Needs From: Volunteer Houston

The HMC is proud to be home to soccer programs for our refugee youth. The Eagles (boys) and The Golden Eagles (girls).

The teams meet and play on the first and third Saturdays of each month, at the IndoorSoccerBox, located at 1530 W Sam Houston Pkwy N. Beginning in November, we'll be meeting at Burnett Bayland Park in Southwest Houston.

We are looking for someone with soccer experience to serve as a referee and informal coach to help facilitate 1 hour of girls soccer. It is a very casual league, the girls would benefit from the experience of someone 18+.

If you are interested in learning more or joining us - please email Kirsten Dorrier - KDorrier@ecdcus.org.

The ECDC - Houston Multicultural Center is looking for women to volunteer as volleyball and basketball coaches to support our Refugee Health Promotions program. This opportunity is open to anyone with a foundational understanding of these sports, and a willingness to support women learn and play together.

Practice will take place biweekly on Saturdays from 10am - 12pm at the Ashford Pointe apartment complex.

The ECDC-Houston Multicultural Center will be offering English classes to the newest members of our community. We are looking for volunteers to help facilitate beginner English classes.

Summary:

As a volunteer with the R&P program, you will support the case management team in helping newly arrived refugees during their initial resettlement period. Responsibilities include assisting with documentation, organizing case files, helping with core service delivery (such as arranging transportation and setting up housing), and performing light administrative tasks. Volunteers will also assist with preparing materials for cultural orientation sessions and help clients with the completion of paperwork related to public benefits and social services. This is an excellent opportunity for those interested in refugee services and social work.

Example tasks:

- Assist with airport pickups, home visits, and basic welfare checks

- Organize and maintain client case files

- Help with service delivery documentation and case management support

- Perform clerical tasks like data entry and preparing documents

Onboarding:

Interested volunteers can fill out an application at tinyurl.com/ECDCHMCvolunteerapp and will be contacted to complete a 30 minute orientation session. After completing orientation, volunteers will be connected with program managers and supervisors for scheduling.

Schedule:

We accept volunteers Monday - Friday from 8:30AM to 5:00PM. Schedules can be flexible depending on your needs.

Contact:

For interest and inquiries, please email KDorrier@ecdcus.org

The Quality Assurance Support Volunteer will assist in organizing, maintaining, and auditing client case files across multiple programs, including Reception and Placement (R&P), Matching Grant (MG), Preferred Communities (PC) and Social Integration Microenterprises (SIMED). The volunteer will be responsible for ensuring that all documentation is up-to-date, secure, and easily accessible, while also providing language interpretation when needed, supporting data entry, reporting, and system development for efficient file management.

This role involves collaboration with various program teams to ensure adherence to grant requirements, particularly regarding file management and security. The volunteer will also participate in team meetings to contribute to progress reports and help develop strategies for improving quality assurance.

This role offers valuable experience in refugee resettlement, program administration, and compliance management. The volunteer will gain hands-on experience in case management, employment counseling, and the operational side of federally funded refugee programs.

Program Support and Compliance
• File Management: Organize and maintain both physical and electronic client case files. Ensure that documentation for all programs (R&P, MG, PC, etc.) is up to date, easily accessible, and secure.
• Data Entry & Reporting: Perform accurate data entry for case documentation, service provision, and client outcomes when needed. Utilize SharePoint and Refugee Management System to manage data files, generate reports, and track program progress.
• Document Management System Development: Assist in creating and implementing systems to streamline document storage and retrieval processes. Conduct regular audits to ensure compliance with organizational standards.
• Clerical Support: Provide additional support by preparing reports, memos, and other correspondence. Collaborate with team members to gather necessary data for document audits and other administrative tasks.

Cross-Program Collaboration
• Collaboration with Other Programs: Work with other teams, such as the Reception and Placement (R&P) Matching Grant (MG), Preferred Communities (PC) and Social Integration (SI) to ensure that programs are following grant requirements with respect to file management and security.
• Departmental Meetings: Participate in team meetings to discuss findings, progress reports, and strategies for improving quality assurance.

Key Qualities and Skills:
• Bilingual: Fluency in a second language (e.g. Arabic, Swahili, Spanish, Farsi, etc.) is highly preferred to effectively communicate with the diverse refugee population.
• Organizational Skills: Strong attention to detail and organizational skills, with the ability to manage extensive documentation and comply with federal program requirements.
• Cultural Sensitivity: A deep understanding of, or willingness to learn about, the unique challenges faced by refugees and how to provide compassionate, culturally responsive support.
• Team-oriented: A collaborative team player who can work effectively with employment counselors, case managers, and other staff members to support program goals.
• Proactive and Reliable: A motivated and reliable individual who can take initiative and manage multiple tasks efficiently.
• Interest in Workforce Development: A passion for helping vulnerable populations achieve economic self-sufficiency through employment.
• Flexibility: Willingness to support various tasks, including administrative duties, with a proactive and positive attitude.

As a PC program volunteer, you will assist in providing intensive case management (ICM) services to vulnerable refugee populations, including those with medical needs, disabilities, or social adjustment issues. You will support case managers in client communication, documentation, and referrals to essential services such as healthcare, employment, and mental health services. Volunteers play an important role in helping vulnerable individuals navigate complex systems and achieve self-sufficiency. This role is ideal for volunteers interested in social work, healthcare navigation, or working with underserved populations.

Possible Tasks:

- Support case managers in conducting client needs assessments

- Assist with documentation and case file organization

- Help track service delivery and follow up on referrals for housing, healthcare, and more

- Provide administrative support for service delivery monitoring

Onboarding:

Interested volunteers can fill out an application at tinyurl.com/ECDCHMCvolunteerapp and will be contacted to complete a 30 minute orientation session. After completing orientation, volunteers will be connected with program managers and supervisors for scheduling.

Schedule:

We accept volunteers Monday - Friday from 8:30AM to 5:00PM. Schedules can be flexible depending on your needs.

Contact:

For interest and inquiries, please email KDorrier@ecdcus.org

Volunteers with the MG program will assist in helping newly arrived refugees achieve economic self-sufficiency through employment services. You will support employment counselors in preparing clients for job applications, interviews, and employment readiness. Additionally, volunteers will help with data entry, tracking employment outcomes, and organizing job-related documentation. This role is perfect for those with an interest in workforce development or helping individuals become self-sufficient through employment.

Example Tasks:

- Assist with client job applications, resume building, and interview preparation

- Support employment counselors in organizing job leads and tracking client outcomes

- Help with administrative tasks such as maintaining client case files and data entry

- Provide logistical support for job readiness workshops

Onboarding:

Interested volunteers can fill out an application at tinyurl.com/ECDCHMCvolunteerapp and will be contacted to complete a 30 minute orientation session. After completing orientation, volunteers will be connected with program managers and supervisors for scheduling.

Schedule:

We accept volunteers Monday - Friday from 8:30AM to 5:00PM. Schedules can be flexible depending on your needs.

Contact:

For interest and inquiries, please email KDorrier@ecdcus.org