History of Caring

In 1944, evangelical churches in the United States organized a nationwide food and clothing drive for refugees in war-torn Europe. After World War II, these churches formed World Relief and expanded their ministry among Christians on the front lines of suffering by providing lifesaving care through an efficient and compassionate network of caring: God’s church.

Because this common-sense approach proved to be so efficient, World Relief extended its relief efforts, first in Korea and then in Vietnam. By 1965, World Relief had developed additional programs in education, agricultural training, child care, medical services and refugee assistance. All were operated on a local basis, working through World Relief’s unique network of local churches and concerned individuals.

World Relief’s special concern for refugees continued to grow. In 1979, the U.S. Department of State recognized World Relief as the only evangelical agency authorized to resettle refugees in the United States. Since then, this ministry has touched the lives of more than 100,000 refugees.

A refugee is any person who has been forced to leave his or her country because of persecution or fear of persecution on account of race, religion, nationality, political group or membership in a particular social group. Today, there are an estimated 15.2 million refugees in the world. The U.S. Government permits approximately 80,000 of these refugees to resettle in the United States each year.

MissionEmpowering the local Church to serve the most vulnerable

VisionIn community with the local Church, World Relief envisions the most vulnerable people transformed economically, socially, and spiritually.

Values1. The Example of Jesus as we serve those who are suffering from poverty

and injustice, regardless of color, belief, or gender, as part of God’s plan to redeem, reconcile, and restore the world. We seek to follow Jesus by living holy, humble, and honest lives individually and corporately.

2. The Local Church as a primary agent of bringing peace, justice, and love to a broken world. The integrated “word” and “deed” dimensions of God’s mandate, as evidenced through the church’s integral, or transformational, mission are necessary to bringing reconciliation and restoration to God, others, and the environment.

3. People whether staff, volunteers, clients, beneficiaries, donors, and or partners, as important actors in bringing peace, love, and justice. We recognize and affirm World Relief as a multicultural organization and seek to understand and respect the multiplicity of cultures among us. As we seek change in the world, we recognize that we, too, are changed, by those we serve.

4. Excellence/Continuous Improvement in all our program initiatives and support services, following best practices and standards in a manner that is sustainable to the community from a spiritual, social, and economic perspective. We also seek to apply our human and financial resources in such ways that maximize impact and sustain benefits to the greatest number of people.

5. Empowerment by prioritizing the leadership and participation of those we serve, whether people, churches, or local institutions, as critical to creating and sustaining change. We seek to catalyze a movement of worldwide volunteers to multiply impact, and we value capacity-building as a means towards that end.

6. Partnership by seeking, facilitating, and promoting collaboration among all stakeholders, including local governments, the worldwide church, mission agencies, other NGO’s, and the business community, recognizing partnership as essential to serving the most vulnerable. We believe each expression of

the worldwide Church has a unique and interdependent role in bringing peace and justice to the world.

7. Prayer as the priority and foundation to accomplishing our mission.

Journey to Freedom

HomelandA refugee is a person who must leave his or her homeland because of persecution or fear of persecution because of religious beliefs, ethnic background or political activities. Many times refugees face much danger when leaving their country.

Refugee CampA lengthy wait in a refugee camp is the next step for most refugees. The average stay in a camp is seven years. The camps are usually guarded closely and surrounded by barbed wire. Refugees stay in these camps until a new country gives them permission to enter.

InterviewThe United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) interviews all refugees and the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (CIS) interviews those refugees who may be resettled in the United States. Only those who can prove they are escaping persecution are eligible to find freedom in a new country.

FlightFinally some refugees receive the good news—another country has accepted them. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) coordinates their transportation from the camp to their new home.

ArrivalThe U.S. receives the largest number of refugees. The exact number is determined by Congress each year; this year’s number is 80,000. The Department of State (DOS) assigns each refugee to one of several voluntary agencies (VOLAGS). These agencies help refugees become self-sufficient by providing basic services during their first 90 days in the U.S.

World ReliefWorld Relief links refugees arriving in the U.S. with church volunteers. World Relief trains and prepares these volunteers to provide the most effective help possible.

VolunteersVolunteers stand at the end of a refugee’s long flight to freedom, welcoming him or her with open arms. They help refugees rebuild their lives in the U.S. by doing simple

things likepreparing apartments, teaching English, and finding jobs. Volunteers quickly become a refugee’s first friends in America.

Ministry Opportunities

The tasks of refugee resettlement present significant opportunities for local churches to minister to refugees. World Relief is eager to help churches recruit and train people who can easily serve refugees in the following three basic ways:

1. Pray

World Relief is eager to identify churches and individuals who want to pray for World Relief and its refugees on a regular basis. Please contact World Relief if you would like to be a Prayer Partner and receive weekly prayer requests via email.

2. Give

Most refugees enter the country with absolutely nothing and are completely dependent upon World Relief for their basic needs. Because World Relief receives only $925 per refugee, it relies heavily upon donations of furniture, household items, cars and money to adequately care for them. Please contact World Relief if you have anything to give. World Relief is able to pick up most donations.

