Q&A With Our New Refugee Volunteer Coordinator

Joining the agency at the end of 2023, Megan is our first volunteer coordinator focused on developing a network of volunteers to support our refugee clients. Read as she explains what led her to this work and what she has learned since. 

Q: Why did you want to be the agency’s first refugee volunteer coordinator?

A: Catholic Charities’ mission really spoke to me – the idea of being a part of “where hope begins” was very exciting. I have previously worked with volunteer programs, but in this position, I knew I would help volunteers do something impactful and create change in the community.  

Q: What is the most surprising thing you learned during your first few months on the job?

A: I didn’t realize how in-depth the resettling process was! From setting up an apartment, transporting clients to health appointments, helping read mail, enrolling children in school… There are a lot of small things our case managers do to ensure all the big things work out for a family down the road. 

I went to a doctor’s visit with one of our case managers and I was impressed with the professionalism and diligence of our staff. The time and patience she took with interpreting each sentence to ensure the client and doctor truly understood each other… That level of care and responsibility is inspiring. 

In our ESL class, I had the chance to help a client who was studying for their citizenship class. As a U.S.-born citizen, I was amazed at how much this refugee client knew about American history and legal system… I am not sure if I could pass the test!! And to top it off, the client had to memorize all of these facts in her non-native language. 

Q: What is something you want others to know about Refugee Services?

A: Our case managers do a lot of work to ensure families feel safe and settled by helping them get all the resources needed – whether they have been here for five days or five years! I am amazed that the case managers can do everything on their checklist within 90 days – on top of all the paperwork. 

I have lived in Fort Wayne since 2018 and even worked with refugees at a previous job. I didn’t realize that Catholic Charities was so involved in refugee services, or that they were the only resettlement agency in northern Indiana. I get to see firsthand how this agency is quietly making a huge impact. The case managers aren’t doing this job for glory, but because they care for the dignity of those who are trying to make a new life in a new country. 

Q: Why should people volunteer with Refugee Services?

A: Volunteering with the refugee services team will give you a window into the beauty of cultural differences. Volunteers also help refugees feel like they are a part of the community because they gain another friend. It is a hard transition for these families that know no one except their case manager… They need a mentor who can teach them about U.S. culture, laws, and basic everyday living in Indiana. 

Q: What is the biggest volunteer need in the refugee program?

A: Homework Help Program! We would like to hold it once a week and then build it out to additional days. We need retired teachers and others who can help out after school. 

Q: How can people start volunteering?

A: They can send me an email at malvarez@ccfwsb.org or fill out an application on our volunteer page at www.ccfwsb.org/volunteer. We provide an orientation before volunteers begin meeting with clients to ensure they know what to expect and have the opportunity to learn more about our programming.