About
Volunteers must be able to commit to the full school semester of the student, ideally the full school year
In-person volunteering
About us
At Catholic Charities, our vision is to improve the lives of those we serve, to empower the most vulnerable, and to help reduce poverty through quality, compassionate, and effective human services.
Our Refugee and Immigration Services develop programs, in partnership with refugee and immigrant communities, to promote social bridges and bonds, develop desired skills and cultural knowledge, and encourage US citizenship. Participants work to build the real-life knowledge, attitudes, and skills that they need to achieve success. When we accomplish this, lives are transformed and the benefits to the community can be exponential starting by improving the quality of life one person at a time.
We could not do what we do without the help of our volunteers!
Support youth from refugee and immigrant families so that they become confident speakers, readers, and writers of English! English learners (ELs) are often given homework that is too hard for them to complete because they are not yet strong enough in English fundamentals. You can make a difference in the life of a child through this program that focuses on basic vocabulary, the alphabet, numbers, and reading. Strengthening these areas will give ELs the foundation they need to be successful at school!
Catholic Charities partners with Humboldt Park Elementary School (3230 South Adams Avenue, Milwaukee), and Zablocki Community School (Milwaukee) to match ELs most in need of support with volunteers passionate about education. Volunteers with Zablocki School will work one-on-one with a student at the student’s home once or twice a week for 45 minutes. Volunteers with Humboldt Park School will volunteer one-on-one with a student at school once or twice a week for 45 minutes.
We will provide training and resources, but you will be responsible for teaching in a way that maximizes student strengths and encourages a love of learning! You will make a difference by building a positive relationship with an elementary school student and helping them advance their English!
Please also note: Due to the time it takes to complete training and to find a learner who is a good match, this is not a quick-start opportunity. We generally ask for a 6-month minimum commitment, ideally through the end of the 2023-2024 school year.
Skills/ Experience
Likes to connect with others
Is engaging, fun, energetic, and able to create meaningful connections
Is compassionate and culturally sensitive
Feels comfortable working with individuals with varying levels of English
Works independently, yet is willing to ask questions, as needed
Thinks on their feet and creatively problem solve as the needs of the learner changes
People who were English language learners as children themselves or grew-up in immigrant families are encouraged to apply
Is comfortable communicating in English to speakers of various levels-English speakers of all levels are welcomed and encouraged to apply
No previous experience is necessary; training is provided. Teaching, tutoring, cross-cultural experiences or additional language skills are a plus
Must be 18 years old to volunteer alone or 16 to volunteer with the volunteer’s parent present
Time Commitment
In-Person: One or two 45-minute sessions per week, plus prep time
Schedule
Volunteering is flexible and can be on weekdays after school or on weekends.
The Humboldt Park School option is in-person at the school, twice a week for 45 minutes.
Training & Materials
Volunteers will receive training before being matched and will have ongoing educational opportunities to enhance their teaching techniques through periodic check-ins, monthly newsletters, and Volunteer MeetUps that include virtual educational and collaboration time.
Slide decks are provided for the first 16 weeks and then support is provided so that you can create your own lessons.
The Impact
While refugee and immigrant parents are passionate about their children’s education, many believe they cannot effectively help their children with homework because they grew up in a different educational system and/or struggle with English themselves. During the 2021-2022 school year, parents with children in this program noted improvements in their children’s reading comprehension and decoding skills, plus a boost in their overall confidence in speaking English improved. 89% of parents wanted their youth to participate in this program for the upcoming school year.
All of our programs are free to our refugee & immigrant learners, and we couldn’t provide the level of service we do without the help of our wonderful volunteers. We believe the connections our volunteers make with their learners are mutually beneficial and make our communities stronger and more vibrant.
Contact:
Email: volunteer@ccmke.org
- Have you been exposed to someone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19? See the CDC’s risk assessment guidance.
- Do you have symptoms consistent with COVID-19? Symptoms can include a cough or shortness of breath or at least two of the following: Fever, Chills, Repeated shaking with chills, Muscle pain, Headache, Sore throat, New loss of taste or smell. See the CDC’s symptom information.