Thanks for your interest in volunteering with the United Religious Community of St. Joseph County (URC). Here’s a synopsis of ways to assist.

URC Programs That Engage Volunteers

The URC consists of the following areas in which to volunteer: the Advocacy Center, Refugee Resettlement, Welcoming Michiana, as an office volunteer, as a URC Board Member, as a member of a group/organization, or to complete a service projects.

1.     The Advocacy Center is a resource for local clients seeking direct assistance for basic needs: rent/mortgage assistance, utility assistance and sometimes food. Advocacy Center volunteers process applications electronically, connect clients with other agencies when appropriate and follow-up and accompany the client through the process of attaining benefits. Advocacy Center volunteers provide 1-2 hours of service weekly, sometimes can be done remotely.

2.     Refugee RESET seeks a wide variety of volunteers.

a.     Co-Sponsor volunteer groups work together over the course of 6 months, from pre-arrival through the initial 90-day resettlement period. Co-sponsors work closely with the newly arrived to accompany them on their journey and provide support throughout their initial transition.

b.     Individual volunteers for tutoring, refugee family help, specific individual needs, and other opportunities that involve commitment over a period of time

c.     One-time or episodic volunteers for events, as-needed, volunteers who assist in family moves, setting up living spaces, leading or providing various services (i.e., financial workshops)

3.     Welcoming Michiana is a program of URC and a part of the Welcoming America network of 300+ cities/counties and non-profits working on immigrant inclusion.  We want immigrants in Michiana to feel that they belong.  Currently, we help by being career coaches, writing career pathway guides for the internationally trained, helping immigrants connect with educational institutions and employers, writing grants to support our work.  Volunteers may support an individual immigrant achieve their educational and career goals, work on a writing project or help in other ways to enhance immigrant inclusion. 

4.     Administrative volunteers to help with office duties.

5.     Volunteers interested in serving on the URC Board. Board members serve three-year terms and attend bimonthly board meetings.

6.     URC welcomes volunteers who are seeking to do or fulfill a service project requirement, either for themselves or for a group. Through a conversation with the Community Engagement Coordinator, the specifics - if it’s a one-time or longer commitment, the objective of the project and availability - can be discussed and, most often, worked out satisfactorily.

Examples: Group of friends, colleagues, or congregants may consider:
a) hosting an activity or event for the newly resettled;
b) holding a donation drive for needed items;
c) providing service at the URC (painting, cleanups, etc.)

BECOMING A VOLUNTEER FOR URC:

1.     Complete Volunteer application online through the URC website at (links is also below):

https://www.urcsjc.org/volunteer

2.     Interview with the Community Engagement Coordinator (communityengagement@urcsjc.org) to identify where your talents best meet the URC needs.

3.     Complete all necessary forms (found in the URC volunteer handbook, or provided by the Community Engagement Coordinator).

  • URC Confidentiality Agreement

  • Nondisclosure Agreement

  • Background Checks

  • Media Consent, Release, and Waiver

4.     Provide a state issued driver’s license if offering transportation

5.     Provide proof of COVID vaccination (if local health policies require this)

6.     Undergo a background check which is required of all ongoing volunteers 18 years and older. This takes 3-4 days to process. A background check is not required for one-time volunteers at public events.

7.     Attending a volunteer orientation and ongoing training.

8.     Receive Volunteer Assignment and begin volunteering!

9.     Engage in regular check-ins and supervision with the Community Engagement Coordinator (communityengagement@urcsjc.org).

10. When you are ready to move on from volunteering at the URC, complete an exit survey to help us continue to improve on the volunteer experience

INTERESTED?
If you are interested in volunteering or helping out with any aspect of URC, please fill out the form below (or click here for the mobile version)!