Financial Contributions

Financial contributions to The African Community Center/ECDC are always more than welcome. Your contribution will support program activities as well as assist refugees directly.

The Ethiopian Community Development Council, Inc is a tax-exempt 501(c) (3) organization and your donation is tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. Please ask us for a form to fill out for tax purposes.

Donate Household Items

ACC is responsible for providing all necessary household items for a new arriving family’s home.   Due to limited government assistance we would not be able to adequately provide for our families without your support.  Therefore, we ask you to consider donating your gently used household items. 

For donation inquiries please e-mail us at Donate@africancommunitycenter.net, or call us at 303-399-4500.

Items that are in biggest need include:

Furniture ·Couches ·Tables ·Chairs	Toiletries ·Bar soap ·Toothpaste ·Toothbrushes ·Shampoo ·Shaving cream ·Toilet paper
Food (mainly dried goods) ·Rice ·Beans ·Pasta ·Cooking Oil	Kitchen Items ·Dishes ·Pots & Pans ·Cups ·Silverware and serving utensils ·Kitchen cleanser & Dish Soap

To arrange a pick-up for large furniture items, please call our front desk at
303-399-4500 or e-mail Donate@africancommunitcenter.net.

For all other donations, please bring them to our thrift store, Safari Seconds, located at 414 Broadway.  You can contact Safari Seconds at 303-722-4500.

Please note that the African Community Center only schedules pick-ups for large furniture items to be used in apartment set-ups.   Also note that we only accept items that are clean, fully assembled and in good, working condition.  For donations of food, due to cultural differences and language barriers, we do not accept canned goods or items with instructions in English. Thank you!

Volunteer

Becoming a Volunteer in 5 simple steps.

First Friends How would you like to be a refugee’s first friend in Denver?

Internships Un-paid internships for college students or others dedicated to assistance and protection of refugees. Check with your University for credit.

Volunteer Positions Gain hands-on work experience in an international service organization.

Spot Volunteering Get on our roster and help at when it is convenient for you!

Volunteer Community Stay Connected to ACC through our Yahoo! Group

Becoming a Volunteer/Intern

Step 1: Download and complete the following documents:

        Volunteer application Tell us about yourself!

                Confidentiality statement  All volunteers must sign and maintain agency and client confidentiality at all times.

CBI background check The State of Colorado requires that all volunteers complete a (note: the State charges a fee of $6.85).

Step 2: Email documents to Volunteer@africancommunitycenter.net, bring New Volunteer Orientation, or fax to 303-399-4502 Attn: Volunteer Manager

Step 3: Come to a New Volunteer Orientation, offered every Tuesday at 5pm (850 Holly Street)

Step 4: Finalize paperwork with Volunteer Manager and start working with our Community Members!

Step 5: Have fun, learn about new cultures, and don’t forget to complete and submit monthly time sheet.  

First Friends

Hours Required: minimum 1 hour per week for 3 months (flexible)

Times: Flexible, weekends and evenings okay

Process: Becoming a Volunteer

Activities: As a First Friend you will be assigned to a Support Network based around a refugee family.  As part of the family’s Support Network you can:

• Help the family learn about and adjust to their new language, culture and environment

• Help with appointments and social services (if your schedule allows)

• Provide encouragement and support when needed

• Introduce the family to their new community — go to community events, find resources, help them to link with their own community organizations in Denver

• Answer question and suggest solutions when you can

• Your aim is to become a trusted friend and guide as the newcomers begin dealing with the changes, challenges, and stress that results from moving to a new country, home, culture, school and job.

• As a First Friend, not only can you guide the refugee through these new experiences, but you can also provide encouragement and relief from this stress.

• The most important aspect of the Support Network:  Help refugees engage in activities that promote self-empowerment (i.e. understanding public transportation, food shopping, financial literacy, reading/writing/speaking English, utilizing the library, etc.)

You may accompany the Case Manager to meet the family as they arrive at the airport.  The next day you can attend the three hour cultural orientation with the family.

