Are you interested in helping refugees coming to the Hartford area? Do you enjoy building relationships? IRIS (Integrated Refugee and Immigrant Services) is looking for participants in their Cultural Companion program.
Cultural Companions is a wellness program that pairs IRIS clients with volunteers to build friendships through experiential learning, focusing on English practice and shared interests. Cultural companions build rapport by doing activities together, exploring the community, and sharing culture. Companions commit to meeting 2-3 hours per week for 3-6 months. The goals of the program are to reduce isolation and foster community integration and navigation.
CC volunteers must be committed to investing in relationships with people who speak little or no English, and who may be struggling with challenges related to mental or physical health, financial stress, social isolation and cultural adjustment.
St. Patrick – St. Anthony will form a team of interested parishioners and facilitate training, registration and coordination.