3. Engage

The resettlement process is extremely difficult for most refugees. They desperately need friends who can help them adjust to life in America. World Relief is eager to partner each refugee with the love and support of church volunteers who are willing to befriend refugees by helping them with the essential needs of resettlement.

For more information about any of these opportunities, please contact:

Sarah Burke or Sarah WhiteVolunteer Specialists655 Village Square DriveStone Mountain, GA 30083W 404.294.4352E atlantavc@wr.org

Giving Opportunities

The Department of State requires the following items for each refugee home. An asterisk denotes one item per person:

Bed frame*Box spring*Mattress*Fitted sheet*Flat sheet*Pillow*Pillowcase*Blanket*Alarm clockDresserClothes hangersSofaLampLight bulbsDining tableDining table chair*Knife*Fork*Spoon*Dinner plate*Salad plate*

Bowl*Tea cup*Drinking glass*Frying panCovered sauce panDutch ovenStockpotBaking panMixing bowlPitcherTea kettleSpatulaServing spoonSlotted serving spoonCooking forkKitchen knifeCan openerBath towel*Washcloth*Shower curtain ringsShower curtain liner

ShampooBars of soapToothbrush*ToothpasteDeodorant*Maxi padsToilet paperToilet bowl brushPad of paperPen or pencilMopBroomDustpanKitchen/bathroom cleanserLaundry detergentDish soapSpongeWastebasket (large)Wastebasket (small)Trash bags

The Department of State does not require the following items, but they are blessings to refugees: TV Coffee table DryerTV stand End table MicrowaveVCR Armchair VacuumDVD player Bookshelf IronRadio Washer Ironing board

Engaging Opportunities

Airport Reception – Welcome refugees to the United States by greeting them at the airport.

Housing – Host refugees in your home when they first arrive. Help World Relief find permanent housing for them. Prepare their apartment with donated furniture, household items, and basic necessities. Help refugees learn how to properly live in and care for their new home.

Food – Donate food until the refugees receive Food Stamps. Help refugees learn how to use an American kitchen. Help refugees learn how to shop in an American grocery store.

Clothes – Collect donated clothes for refugees. Take refugees to clothes closets.

Public Assistance – Take refugees to World Relief to apply for Food Stamps, Medicaid and Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA) or Match Grant. Help refugees understand how to manage the assistance they receive.

Social Security – Take refugees to the nearest Social Security office to apply for Social Security cards.

Healthcare – Take refugees to their health screens at the county health department. Take refugees to doctor appointments when necessary. Help refugees understand the healthcare system in America.

ESOL – Help adults register for English class. Transport refugees to their class. Support lead teacher at World Relief’s English class. Tutor refugees in their homes.

Youth – Register refugee children for school. Help parents understand the school system. Help the school system understand the unique needs of refugee children. Help children with their homework.

Safety – Ensure that refugees know how to be safe in their home and community. Teach refugees how to use 911.

Community Orientation – Acquaint refugees with their new community. Ensure that they know where to find things that they need (e.g. post office, bank, grocery store, etc.).

Employment – Help refugees find adequate jobs. Prepare refugees for the American work culture.

Transportation – Teach refugees how to use public transportation.

Volunteer Application Process

World Relief longs to partner each refugee family with at least one official volunteer who can help the family adjust to life in the United States. To become an official volunteer, one must complete the following steps:

1. Complete and submit the Volunteer Application.

2. Complete and submit the Mission, Vision and Values Acknowledgement Form.

3. Attend a Volunteer Training.

4. Complete the Background Check and Motor Vehicle Check by using the Volunteer Portal on the Internet. Because World Relief must pay for this step, it does not initiate it until an applicant has completed a volunteer training. World Relief will provide more instructions at that time.

If you have any questions about volunteer opportunities or the application process, please contact:

Sarah Burke or Sarah WhiteVolunteer Specialists 655 Village Square DriveStone Mountain, GA 30083W 404.294.4352E atlantavc.org

655 Village Square DriveStone Mountain, GA 30083T 404.294.4352F 404.294.6011

Directions: From I-285, exit at Memorial Drive (Exit #41). Travel outside the perimeter for approximately 3 miles and look for Chick-Fil-A. The restaurant is located on the left at the intersection of Memorial Drive and Village Square Drive. Turn right onto Village Square Drive.World Relief will be on the left approximately a ¼ mile from Memorial Drive. The office is in a three story brick building.

Handicap Access: The main offices of World Relief are on the top two floors of the building. If you need help accessing the second floor, please call the front desk to request assistance. Someone will gladly help you use the building’s chair lift.

Rays Roa

=Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport

*Map not drawn to scale.