Some of the other activities that you can complete with your family include:

• Airport Pick-up (Day 1)

• Orientation (Day 2)

• Cash First Check (1^st week)

• Grocery Shopping (1^st week)

• Bus Trips (1^st week)

• Trip to Safari Seconds (1^st week)

• ACC Tuesday Dinner (1^st week)

• Follow-up Housing Orientation (Week 1 or 2)

• Help with Payment of first Bills (1^st month)

• Set up Bank Account (usually after job)

• Help Read Mail

• On Call for Medical Appointments

• Help set up Phone (Month 2 or 3 or after job)

• Bus to Ethnic Grocery Store (By 2^nd or 3^rd Week)

*Please note that this program is very flexible. We encourage you to be a friend and not a case manager so you can spend as much time as you desire with your refugee family. We encourage anyone and everyone to participate in this exciting program!

Internships

Case Management Intern (2)                                                    Closed/Open

Match Grant (Case Management) Intern                                Closed

TANF (Case Management) Intern                                             Open

Safari Seconds Intern                                                                Open

Finance Intern                                                                              Open

Employment Intern (2)                                                               Closed/Open

Youth Programs Interns (2)                                                     Closed/Open

Childcare Intern                                                                          Closed

Health Support Intern                                                                Closed

First Friends Intern                                                                    Open

Organizational Development Intern                                      Closed

Outreach and Event Planning Intern                                     Closed

                               

Case Management Intern (2)                                                                                       Closed/Open

The Case Management position will be highly interactive; it will require quick learning and creative thinking.  Tasks will range from filling out food stamp applications to helping families locate affordable housing.  This intern will work intensively with refugees from all over the world, the African Community Center staff, government programs, landlords, employers, volunteers, and many other individuals.  After intern learns the basic components of Case Management the intern will be responsible for overseeing a case of their own (contingent upon working 20 hours or more per week). 

Duties include:

·          Locate and set up housing for new refugees arrivals

·          Pick up new refugees from the airport

·          Fill out government paperwork (food stamp/Medicaid applications, SSI benefits, TANF applications)

·          Take refugees to appointments on the bus or by car

·          Help refugees apply for Social Security cards at the SSA office

·          Help refugees cash a check

·          Orient refugees with Denver and teach them how to grocery shop, ride the bus, etc.

·          Write case notes and maintain  case files

·          Deal with daily crises and various activities as they arise

Position Requirements: Minimum Junior in undergrad in Social Work, International Studies, Foreign Language, or other fields of studies may be accepted.

Application Process: Interested interns must attend the New Volunteer Orientation any Tuesday at 5pm at 850 Holly St. Once you have attended orientation, you will be referred to the Case Manager for an interview. If selected for the internship, you will be asked to complete the volunteer documents.

Duration: 4 months minimum (10-20 hours per week)

 

Match Grant (Case Management) Intern                                                                              Closed

The Match Grant (MG) position is similar to the Case Management position in that it will be highly interactive and will require quick learning and creative thinking.  Match Grant is a specific program in the Refugee program that helps newly arrived community members become employed within 4 months of arrival in Denver. It requires dedicated staff to help these individuals find meaningful and sustainable work as quickly as possible.              

Duties include:

·          Develop job club (teach computer skills, how to search for jobs, etc) – some freedom with what this will look like (creativity!)

·          Conduct employment plans (document client’s education and work history)

·          Make referrals to English and employment training classes

 

·          Assist community members with learning the skills necessary for self-sufficiency, (learn bus routes, fill out applications, etc.)

·          Search for jobs, attend job fairs with community members, establish relationships with employers

·          Help MG clients apply for jobs and take them to job interviews

·          Assist MG clients with applying for jobs online

·          Follow up with employed community members and their employers

·          Filing/case notes

·          May include some case management (assisting with food stamps, Medicaid, medical appointments, housing, and other issues that may arise)

Position Requirements:  Minimum Junior in undergrad in Social Work, International Studies, Foreign Language, or other fields of studies may be accepted.

Application Process: Interested interns must attend the New Volunteer Orientation any Tuesday at 5pm at 850 Holly St. Once you have attended orientation, you will be referred to the Employment Specialist for an interview. If selected for the internship, you will be asked to complete the volunteer documents.

Duration: 4 months minimum (20 hours per week)

 

TANF (Case Management) Intern                                                                                              Open

The TANF Case Management position will be highly interactive in Assisting the TANF team; it will require quick learning and creative thinking.  Tasks will range from filling out food stamp applications to helping families locate affordable housing.  This intern will work intensively with refugees and other LEPs (limited English populations) from all over the world, the African Community Center staff, government programs, landlords, employers, volunteers, and many other individuals.  After intern learns the basic components of Case Management the intern will be responsible for overseeing a case of their own (contingent upon working 20 hours or more per week). 

Duties include:

·          Interact with community members in the office, at CBT sites, and in homes

·          Assist with orientation and assessment for new TANF customers

·          Fill out government paperwork (food stamp/Medicaid applications, SSI benefits, TANF applications)

·          Take community members to appointments on the bus or by car

·          Support community members in their efforts to gain employment and education

·          Write case notes and maintain case files

·          Deal with daily crises and various activities as they arise

Position Requirements: Minimum Junior in undergrad in Social Work, International Studies, Foreign Language, or other fields of studies may be accepted.

Application Process: Interested interns must attend the New Volunteer Orientation any Tuesday at 5pm at 850 Holly St. Once you have attended orientation, you will be referred to the TANF Case Manager for an interview. If selected for the internship, you will be asked to complete the volunteer documents.

Duration: 4 months minimum (10-20 hours per week)

 

Safari Seconds Intern                                                                                                                 Open

Intern will assist Store Manager and Job Skills Trainer everyday duties of running the store and employment training program.

Duties include:

·          Help community members at Safari Seconds with conversational English

·          Assist with intake and sorting of donations

·          Organize Reception and Placement area

·          Teach about job skills and norms in the workplace

Position Requirements: 

·          ESL experience is a plus

·          Organizational skills

Application Process: Interested interns must attend the New Volunteer Orientation any Tuesday at 5pm at 850 Holly St. Once you have attended orientation, you will be referred to the Manager for an interview. If selected for the internship, you will be asked to complete the volunteer documents.

Duration: 1-6 months (15-20 hours per week) 

 

Finance Intern                                                                                                                                Open

The finance intern will Work one-on-one with Finance Manager and Bookkeeper to process and maintain non-profit agency’s financial records. Intern will gain knowledge of nonprofit accounting systems and the US refugee resettlement cash assistance program.

Duties include:   

·          Processing financial paperwork

·          Balancing accounts

·          Maintaining financial records

·          Copying and filing

·          Maintaining client/agency confidentiality at ALL times!

Position Requirements: 

·          Knowledge of standard accounting procedures at a beginning college level.   

·          Basic computer knowledge (preferably in Microsoft Excel).

·          Detail-oriented and organized.

·          Willingness to learn agency’s bookkeeping system and work with newcomer clients from all parts of the world.

·          Able to commit at least one college semester to internship position.

Application Process: Interested interns must attend the New Volunteer Orientation any Tuesday at 5pm at 850 Holly St. Once you have attended orientation, you will be referred to the Finance Manager for an interview. If selected for the internship, you will be asked to complete the volunteer documents.

Duration: Open-ended (15 hours per week)

 

Employment Intern (2)                                                                                                   Closed/Open

Intern will assist Employment Specialists with job search for new arrivals in Denver.

Duties include:

·          Conduct employment plans (document client’s education and work history)

·          Make referrals to English and employment training classes

·          Assist community members with learning the skills necessary for self-sufficiency, (learn bus routes, fill out applications, etc.)

·          Search for jobs, attend job fairs with community members, establish relationships with employers

·          Help community members apply for jobs and take them to job interviews

·          Assist community members with applying for jobs online

·          Follow up with employed community members and their employers

·          Filing/case notes

·          May include some case management (assisting with food stamps, Medicaid, medical appointments, housing, and other issues that may arise)

Position Requirements:  Great computer skills, car, and personal computer a plus but not a must         

Application Process: Interested interns must attend the New Volunteer Orientation any Tuesday at 5pm at 850 Holly St. Once you have attended orientation, you will be referred to the Employment Specialist for an interview. If selected for the internship, you will be asked to complete the volunteer documents.

Duration: 1 month minimum (10-20 hours per week)

 

Youth Programs Interns (2)                                                                                         Closed/Open

One intern will work on strengthening the after school program and provide emotional and academic support for refugee youth in the form of life skills classes, homework help/tutoring, and artistic and athletic enrichment activities while the other will focus on student and parent outreach (i.e. transportation, immunizations, and communication between the school and family)

Duties include:

·          Daily interaction with youth in academic, enrichment and social activities

·          Planning and implementing new program ideas with RYOP staff

·          Monitoring and tracking measurable

·          Being a good role model for the youth

·          Assist the program staff in outreach and awareness activities in the community

·          Coordinating and supervising team activities

·          Working one-on-one with youth

Position Requirements: 

·          Cultural competency and a general willingness to help newcomer youth deal with stress and anxiety about life in a new culture.

·          Ability to engage with refugee youth (despite language barriers) to complete homework, practice English and interact through games and activities

·          Language ability (other than Spanish) helpful.

·          Intercultural experience necessary. 

·          Experience working with children/youth necessary

Application Process: Interested interns must attend the New Volunteer Orientation any Tuesday at 5pm at 850 Holly St. Once you have attended orientation, you will be referred to the Youth Program Coordinator for an interview. If selected for the internship, you will be asked to complete the volunteer documents.

Duration: 6 months (8-10 hours per week)

 

Childcare Intern                                                                                                                          Closed

Intern will assist Early Childhood Development Coordinator with everyday functions in the childcare.

Duties include:

·          Meet directly with community members to assess their daycare needs

·          Help with transportation to daycare orientation

·          Assist with paperwork at specific daycares and do follow up with families

·          Help community members at Safari Seconds with conversational English

·          Teach about job skills and norms in the workplace

·          Assist Coordinator with guidance in American workplace, school, and parenting cultures

Position Requirements: 

·          Must have experience working with children and toddlers

Application Process: Interested interns must attend the New Volunteer Orientation any Tuesday at 5pm. Once you have attended orientation, you will be referred to the Early Childhood Development Coordinator for an interview. If selected for the internship, you will be asked to complete the volunteer documents.

Duration: Open-ended (20 hours per week)

 

Health Support Intern                                                                                                               Closed

Intern will assist the Medical Coordinator providing healthcare support to community members. ACC provides access, resource and referral information, not direct medical services.

Duties include:

·          Manage refugee/asylee health appointments (i.e. schedule and arrange transportation)

·          Follow-up and report on ALL missed or canceled health appointments

·          Assist health team in outreach and awareness activities in the community

·          Participate in health related task forces and trainings on refugee issues

Position Requirements: 

·          Cross-cultural experience and/or knowledge of refugee health and resettlement issues.

·          Cultural sensitivity, ability to work closely and communicate with limited-English populations

·          Program development experience is a plus

·          Basic computer knowledge (Office Suite, Internet).

·          Detail-oriented and organized

·          Strong written and oral communication skills

·          Able to commit at least one school year (through August/September 2007 through June 30, 2008) to internship position

·          Intern must have access to his/her own vehicle and must be willing to provide transportation to refugee clients on a regular basis.

Application Process: Interested interns must attend the New Volunteer Orientation any Tuesday at 5pm at 850 Holly St. Once you have attended orientation, you will be referred to the Medical Coordinator for an interview. If selected for the internship, you will be asked to complete the volunteer documents.

