In a world facing unprecedented displacement, with over 82 million refugees, asylum seekers, and internally displaced individuals globally, the need for compassionate and effective support is greater than ever. Lutheran Family Services Rocky Mountains (LFSRM) stands as a beacon of hope, dedicated to providing vital assistance to these vulnerable populations. Through its comprehensive Refugee and Asylee Programs, LFSRM empowers individuals and families to reconstruct their lives in the United States, focusing on achieving self-sufficiency within their first year and fostering meaningful integration into their new communities.
As an affiliate of Global Refuge, a nationally recognized leader in refugee resettlement based in Baltimore, Maryland, Lutheran Family Services is part of a robust network committed to serving those seeking safety and a new beginning. Global Refuge’s premier status and position as the third-largest resettlement agency in the U.S. underscores the significant impact and reach of organizations like LFSRM in addressing the global refugee crisis.
Your Opportunity to Get Involved with Lutheran Family Services
Lutheran Family Services Rocky Mountains offers a multitude of pathways for individuals to contribute and make a tangible difference in the lives of refugees. Whether your skills and interests lie in direct interaction with refugee families, providing essential office support, or participating in specialized programs, LFSRM provides diverse volunteer opportunities to suit your preferences and availability. With six strategically located offices throughout the Rocky Mountain region, each with unique and pressing needs, your contribution can be tailored to local community impact.
To begin your journey as a volunteer, attending a Refugee 101/Orientation class is the first crucial step. This session provides essential context and understanding for effectively supporting refugees. For roles involving off-site client interaction, a background check is required to ensure the safety and well-being of those served. You can find the training schedule and registration details by clicking here.
For those eager to explore various avenues of support, Lutheran Family Services offers several volunteer roles:
- On-Call Volunteer: Join our network of flexible volunteers who receive email notifications about short-term or one-time volunteer opportunities. This is perfect for individuals with fluctuating schedules who want to contribute when possible.
- Office Volunteer: Administrative support is the backbone of our operations. Lutheran Family Services consistently needs volunteers to assist in our case management, employment services, and specialized programs departments, providing vital organizational and logistical help.
Internships at Lutheran Family Services: A Pathway to Professional Growth
An internship with Lutheran Family Services provides an invaluable opportunity to gain in-depth knowledge and practical experience within the field of refugee resettlement. Interns work directly with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds who are embarking on new chapters in the United States. This challenging yet rewarding experience offers professional training and real-world assignments, providing critical insights into the operations of refugee resettlement and the non-profit sector. Interns collaborate with staff members and also work independently, managing responsibilities comparable to LFSRM staff, all focused on advancing the organization’s mission. Lutheran Family Services values the dedication of each intern and integrates internships to enhance organizational capacity while leveraging the diverse skills and talents interns bring.
Special Programs: Targeted Support for Refugees through Lutheran Family Services
Volunteers are essential mentors in several specialized programs at Lutheran Family Services. Participation requires attendance at the Refugee 101 training and successful completion of a background check, ensuring a commitment to informed and safe service.
In-Home Tutoring Program: This program pairs volunteers with high school-aged refugee youth for personalized academic support. Recognizing that refugee youth may face educational challenges due to interrupted schooling or gaps in their education, this one-on-one tutoring provides instrumental assistance. From foundational literacy to specific subject matter competency, the support provided is tailored to individual needs and plays a crucial role in their academic success. The program requires a minimum commitment of one hour per week for a semester. While experience in education or youth work is beneficial, it is not mandatory.
Micro Enterprise Development Credit Builder Loans: Lutheran Family Services’ MED program empowers refugees to establish or rebuild their credit, a critical step towards financial stability in a new country. This initiative offers financial literacy classes, including personalized credit mentorship and ten hours of free business education. By reporting payments to credit bureaus, the program actively facilitates credit building. Standard loans range from $1,000 to $15,000 with 12-36 month terms, while Credit Builder loans range from $100 to $500 with 6-12 month terms. This program operates under the New Mexico Small Loan Act (view New Mexico state license and authorization.) Loan Fees and Rates and Important Consumer Information are also available for review.
Financial Contributions: Support Lutheran Family Services Through Donations
Lutheran Family Services relies on community support to sustain and expand its vital programs. If you are unable to volunteer your time but wish to contribute to refugee assistance, financial donations are deeply appreciated. Consider these impactful ways to give:
- Co-Sponsorship: Directly alleviate the financial pressures faced by newly arrived refugee families by contributing $1,000 towards their first month’s rent. This immediate support provides crucial stability as they begin their resettlement journey.
- Fundraising: Help Lutheran Family Services broaden its reach and impact by assisting with fundraising initiatives. Your efforts will directly translate into enhanced services and support for refugee families.
- Gift Card Donations: A simple yet incredibly effective way to provide flexible and immediate assistance is through gift card donations. Gift cards empower refugees with the dignity of choice, allowing them to purchase essential items according to their specific needs. For information on donation drop-off and basket/bin locations, please click here.
For further details about any of Lutheran Family Services’ programs, please contact our office directly at 505.933.7032.
Donate to Lutheran Family Services Volunteer with Refugee Programs Explore Employment Opportunities Frequently Asked Questions
*New Mexico Only: To report a problem or complaint with this lender, please contact Alexander Martin | Community and Economic Development Programs Manager at 230 Truman St. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87108, or call 505.835.5525 | [email protected].
New Mexico Only: This lender is licensed and regulated by the New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department, Financial Institutions Division, P.O. Box 25101, 2550 Cerrillos Road, Santa Fe, New Mexico 87504. For unresolved problems or complaints, contact the Division at (505) 476-4885 or visit https://www.rld.nm.gov/financial-institutions/.
