 7:00 am-2:00 pm (shifts will vary). Volunteers are needed to assist with registration, course marshaling, waves, breakdown and much much more. Proceeds from the race benefit Volunteers of America’s programs. Join them after your shift for an unforgettable post race block party. Note: Must be 18+ to volunteer. Want to volunteer with your family? Check out their Family Water Station- email [email protected] for more information.

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If you are disheartened by the conflicts that have arisen over immigrants and refugees, here are a few resources:

– 7 common myths about refugee resettlement in the United States.

– Related: A Syrian family of refugees who has settled in Boston describe the vetting process they went through.

Statistically speaking, refugees who get resettled in the USA have found the ultimate pot of gold. Out of 65 million refugees in the world, only 1 percent of them will get resettled. Half of that 1 percent will resettle in the United States. Local resettlement agencies can get overwhelmed with an increasing number of incoming refugee families and limited budgets.

Donating goods is good and donating cash is often better. There are dozens of grass-roots organizations on the ground that provide basic necessities to refugees directly and hands-on. For example, LHI uses donated money to purchase vegetables, cooking oil, rice, lentils, tea, sugar, flour, dish detergent, laundry powder, shampoo, soap, diapers and many other basic items for the 525+ refugees in our camp.

Some organizations doing good work on the ground that could benefit from donations include: