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Refugee

What is Refugee?

Join us in making a difference in the lives of refugees resettling in the Carolinas! In partnership with Lutheran Services Carolinas, we are offering an online service opportunity where you can provide crucial support to refugee families as they adjust to their new lives.

If you have skills in languages such as Spanish, French, Arabic, or Farsi, your abilities will be particularly valuable. However, foreign language experience is not a requirement—what matters most is your willingness to connect and make a real difference. Whether you're a student looking for meaningful volunteer work or someone passionate about community service, this is your chance to contribute to a worthy cause.

Be a part of Refugee and help us build a welcoming community where every refugee feels supported and empowered.

We offer two different programs you can get involved in:

Bilingual Buddy


You can work with refugee children or adults. The goal is to meet for two hours a week, but we understand that schedules may not align at times. Continually striving to meet this goal is what we ask. The two hours may consist of a prepared lesson-style meeting or simply answering questions refugees may have about living in the US, schoolwork, etc.

Culture Orientation


The goal is to meet for an hour a week, but we understand that schedules may not align at times. Continually striving to meet this goal is what we ask of our volunteers. You'll be given resources that can be used to guide discussions and answer questions the refugee(s) may have.

Photos:

How do I get involved?

BECOME A VOLUNTEER

Volunteer Description:
Serve remotely in some of the following ways -
• tutor young students
• teach English to families
• mentor individuals as they navigate a new culture
• offer vital translation services

Volunteer Commitment:
Please contact the program at refugee@byu.edu for details about the length of service.

To Sign Up:
Each volunteer must complete a sign-up and a survey as well as the corresponding training found in the forms to start volunteering.

Also email us with your BYU email to join our Microsoft Teams chat and hear updates about our monthly meetings and ask any questions about the program!

Contact Info

Directors

Available by email at refugee@byu.edu

Garrett Wride, Lead Program Director

314-717-7132
Office Hour:

Brenda Mendoza, Co-Lead Program Director

801-814-2384
Office Hour:

Alexis Boseman

817-296-8036

Campbell Howell

435-668-3348

Irene Purushottam

385-787-4584

Maxwell Dunbar

801-707-5059