North

I-20

78

400

I-75

I-75

I-85

I-85

I-285

I-285

World Relief

Village Square Drive

Memorial Drive Chick-Fil-A

ADMIN USE ONLYApp Saved Contact Saved Attended Training Training Date:       BGC

Placement:      

VOLUNTEER APPLICATION

Volunteer InformationName:      Address:      City:       State:       Zip:      Primary Phone:       Other Phone:      Email:      Occupation:      Church InformationName:      Address:      City:       State:       Zip:      Office Phone:       Website:      Pastor:      

School/Work InformationName:      Address:      City:       State:       Zip:      Office Phone:       Website:      Supervisor:      

Volunteer QuestionsHave you worked with refugees before? If so, please describe your experience.                    

Why do you want to serve refugees through World Relief?               

What type of assistance do you most want to provide?               

Do you want to work with a particular ethnicity and/or age group?      

What languages do you speak?      

Do you have any other skills that you would like to share (example: cooking lessons or amateur photography)?

     Areas of Interest

If available, which types of volunteer opportunities interest you and match your skill set?

Administrative/Office HelpAirport WelcomeApartment Set-UpAuto RepairChildcareConstruction/General RepairDriving InstructionEmployment Assistance/Job CounselingESL (English as a Second Language) Instruction Financial Instruction (budgeting/bill paying)Graphic DesignSpecial Event StaffingTeaching/Tutoring/Homework HelpTeam-Based VolunteeringTech SupportTranslationTransportationUnknownOther

If you checked "other," please describe the type of volunteer opportunity that would interest you if/when it becomes available at this location.

     

Availability

Please list your availability (ex: Monday and Wednesday evenings from 5 - 7pm).

     

References

Please list three references who are not relatives. At least one should be someone who supervises you in some way.

Name:      Relationship:      Address:      Daytime Phone:       Email:      

Name:      Relationship:      Address:      Daytime Phone:       Email:      

Name:      Relationship:      Address:      Daytime Phone:       Email:      

Release Form

Please initial the following statements and then sign where indicated. A parent or guardian must initial and sign for an applicant who is younger than 18.

      I certify that the statements above are true and correct.      I do hereby give World Relief, its licensees, and legal representative, the right to use my name (or

any fictional name), picture, portrait, or photograph of me in any lawful manner.      In the event of a medical emergency, I hereby consent to the necessary and proper treatment,

surgery, and/or anesthesia by a licensed physician or health care professional for the individual named on the form.

      I understand that World Relief Corporation does not provide any insurance coverage for losses, sickness, or injuries that may occur while participating in the program. I am responsible for providing my own insurance coverage.

      By signing this form, I agree and understand that I will be operating as a volunteer for World Relief. I do not expect any remuneration for my services. I understand that I may be reimbursed for some incidental expenses.

      I am aware of the potential risks to me and my property during my volunteer assignment with World Relief. With such knowledge, I voluntarily release and indemnify World Relief Corporation, their representatives and employees from any and all liability related to the activities of the program.

      I will provide proof of current and valid driver’s license and auto insurance (if over 18).

      I have read the Mission Statement of World Relief.

Sign:       Date:      Print:      

MISSION, VISION AND VALUES ACKNOWLEDGEMENT FORM

MissionEmpowering the local Church to serve the most vulnerable

VisionIn community with the local Church, World Relief envisions the most vulnerable people transformed economically, socially, and spiritually.

Values

The Example of Jesus as we serve those who are suffering from poverty and injustice, regardless of color, belief, or gender, as part of God’s plan to redeem, reconcile, and restore the world.  We seek to follow Jesus by living holy, humble, and honest lives individually and corporately.

The Local Church as a primary agent of bringing peace, justice, and love to a broken world. The integrated “word” and “deed” dimensions of God’s mandate, as evidenced through the church’s integral, or transformational, mission are necessary to bringing reconciliation and restoration to God, others, and the environment.

People whether staff, volunteers, clients, beneficiaries, donors, and partners, as important actors in bringing peace, love, and justice.  We recognize and affirm World Relief as a multicultural organization and seek to understand and respect the multiplicity of cultures among us. As we seek change in the world, we recognize that we, too, are changed, by those we serve.

Excellence/Continuous Improvement in all our program initiatives and support services, following best practices and standards in a manner that is sustainable to the community from a spiritual, social, and economic perspective. We also seek to apply our human and financial resources in such ways that maximize impact and sustain benefits to the greatest number of people.

Empowerment by prioritizing the leadership and participation of those we serve, whether people, churches, or local institutions, as critical to creating and sustaining change. We seek to catalyze a movement of worldwide volunteers to multiply impact, and we value capacity-building as a means towards that end.

Partnership by seeking, facilitating, and promoting collaboration among all stakeholders, including local governments, the worldwide church, mission agencies, other NGO’s, and the business community, recognizing partnership as essential to serving the most vulnerable. We believe each expression of the worldwide Church has a unique and interdependent role in bringing peace and justice to the world.

Prayer as the priority and foundational to accomplishing our mission.

You do not have to be a Christian to serve as a volunteer or intern with World Relief. We simply ask that you respect our Mission, Vision, and Values and understand that we are a Christian organization dedicated to living out Christian principles. Our expectation is that you will facilitate a relationship with staff, clients, and community that is indicative of our stance of preserving dignity and empowering those we serve.

Sign:       Date:      Print: