We all want to make a difference in the world. It’s part of how we are designed. At World Relief, we believe making a difference is a two-way street. For 80 years in the U.S. and over 10 years in Memphis, we’ve been guiding people like you to volunteer in ways that make a lasting impact. You can bring your gifts, abilities, and interests, and World Relief will help you connect and walk alongside families and individuals as they rebuild their lives in Memphis.

We are so excited to partner with you as you grow, learn, and make a difference through volunteering.

Volunteer Opportunities

Apartment Set-Up

*Currently, no positions are available due to the recent Executive Order pausing the Refugee Resettlement program. Advocate with us to stand with separated and vulnerable families.

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Position Summary:

World Relief Memphis Initial Welcome Services (IWS) sets up each new client’s home or apartment before the client arrives in Memphis. Apartment Set-Up Volunteers will assist IWS in this task. A Home Set-Up Checklist will be provided, and volunteers should complete the tasks on the checklist. Each Apartment Set-Up opportunity may include

Moving furniture

Assembling furniture

Making beds, hanging shower curtains, and other similar duties as asked

Stocking kitchens with food and cooking necessities

The goal is for a client’s home or apartment to be fully set-up by the time the client arrives at MEM.

Learn more here!

Good Neighbor Team

Position Overview:

Good Neighbor Teams (GNT) are community groups who are matched with a refugee family. These teams commit to walking alongside newcomers for 6 months with the goal that each refugee who arrives to the U.S. will feel the warm welcome of their local community. GNTs help newcomers integrate into their new community through mutual relationship building, the exchange of cultures, teaching life skills, and assisting the local World Relief office with providing core services for the Reception and Placement Program.

Learn more here!

Digital Literacy

Early Childhood Education Volunteer

*Currently, no positions are available

Position Summary:

World Relief Memphis is seeking compassionate and energetic volunteers to assist with an early childhood education program. This role is crucial for supporting families attending our ESL programs by providing safe, nurturing, and engaging care for their children. By becoming an Early Childhood Education Volunteer, you help parents participate fully in our ESL classes, knowing their children are in good hands.

Learn more here!

Welcome Meal

*Currently, no positions are available due to the recent Executive Order pausing the Refugee Resettlement program. Advocate with us to stand with separated and vulnerable families.

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Position Summary:

When a new client arrives in Memphis, World Relief is required to provide a culturally appropriate, warm meal to them. Arrival Meal volunteers either cook, buy, or donate money towards a family’s arrival meal. Meals should be ready-to-heat, meaning they are ready for the family to heat up and eat at their leisure when they arrive home.

Learn more here!

Career Mentor

Position Summary: When a client arrives, one of their key objectives is to become financially stable and independent as soon as possible. The most important part of achieving that is securing employment. Many times, our clients could use assistance in creating, updating, revising, and or translating their resumes. At the end of your session, the client should walk away with a resume and an idea of how to communicate their work experience effectively and/or a completed online job application.

Learn more here!

English Tutor

Position Summary:

English Tutors tutor an English language learner in English vocabulary and practical conversational skills. English Tutors and English language learners (ELL) are matched in one-on-one pairs. The English Tutor will be given worksheets and training resources to help them have materials to go through with the ELL. The goal is to spend one hour per week, for at least 10 weeks, committed to tutoring and becoming friends in the process.

Learn more here!

Grocery Assistant

Position Summary:

Grocery Assistants are matched with newly arrived individuals or families to help them navigate the grocery shopping process and teach essential skills for shopping on a budget. The Grocery Assistant will provide guidance on making smart purchasing decisions, understanding brand names, and comparing prices. In this role, volunteers will develop meaningful connections with clients, helping them feel confident in their ability to shop independently.

Learn more here!

Youth Mentor

School Enrollment Advocate

Cultural Companion

Roadrunner

Position Summary:

Road Runners (RRs) drive routes for the Connect Language Center’s (CLC’s) English as a Second Language (ESL) classes and other appointments as needed. RRs can drive their personal vehicle or request to use one of World Relief Memphis' fleet vehicles (if desired). As transportation often proves to be an obstacle for clients as they’re trying to access services here in the Memphis area, RR's help provide a much-needed resource for clients. Along the way, we hope that volunteers will develop relationships that transform lives for all involved.

Learn more here!

Café English Partner

*Currently no positions available

Café English volunteers aid in developing World Relief Memphis' Connect Language Center (CLC) students’ conversational English skills on Tuesday evenings from 5:30-6:30pm. Each week, Café English volunteers will build meaningful relationships and language skills with students who are eager to practice and learn. Volunteers have the option to purchase specialty coffee from the Café English barista. Cafe English volunteers can partner with a student to have a conversation or be the barista. Generally, one barista is chosen per cycle.

Learn more here!

Volunteer Application Form

"It's really been wonderful for me to make friends with these women. We talk about other things too [such as] their jobs or what they're cooking for dinner, their culture."

-Melissa, World Relief Sewing Volunteer

“There's a big need for the English help that World Relief is providing...I enjoyed meeting people from different parts of the world and hearing their stories.”

- Ed, World Relief Café English Volunteer

"It has worked out really well, and we’ve really enjoyed it, everyone has loved it. We hope to expand and do more, and create more teams to do this.”

- Johnny, former World Relief Good Neighbor Volunteer with Hope Presbyterian Church

"Sometimes we think the commitment is big. But even if we do small things, it’s a big thing for others. So just being there for others… There’s always something we can do. Just acknowledging others, it’s important to do that."

- Gladys, World Relief Memphis Good Neighbor Team Volunteer

Upcoming Events

All events are at World Relief Memphis unless otherwise noted: 5340 Quince Rd, Suite A, Memphis 38119

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We do not currently have an in-person or virtual volunteer orientation on the schedule, BUT, if you fill out a volunteer application, recorded videos will be sent to you to get the process going.

Thank you for joining us in Welcome!

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Follow our social media for announcements, updates, and more exciting ways to connect!

If you would like more information or want to reach out to us, email us at

volunteermemphis@wr.org