Jewish Family and Community Services of Pittsburgh

Volunteers primarily serve JFCS clients as mentors, either during weekly in-home visits or through After School Club.

In-home mentors help refugee families navigate life in America during weekly visits to the family’s home, teaching life skills, practicing English and easing general acclimation to Pittsburgh. The Refugee Family Fun Series complements these skill-based activities with opportunities for families to experience American culture in a relaxed entertaining way. Past outings have included holiday parties, trips to the Children’s Museum and Pittsburgh Toy Lending Library, and a game night hosted by students at the University of Pittsburgh.

After School Club seeks to enrich the lives of refugee and local youth through homework help and enrichment activities. Facilitated by ARYSE (arysepgh.org) and JFCS (jfcspgh.org), this program focuses on supporting youth through changes and challenges while bridging the gap for English learners and the greater community. Mentors will receive training and be supported by program coordinators to help students complete homework, plan for their future, or build identity through enrichment activities.

Spring sessions for After School Club resume January 22nd and meet every Tuesday and Thursday from 4-6 pm. The club will meet in the West End for K-8 youth, and Duquesne University for high schoolers. Mentors must attend at least 3 sessions each month from January-May. Training and orientation are mandatory and will be provided on Saturday January 19th.