Casa Juan Diego
Volunteer Non US Citizen
Yes
Categories:
Spanish Language Preferences:
Location Details
Description
Casa Juan Diego is a center for immigrants and refugees. We receive new immigrants who have just crossed the border in our houses, distribute food to 1,000 people per week, provide medical services to the undocumented, and assist undocumented very ill or paralyzed with rent and other needs. We also have a large garden.
Student Role
Receive new guests, prepare rooms for them, and find the things they need – clothing, baby things, etc., and help to orient them and answer questions. Help to make sure the kitchen is up to standard for health department inspection. Assist in organizing food and preparing grocery bags and taking names of those who receive food. Pre-med students may assist in the clinic. Assist guests with applications for outside medical care. Work in the organic garden, sometimes along with guests.
Work Schedule
For women: M-F 8-5, Half day on weekends. An hour off for rest during the day. Mass with guests on Wednesday evenings. For men, M-S 8-1; Dinner with men who return late afternoon from work to answer their questions; Wednesday evening Mass, help to prepare; Thursday and Friday evening meetings at Casa Don Marcos, our men’s house.
Orientation
Topics covered: Whom Casa Juan Diego receives (walk-ins, ICE and Catholic Charities referrals). Policies for the sick and injured program. Policies and structure of the food distribution. clinic. Rules, normas for the guests and how to help orient people.
Housing Information
Private room in the house of hospitality where guests live. Women at houses for women and children, Men at men’s houses one block away. However, both groups will work together often during the day.
Spanish Language Proficiency
Conversational/Intermediate level is necessary.
Other Language Proficiencies
French, Portuguese, Arabic
Background Check
No additional training is required.
Drivers License
No