Bethany in Grand Rapids

Donations are needed frequently. Gift cards allow families to buy weather-appropriate clothing, highchairs, cribs, and other necessities. Some donations must be new, while others can be used. Couches, vehicles, and bicycles are a common request and can be gently used. Cribs or mattresses must be new. Contact us to make a monetary donation to directly support an individual or family or donate items. Check out our Amazon Wish List of items we must provide every refugee in our care. https://a.co/dE6UIo6

Form a small group of friends, co-workers, neighbors, or church members to be matched with a refugee family arriving soon. Co-Sponsorship is a longer term commitment (least six months) as your group will assist staff to meet refugees' needs upon arrival and help them to thrive in your new community. Training is provided by our staff so you are all prepared to offer support services.

Meet with clients and their interpreter at their nearest bus stop to show them how they can best use public transportation to get to work, grocery stores, medical offices, and around the city.

Teach or help practice basic English or a particular area of need. You will meet one-on-one, typically for 4-6 hours per month. Also a great need to help teens in foster care with school subjects.

Provide transportation to individuals and families to medical, government, and Bethany appointments and other necessary locations. If you are using your own vehicle, mileage is reimbursed.

Before a refugee individual or family arrives in their new community, a home needs to be readied for them. Move-in helpers assist with assembling furniture, making beds, setting up the kitchen and bathrooms, stocking the pantry, or preparing a hot meal for their arrival.

This full-time, one-year commitment volunteer placement is a great way to build your resume and gain social work experience while capacity building within Bethany's resettlement programs enhancing the lives of refugees coming to the United States. AmeriCorps members at Bethany receive a monthly stipend, healthcare benefits, and are awarded education allowance to pay off student loans or help pay further education. Work your way into refugee cultural education, legal services, employment, IT support and community engagement. We can fit your skill set with our project needs!

Spend time once a week with refugee teens being a positive role model.  Requires a 12-month commitment spending 4 hours per month with matched youth.

Upon arrival, Bethany is required to provide a cultural hot meal and stock the pantry with food. Items include; dairy, meats, fruits, vegetables, beans, breads, snacks or crackers, essential spices, teas, and coffee. Shoppers will be provided with a grocery list specific to country of origin. Hot meals can be purchased from a local restaurant or prepared prior to arrival. Donations are greatly appreciated, but will reimburse for food expenses.

Be a friend to a family as they acclimate to living in America. As a new neighbor, you will experience a cross-cultural relationship with a family as you provide transportation, help them decipher mail, assist with budgeting, and familiarize them with English. This is a 12-month commitment with an average of 4 hours per month.