School Year: Tuesdays OR Thursdays 3:45-6:15pm
Summer: Varies, but electives are often mid-day Tuesday-Thursday. Fridays - field trips.
We are very interested in having a practicum student (or two) available for in person groups at the Mill Creek Middle school (Central Kent) - working with a group of middle school aged students from refugee families. Brielle Cosgrove is the main contact there if you would like to reach out: BCosgrove@wr.org
To see every refugee and immigrant welcomed by community, rooted in community, and empowered for community
Practicum. CMHC.
World Relief is both an equal opportunity employer and a faith-based religious organization. World Relief strictly prohibits and does not tolerate unlawful discrimination against employees on the basis of person’s race, color, sex, national origin, age (40or older), disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law, which does not conflict with the protections afforded World Relief as a faith-based employer. In addition, physical or mental limitations will not be factor in the application of World Relief’s employment policies or employee practices, except for those situations in which occupational requirements make consideration of such factors necessary.
It is the policy and commitment of World Relief not to discriminate in service delivery on the basis of race, religion, national origin, ancestry, gender identity, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran status, citizenship status, or any other legally protected classification.
PERSONAL NOTE: As a coordinator of youth programs, I emphasize that cultivating a safe environment for all students, volunteers, and staff is of utmost importance to me. Our office as a whole is also incredibly welcoming and diverse, representing over 20 countries and many differing identities. I am confident that anyone joining our team, in any capacity, will feel welcomed and valued here.
Please do not confuse our identity as a faith-based organizations with any concerns of exclusion - we are very diverse and inclusive. Volunteers and families are not required to affirm any particular identity, religion, etc. to participate. While our staff each have a personal faith, we do not lead faith-related activities in our programs, and are sensitive to all cultures and identities. All are welcome here!
World Relief serves refugee and immigrant families from all over the world. Currently, we are predominantly working with Afghan, Ukrainian, Russian, and Central American families.
For Antioch students, we would like to highlight two of our school-age programs.*
Our after school "R.I.S.E." program at a local Kent elementary school for refugee students K-6th. Two days a week, students can participate in engaging STEM or art projects, receive homework help, and practice English vocabulary and grammar right onsite at their school. We also help students foster connections with other non-refugee youth who attend the school. We meet Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4-6pm during the school year, and usually offer a couple of field trips each semester.
During July and August, we offer 4-5 weeks of Summer Academy, typically for K-8th. Students receive academic and English support from teachers in engaging, age-based classrooms. They also receive opportunities to attend electives such as art, music, sports, and yoga, and attend exciting field trips to explore the PNW and enjoy the healing aspects of nature.
Most importantly, our programs are a community - where students from all over the world can belong. Our goal is to provide an experience tailored to newly arrived refugee children, offering a safe space to find roots and re-establish a sense of home. We cultivate connections between peers, where students can laugh together, speak their home languages, and learn social-emotional skills like conflict resolution and goal-setting. They are encouraged develop a trusted relationship with a mentor, asking questions about school culture or collaborating on challenges they are facing in their daily lives. We weave trauma-informed practices into all our activities, intentionally offering open-ended opportunities for healing and connection.
*World Relief also has two programs for early learners (0-6 years). Those interested in working with this age group can reach out and ask what opportunities may be available for participating with these programs instead.
We have had several incredible art or drama students support our youth programs in recent years. We have found that these students offer exactly what our students need: engaging, intentionally-planned activities and mentorship to support healing and connection. We love including active, fun projects to capture students' attention, challenge their problem-solving skills, and provide opportunities to tell their stories.
During the after-school program, Antioch students can choose either Tuesday or Thursday and plan to lead a 45-minute activity for those who attend the club every week. We form close connections in this space, and it's a fabulous opportunity to practice fostering tight-knit relationships and diving deep with 10-20 students.
At Summer Academy, we invite community facilitators to lead electives, where students can individually select a class that fits their interest and energy that day. It's a fun, high-energy environment, where every day is different. Elective leaders are included in our large, vibrant, diverse community, meeting a wide variety of students and leaders. Antioch students can practice leading groups of 5-30.
At either program, there are opportunities to volunteer as more of a floating student support role, as opposed to an activity facilitator. This may be a good fit for those who are studying mental health or youth development, but not planning to facilitate art or drama.
As the Coordinator for School-Age programs, I am available for feedback and support in activity planning and general questions. I am onsite most - if not all - the time. I love creating connections, hearing stories, and collaborating on how to best include each team members' skillsets. Our staff and volunteer community is highly passionate, skilled, and inclusive.