Mission Statement:
Lincoln Friends of Refugees is a mentoring program designed to aid Lincoln’s refugee population in transitioning to life in the United States through fostering mutually-beneficial relationships.
Who We Serve:
Lincoln has served as a new home for those escaping violence or persecution for over half a century. Today, Catholic Social Services resettles over 180 refugees annually from all over the world, each arriving with their own personal story and ambitions for a brighter future in the United States.
How Can I Help?
Beyond the core services Catholic Social Services provides for refugees, advocacy and mentoring are the staples for a well-rounded adjustment in our community. Please consider spending one hour every week with a family, assisting them in practicing English through fun and interactive activities.
The commitment for the program mirrors Lincoln's Teammates program, which is three months and once per week for at least an hour. Volunteers are required to work in pairs, so they are encouraged to do the program with a friend. Otherwise, we are happy to accommodate and pair a single volunteer with another single volunteer. Volunteers are certainly welcome to spend as much time as they wish with the families. In fact, the families are always asking for more volunteer time. Volunteers are required to submit a background check and complete a required conduct module.
The program provides a volunteer orientation prior to meeting the family and the volunteer is escorted and spend the first visit with the volunteers and the family. All of the participating refugee families welcome the volunteers to spend that one hour in the homes of the refugees. However, if the volunteers feel uncomfortable with this situation, a certified 'safe space' around the neighborhood may be used.
This program has fostered some of the most meaningful relationships for my refugee families over the past two years (especially among women).
For more information contact Drew Miller (Founder/Program Director and UNL Global Studies senior) at dmiller@cssisus.org or at 402-327-6244