Volunteering with Hope Refugee Services is a life-changing experience, for both the volunteers and the people being served. As one volunteer sewing instructor wrote, “The best thing about the program is the ‘aha’ moment when the person has accomplished something, or when we’ve connected.” From the perspective of a Togolese refugee woman, “becoming a refugee drains you of self-worth and a sense of pride in who you are. Developing a skill like sewing helps to restore dignity and hope.”
There are plenty of opportunities to use your talent, time, and even your unused household items to aid HRS in their mission of bringing hope to the refugee community in Buffalo.
Household Donations
Volunteer to sort and organize the Donations Room at HRS, or contribute your new or gently used items.
The Donations room at Hope Refugee Services is always looking for:
Winter clothing for all ages
Children’s clothing, Disposable diapers, Car seats
Vacuum cleaners, Lamps
Shoes and sneakers
Blankets, pillows, sheets
Fabric, sewing machines, notions, irons and ironing boards
Dishes, pots and pans, kitchen utensils, flatware
FLY After-School Program
Interested in helping with FLY?
contact Coordinator Jaynee Van Wormer, hopeflyprogram@gmail.com
Provide help with homework and English and math tutoring to refugee children; requires a 1, 2, or 3 days a week commitment (training provided).
Provide transportation for refugee children to the FLY program or field trips.
Provide Snacks for the Fly Program.
Hope Refugee Sewing Project
Interested in helping? contact Patti Jarnot, Coordinator
hopesewing@gmail.com, 716.881.0539
Volunteer at a sewing class. Know how to sew? We are looking for volunteers willing to work with all skill levels. Assist during a class or lead one of your own design.
Donate a new or gently used sewing machine
Donate fabric and sewing notions: thread, buttons, zippers, snaps, irons, ironing boards, pins, needles, ribbon, Velcro, etc.
Volunteer to provide childcare during the classes.
Drop-in Center
The Drop-in Center runs MWF from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Volunteer a morning or afternoon weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly, assisting a case manager.
Transport clients to appointments, food pantries, etc.
Assist clients in completing applications and forms
Help clients prepare for learner’s permit
Tutor clients in English, prepare for GED, etc.
Volunteer to welcome refugees to our Drop-In Center and assist them with completing a brief intake form. Any number of hours would be helpful.
Group Opportunities
Hope welcomes teams from churches or organizations who are interested in helping with the ministry or HRS. Please contact Bonnie MacBeth at bonniemacbeth@yahoo.com for more information about coordinating and planning a project for your group.