Duration: 6 -12 months, 10-20 hours per week

 

First Friends Intern                                                                                                                       Open

Intern will assist Lead Case Manager and Volunteer Coordinator with connecting refugee families and individuals with local families and individuals in Denver.

Duties include:

• Match incoming refugee families with a First Friend to help them through their firstAssist in developing a Volunteer Management System that will efficiently assign jobs, provide accountability, and reward volunteer contributions

• Assist and provide on-going training for first friend families

• Work with participant to increase activities and opportunities for engagement and learning

• Work closely with Lead Case Manager and Volunteer Coordinator to create new strategies and improve upon the existing design of First Friends in order to increase the number of participants.

Position Requirements: 

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills

• Cultural responsiveness and competency

• Ability to work autonomously and collaboratively

• Experience with data entry is a plus

Application Process: Interested interns must attend the New Volunteer Orientation any Tuesday at 5pm at 850 Holly St. Once you have attended orientation, you will be referred to the Volunteer Coordinator for an interview. If selected for the internship, you will be asked to complete the volunteer documents.

Duration: 6-9 months, 10 hours per week

 

Organizational Development Intern                                                                                      Closed

Intern will assist the Executive Director with continued development of staff, program and organization.

Duties include:

• Participate in and assist with ACC’s Social Networking and Restructuring Activities

•  Assist ACC Director with organizing and engaging Local Advisory Board

• Support Director and Resource Coordinator in the recruitment of sponsors

• Perform nonprofit program and administrative duties as assigned

Position Requirements: 

• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment

• Motivated self-starter a must

• Cross-cultural experience preferred, bi-lingual a plus

•  Intern must have own transportation or be willing to ride the bus to and from appointments (bus pass or mileage compensation provided)

Application Process: Interested interns must attend the New Volunteer Orientation any Tuesday at 5pm at 850 Holly St. Once you have attended orientation, you will be referred to the Executive Director for an interview. If selected for the internship, you will be asked to complete the volunteer documents.

Duration: 1-3 months, 10-20 per week

 

Outreach and Event Planning Intern                                                                                   Closed

Intern will assist the Outreach and Development Managers with the following in planning, executing outreach and fundraising activities.

Duties include:

• Special Events coordination and planning.

• Securing Venues

• Researching, contacting and securing event participants including vendors, performers, etc

• Assisting with fundraising to underwrite events

• Budget planning and implementation

• Managing event volunteers

• Media Outreach

• Promotion of event

• Participation in a variety of outreach programs including lecture series, community gatherings, school programs, etc.

Position Requirements: 

• Prior special events, volunteer management, and budget experience. 

• Must be mature and detail oriented with exceptional time management skills.

• Ability to complete tasks with little or no supervision

• Proactive, dedicated self-starters are a must! The right candidate will be able to dedicate him or herself to this program and take the initiative to make it work.

•  Fundraising experience strongly desired but not a must

• A strong interest in refugee protection and assistance

Application Process: Interested interns must attend the New Volunteer Orientation any Tuesday at 5pm at 850 Holly St. Once you have attended orientation, you will be referred to the Outreach and Development Manager for an interview. If selected for the internship, you will be asked to complete the volunteer documents.

Duration: 2-6 months, 10-20 hours per week

Volunteer Positions

Volunteer Food Bank Coordinator                                                Open

Volunteer Donations/Apartment Setup Coordinator                Open

Volunteer, Volunteer Coordinator                                                 Closed

 

Volunteer Food Bank Coordinator                                                                                            Open
 

The Food Bank Coordinator will assist the Volunteer Manager in the maintenance of culturally appropriate food supply for food pantry to support more than 50 families each month. 

