If you’re one of many Bronx adults who speak multiple languages and enjoy working with kids, you might consider a volunteer opportunity with the Young Center for Immigrant Children’s Rights, which helps young undocumented children get acclimated to their new life in the U.S.
The center, which operates 10 offices nationwide, is seeking volunteers, especially Bronx volunteers, because many resources for new immigrants are already located within the borough. Also, many Bronxites come from similar backgrounds and can be “cultural peers” to the new arrivals, said Ari Cannavino, volunteer coordinator.
The center often works with children who have no clear path to reunification with their parents or a relative in the U.S. These are “complex cases,” and engaging with them requires “both practical and emotional knowledge,” Cannavino told the Bronx Times.
Volunteers with the Young Center meet with the children once per week over about three to six months, they said. When children are released to caregivers, volunteers can continue to follow up via phone — but at that stage, the “angle is for [the children and caregivers] to be able to do everything on their own” and reduce their dependence on the volunteers, they said.
The vast majority of children come from Central and South America, speaking mostly Spanish and some indigenous languages. The group has also seen an “influx” of West African children who speak French, said Carravino.
Potential volunteers must speak one of the relevant languages, be over 21 and be able to commit one year to the program. They also undergo background checks and participate in a set of workshops that includes team building with other volunteers and training on child-led activities, trauma-informed care, relationship building and more.
Volunteers are often college or graduate students pursuing careers in law or youth work, as well as retirees — but anyone who meets the basic qualifications can apply to start the screening process, said Carravino.
The next training session begins Sept. 7 at the Andrew Freedman Home, located at East 166th Street and Grand Concourse. Potential volunteers can sign up for a screening call by texting the word “volunteer” to 833-904-4604.
Reach Emily Swanson at eswanson@schnepsmedia.com or (646) 717-0015. For more coverage, follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram @bronxtimes
