**In order for The Spero Project to provide proper resources and training, we request that all individuals interested in volunteering attend an orientation session. These sessions are held each month on the Second Tuesday and the Fourth Thursday from 6:15-7:00p.m. Please email kim@thesperoproject to sign up for an orientation and to receive an email with the location and directions.
While the following volunteer opportunities are the most pressing needs we have determined, we also know that everyone has an individual story that makes them uniquely prepared for serving in different ways. If you have a skill or an idea that you think we could use to better the lives of those being reached by Spero:Voice, be sure to let us know even if it doesn’t fit into a particular program!
Conversational English Volunteer. These volunteers are partnered with English Learners of various levels, and will be given all the curriculum they need to lead through weekly Conversational English sessions. These sessions occur in the homes of the English Learners or in the Learning Center and volunteers teach in groups of at least two if teaching in homes.
–Women-Only Conversational English. Volunteers needed Monday nights from 7-8:30p.m.
–Co-Ed Conversational English. Volunteers needed Tuesday nights from 7-8:30p.m.
Tutors. These volunteers help students with their homework assignments. Most students are enrolled in an English Learning Program after school, but this program is independent curriculum, not related to the work they must turn in the next day. We hope to offer help to the students still learning. Homework help sessions occur in the Learning Center on Mondays and Wednesdays from 5-6p.m.
Creative Mentors. Creative Mentors will work with women in the Spero:Voice Program, helping them learn valuable skills related to crafting projects the women can sell through the Spero:Voice Etsy site, giving them much-needed income. If you can sew, paint, or create any projects that can be sold, we would love your help! Times and days are flexible depending on your schedule. **Some Creative Mentors needed to teach 1-2 week classes on simple skills. Classes occur Mondays from 7-8:30p.m.
Job Readiness Leaders. Volunteers are needed who have a specific job-related skill they can share with participants in Spero:Voice. First Aid/CPR training, computer skills, and carpentry skills are just a few of the areas that could benefit this group. If you are willing to teach through a language barrier, you’re just the volunteer we need. Those able to offer certification programs are especially helpful! Most job readiness classes will occur on Thursday evenings, but other times can be arranged based on volunteer’s schedule.
Small Group Volunteer Opportunities. Your small group or Youth Group could serve this group of individuals in a variety of ways. We’re always open to ideas from you, but here are some of the most pressing needs we’ve identified:
Floor Lamp Drive. The apartments where many of the refugee population lives have living areas with no lighting fixtures. It does wonders for a place to get some light in it! You can help by hosting a floor lamp drive or simply ask everyone in your group to bring a floor lamp themselves.
Cleaning Supplies Drive. Cleaning supplies are extremely costly and families that are trying to get started in a new home could certainly use money for food, clothes, savings, etc. If your small group provided the Spero Project with any amount of cleaning supplies, we would put it to good use! You could even have a Coupon Competition! Which member of the group can come with the most cleaning supplies, spending the least money? Your prize is helping someone in need!
Business Attire Clothing Drive. It would be so helpful to have a closet full of both professional (suits, etc.) and business casual (blouses, skirts, slacks, dress shirts, etc.) attire for every gender, shape, and size. Most individuals will not acquire a job that requires them to wear business attire every day, and it is not economically feasible for them to purchase something to wear just once for an interview. Your small group could help provide needed clothing items to make a great first impression and get a job they really need!
Contact kim@thesperoproject if you are interested in serving in any of these roles.