Duties include:

• Shopping to stock inventory, on average this is done 1- 2 times a week

• Assist in food distribution to Refugee families

• Maintaining a clean and sanitary food bank

• Record and update monthly records of intake donations, distribution to clients, and purchases

• Train and supervise volunteer staff

 

Position Requirements:  Volunteer must commit 10-20 hours of service to ACC. Hours will often be within the normal day week/day, but may include some evenings and weekends.   

Application Process: Becoming a Volunteer

Duration: 6-12 months

 

Volunteer Donations/Apartment Setup Coordinator                                                          Open
 

Donations Coordinator will assist the Resettlement Team in the purchase, inventory and maintenance of household supplies for incoming refugees, track value of R&P items given to refugees, and coordinate and assist in apartment set-up for new arrivals.
 

Duties include:

• Maintain stock of R&P household items

• Keep a current inventory of all purchased and donated R&P items

• Purchase additional items as necessary

• Package R&P items for incoming refugee families in advance of arrival

•  Assist Case Managers and Community Members with apartment set-up for new arrivals

• Track quantity and value of R&P items distributed to refugees

• Balance incoming and outgoing inventory

Position Requirements:  Volunteer must commit 20 hours of service to ACC. Hours will often be within the normal day week/day, but may include some evenings and weekends.   

Application Process: Becoming a Volunteer

Duration: 6-12 months

 

Volunteer, Volunteer Coordinator (9-12 months)               __________                         Closed
 

The volunteer coordinator will assist the Volunteer Manager in encouraging the public to support the organization through volunteering, processing volunteer applications and track hours, and coordinating with ACC staff on volunteer projects and needs.

 

Duties include:

• Recruit volunteers to support ACC’s programs through outreach events

• Maintain postings on volunteer and other institution websites

• Process paperwork, interview new applicants and screen potential volunteers

• Conduct orientation and training sessions for new volunteers

• Manage and allocate volunteers to ideal positions

• Support First Friend Support Network Program

• Maintain database of contact information and track volunteer hours

• Gain understanding of refugee issues and create awareness of those issues within  the general public

• Assist with website maintenance, with respect to the volunteer opportunities and program

 

Position Requirements:  Volunteer must commit 10-20 hours of service to ACC, and depends on the number of arrivals. Hours will be within the normal day week/day, but may include some evenings.

Application Process: Becoming a Volunteer

Duration: 6-12 months

Spot Volunteering

There is an open invitation to the public to attend a volunteer orientation which is held every Tuesday at 5:00pm at ACC (850 Holly St.). Once you have completed the orientation and application process, the volunteer team then matches you with an assignment.

Here are a few examples of how volunteers can get involved with ACC:

• Youth: After-school, academic support and ESL, field trip supervision, soccer, basketball

• Case Management: Directly work with clients, driving to appointments, assisting in job search

• Childcare: One-on-one conversation and language instruction

• Office Support: Filing, answering phones, greeting clients

• Safari Seconds: Employment preparation, language tutoring, entrepreneurial expertise and consulting, general upkeep (cleaning and organizing)

• New Arrival Support: Airport pick-up, apt. set up, food shopping, cooking

• Community Outreach: Ambassador or liaison between to churches, businesses, organizations, expanding ACC’s support network and building community

• Tuesday Community Dinner: planning special/cultural events, set-up and take down, transportation, engagement with community members

• Food Bank: Shopping, stocking, tracking donations and distribution, dividing staple foods into smaller bags to hand out to community members.

• Other: Driving instruction or let us know your ideas!

Volunteer Community

Sign up for our new Yahoo! Groups to see and share photos from the past events; access the volunteer calendar to sign up for new volunteer activities; join the listserve to share resources, “needs, wants, and offers”, or alerts; and have important documents that you all may need to access.

Here’s what you do… Go to yahoo groups:  http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ACCconnection
-If you already have a Yahoo email address, just join the group.
-If you don’t have a Yahoo email address, sign up for a free one then join the group.

Once signed up and approved (you must have all your volunteer documents in!), you will have access to ACC’S volunteer calendar, photos, files, and more!