Help Diversify Louisville

Today I want to take Brie’s example and offer insight and information on a worthwhile service opportunity with international ties. Many people are familiar with Catholic Charities here in Louisville, but what a lot of people don’t realize is that Catholic Charities runs a Migration & Refugee Services office/program which is responsible for settling about 80% of the refugees that are sent to Kentucky each year. Many of these newcomers are placed throughout Metro Louisville, making them our neighbors and classmates. But just because they get placed does not mean they are settled.

The individuals and families that receive help from catholic charities are refugees, they are people that have been forced out of their homes, forced to seek asylum here. Often times this means leaving most of their belongings behind, and entering an entirely new culture – and in most instances an entirely new language – with little but a mix of relief and insecurity. In order to help assuage these fears and truly welcome and aid these people Catholic Charities offers a number of services, many of which are volunteer based. From welcome committees, to child care, to education, and even just mentoring, these programs help make a world of difference to many new Louisvillians, and you can be a part of that. Below are some of the programs run by Catholic Charities that are really in need of volunteers, there is something for everyone.

“Welcome Basket” Outreach Project:
Volunteers are encouraged to put together welcome baskets for new arriving refugee families. Assistance is needed to fill large plastic laundry baskets with important, simple household items. Once the baskets are completed the volunteers will be able to meet the refugee family at their home, or at Catholic Charities, to give them this welcoming gift.

Donation Room Straightening Project:
Volunteers are constantly needed to help with straightening up and stocking any of the organizations many donations rooms. Often times, volunteers will be able to meet and engage in conversation with various refugee clients.

Child Care Room Assistance Project:
Volunteers are needed to help with one of three child care rooms at the English Language Teaching School. Assistance is needed in singing songs and playing games with the children, working on projects, and even rocking babies.

Friends:
When I spoke with one of Catholic Charities’ refugee clients, he said that one of the things that he really needed and wanted was American friends. He wanted someone outside of his own ethnic community with whom he could practice his English, and someone that could teach him about culture, and about Louisville. Call it being a mentor, a tutor, or a friend, it’s an easy way to volunteer and help someone who will be truly appreciative. Not to mention, you never know what you will learn through interacting with someone from another culture

For more information about these and other programs, contact Catholic Charities’ Community Resource Developer Chris Clements at: 502-636-9263 x145 or cclements@archlou.org