Volunteer Opportunities

How does a good neighbor become a Journey's End Volunteer?

Before beginning to volunteer with Journey's End you must submit an application and attend an orientation session. You may download the application online, below. Please email, fax or mail your application to our office prior to your date of orientation or bring it along with you. 

Orientation will take place in the Journey's End offices at 2495 Main Street in Suite 317. Please park in the rear lot on Halbert Street. Come in the entrance on Halbert street (you can access this by turning down Jewett or Rodney). Once you enter, take the elevator to the third floor and go down the hall to your left. There is no need to wait for confirmation for orientation dates as we have plenty of space, so please just show up!

Please arrive promptly as the sessions start on time. Orientations take approximately one hour with Q & A (optional) to follow. Please bring your completed application and drivers license/photo ID to the volunteer orientation (we will need to make a photocopy of it). All volunteers must attend the regularly scheduled volunteer orientation.

When the orientation/background procedure is complete, each volunteer will be notified and they will have the opportunity to select from various volunteer assignments. Once you begin volunteering you become a part of our large Journey's End family, which means you will be a crucial and dynamic part of helping our newest neighbors succeed in their dreams and endeavors. We have high expectations and quality support for our volunteers because of the many important tasks they fulfill, both for our clients and our agency. Thank you in advance for considering contributing your time and talent. We couldn't do it without you!

If you have what it takes to be a Journey's End volunteer, please select from any of the orientation dates listed here, or call or email for more information. Our Volunteer Manager, Bryana DiFonzo, can be reached at volunteer@jersbuffalo.org or (716) 882-4963 x210.

Orientation Dates for 2013:

Volunteer Opportunities

Journey's End offers a wide array of opportunities for individuals, groups, and families to make a difference. Through our Volunteer Services department, college students, church groups, professionals, retirees, and other good neighbors can provide organizational support and direct services to refugees.

Each volunteer's interests, talents and capabilities are matched with the current needs and opportunities. We have opportunities to help during the weekdays, on evenings and weekends, at special events, at home, and through item drives. Some examples are below, but we offer many more. Volunteer acceptance, placement, and scheduling are at the discretion of the Volunteer Manager.

Youth Services.

There are a variety of ways to be involved with refugee youth, including summer camp, math camp, Buffalo Beginnings tutoring, GED-level tutoring, reading at the Library, helping at Central Registration, and being a School Mom. Great for service learning classes and families.

Match Grant Mentoring.

A mentor commits to one family or individual for 3-6 months. You would befriend them, introduce them to their neighborhood, and help them with job-related activities. Evening and weekend availability makes this great for families and professionals.

ESL classes.

An ESL tutor helps during one of our English as a Second Language classes held on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 9:00am to 12:00pm or 1:00pm to 4:00pm. The students are newly-arrived refugee adults hoping to become more employable and self-sufficient. Great for graduate students and retired teachers.

Donation drives.

We often need specific things to support our new families, such as furniture, winter clothes, or school supplies. You would work with our staff to identify the current needs and then gather the items. Great for companies and groups.

Office support.

Provide regular support to staff as they assist refugees in starting their new life. Includes paperwork and telephone reception. Great for retirees and career-explorers.

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Sound like a good fit? Please review our "Volunteer" page for information on how to submit an application and attend an orientation session.

Have more questions? Please contact Bryana DiFonzo, Volunteer Manager at  (716) 882-4963 x210 or via email