At Refugee Resources, our mission is to share the love of Jesus through gospel-centered relationships and to develop literacy acquisition among the student refugee population, primarily in the Vickery Meadows area of Dallas. We believe this can only happen when meaningful relationships are built over time. As a volunteer, I have two different opportunities to get involved: our Preschool Circle program, which works with students ages 2-4, and our Reading Circle program which works with students ages 5-18. All volunteers attend a training that provides background on refugees, the resettlement process, and our organization.
The Preschool Circle program aims to prepare our youngest scholars for kindergarten and beyond. Preschool is a crucial piece to a child’s education. In our program, we work on developing them physically, socially, emotionally, in language and literacy, and in thinking (cognitive) skills. We do this through circle time, songs, books, and centers. Preschool mentors go through an orientation that prepares you to help with various centers that focus on play, songs, games, pre-reading, and pre-writing skills. Come and join us to learn how to serve these little ones.
The Reading Circle program is a one-to-one mentor/student model. Because our students often enter our program below grade level with challenges such as language and cultural deficits, it is crucial to have consistency from both the mentor and the student. For this reason, we ask for a one-year commitment from our mentors. You do not have to be a teacher or have an educational background to work with students in our Reading Circle program. For our mentors planning on serving in the Reading Circle program, you will receive additional training in how to use our reading curriculum. This training will ensure that you are equipped to work with your student on their own individualized plan and help them develop at their own pace.
Refugee Resources has normal breaks throughout the year for both holidays and a short summer break. We work with you regarding needed absences, but do ask for consistency from each of our mentors. If you would like to serve, but cannot commit to a consistent weekly commitment, we would love for you to apply for a substitute position.
The registration fee is $40 for all positions. (This pays for your background check and training fee.) Once registered, you will be contacted with the next steps.
We meet at the Northwest Community Center at 5730 Pineland Dr. on the following nights and times. Each mentor chooses a night to serve, and their student is assigned to them.
Mondays: 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm
Tuesday: 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
Wednesdays: 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm (Preschool Circle)
Thursday: 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
Sign up for both programs through the Volunteer Application. Together, we are able to transform lives, one child at a time.