Support Your New Neighbor Today!

Make an Impact Now That Lasts a Lifetime!

There are many ways to make an impact in the lives of one of your new neighbors. The need is urgent as more refugees are being resettled now than in over 25 years! Join us in serving as a friendship partner, airport pick-up assistant, or ESL partner!

SIGN UP

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 almost 10 years, we’ve been guiding people like you to volunteering 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 Upstate SC.

We are so excited to partner with you as you grow, learn, and make a difference through volunteering. Sign up below or reach out to volunteerupstatesc@wr.org to learn more.

Volunteer Resources

Volunteer Handbook

Two female volunteers moving a mattress.

Volunteer Opportunities

At World Relief, no matter your age, passion or schedule, you can join in creating a community of welcome for refugees and immigrants across Upstate SC.

Choose the volunteering option that fits you best.

Airport Pickup

When a new client arrives in Greenville, Airport Pick-Up Volunteers greet them at the Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport (GSP) and transport the client(s) to their home or apartment. Airport Pick-Up Volunteers are often the first individuals from Greenville clients will interact with. The goal is for clients to feel welcomed and more at ease, to be safely transported to their housing, and to do a brief housing and emergency protocols orientation.

This is a one-time volunteer opportunity, meaning volunteers will receive communication about upcoming opportunities and commit as their unique schedule allows.

Welcome Meal

Apartment Set-up

Before new clients arrive in Greenville, World Relief Upstate SC sets up their first home or apartment for them. When volunteers step into this role, their work brings warmth, comfort and safety to the home. Apartment set-ups can be completed in a fraction of the time when multiple people work together, relieving our staff from what is often a solo task.

Each Apartment Set-Up opportunity may include: moving or assembling furniture, making beds, hanging shower curtains, stocking kitchens with food/cooking necessities and other similar tasks.

Transportation Assistant

Lawn Care Mentor

A Lawn Care Mentor helps newly arrived refugee families learn the basics of lawn care in their new country. Mentors guide them on how to use and maintain a lawnmower, where to buy one, and what to consider when purchasing a used mower. They assist throughout the buying process, offering advice on where to shop and what to purchase. While the costs of the lawn equipment are covered, there is a need for dedicated Lawn Care Mentors.

This opportunity is all about teaching, guiding, and supporting refugees as they learn how to care for the lawn at their new homes.

Donation Support

When volunteers step into this role they help collect donations (such as welcome kits) to meet tangible needs of newly arriving refugee families.

Refugees often flee their homes at a moment’s notice. They arrive at our airport with few belongings, a difficult past, and high hopes of the future. Welcome kits provide the basic household items refugees need as they begin a journey in our community—one we invite you to join.

This is a one-time volunteer opportunity, meaning volunteers will receive communication about upcoming opportunities and commit as their unique schedule allows.

World Relief Ambassador

Friendship Partner

Friendship partners walk alongside a newly arrived refugee family or individual in their transition to life in Upstate SC. As an individual volunteer, you’ll assist World Relief in various aspects of the resettlement process while forming mutually transformative relationships with newcomers.

Help our new neighbors acclimate to the area by introducing them to your favorite parts of Upstate SC and visiting them weekly to build
lasting friendships.

Good Neighbor Team

Good Neighbor Teams (GNTs) walk alongside a newly arrived refugee family or individual in their transition to life in Upstate SC. In a group of 6 or more, you’ll assist World Relief in various aspects of the resettlement process while forming mutually transformative relationships with newcomers.

You’ll help prepare our new neighbors’ housing before arrival in addition to helping them acclimate to the area by introducing them to your favorite parts of Upstate SC and visiting them weekly to build lasting friendships.

I like volunteering because I have met new people, learned many new things, eaten new foods, and learned about the culture of Afghans.

-Sonia, Good Neighbor

I have appreciated helping women progress in their English, getting to know them, and helping them move forward in their transition to life in the U.S.

-Anne, ESL Tutor

"I volunteer because I love getting to know the students more deeply and having the opportunity to serve others."

-Colin, Welcome Club Volunteer