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The Catholic Diocese of Erie’s Office of Catholic Refugee Ministry works to connect refugees in the Erie area with resources to help them attain self-sufficiency and become contributing members of the community. One of the most important of these services is providing classes through which refugees learn to speak English, acquire necessary practical skills and become acquainted with American culture.

Catholic Charities’ refugee ministry is looking for volunteers to help teach a variety of classes to recently arrived refugees. Teachers are especially needed to help with English classes, using Rosetta Stone software, and also with employment and culture classes. Morning, afternoon and evening sessions are available; hours are flexible. No experience is required.

For more information about this or other volunteer opportunities with Catholic Charities, contact Deacon John Brophy at 897-8327 or click here.

The Catholic Charities Refugee Resettlement Program is welcoming new refugees to Erie at its annual Refugee Picnic.

The picnic is located at the Cook House Pavilion at Presque Isle State Park on Sept. 15.

Volunteers are needed to set up, direct traffic, lead games, crafts and nature walks and patrol the beach.

From Catholic Charities via VolunteerMatch:

This is a wonderful way to interact with Erie’s newest arrivals and help welcome them to our city!

To volunteer, contact Deacon John Brophy via e-mail or telephone at 528-3623 or 897-8327.

I’m a day late and I apologize, but here are this week’s volunteer opportunities:

Tax season is here

The United Way of Erie County is opening 16 Volunteer Tax Assistance (VITA) sites across Erie County on Wednesday. It is looking for volunteers to fulfill a number of roles at these sites.

Volunteers who prepare basic and intermediate tax returns are certified by the IRS. The United Way encourages those with tax experience to consider this volunteer opportunity. If you do not, training will be provided.

IRS certification is not required for all volunteer roles.

Here’s a video about VITA volunteering from the United Way’s website:

For a list of opportunities, training guides and more information, visit the United Way’s website.

Deliver Meals on Wheels

The Metro-Erie Meals on Wheels program serves food to 350 homebound elderly individuals, and it does so with the help of 100 volunteers. One hundred percent of its clients are served by volunteers.

Delivery takes place between 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., so mid-morning availability is key.

Volunteering days and frequency are flexible.

Learn more at the Meals on Wheels website.

Help those new to Erie

Catholic Charities is looking for volunteers in its Refugee Resettlement Program. Participants can volunteer in the language, transportation or education wings of the program.

Catholic Charities is also looking for able-bodied volunteers to help move refugees into new homes.

For more details and contact information, visit the Catholic Charities website.

As always, if you have an listings or suggestions, feel free to email me.

Graphic courtesy of Metro-Erie Meals on Wheels