HopePrint, a local non-profit organization, helps refugees form relationships and build bonds with people in the community. HopePrint volunteers develop new friendships with people they otherwise might never meet.
Upcoming volunteer opportunities at HopePrint begin in mid January. These possibilities include tutoring for all grades and subjects, either virtual or in-person. Tutoring requires a volunteer’s weekly commitment.
Another possibility is volunteering in the WeCreate program. “WeCreate is a STEM-based, literacy enrichment program, focusing on social emotional development and resilience-building in school-age participants through project-based learning opportunities,” said Community Engagement Manager Sarah Hewitt. WeCreate is an in-person opportunity that requires a weekly commitment.
HopePrint also seeks Force volunteers. Force is a project-based, experiential learning program focused on strengthening each participant’s character and understanding of their personal identity. The Force Project also entails a weekly commitment.
Not all volunteer opportunities require a weekly commitment. Some one-time or less frequent opportunities include working in the community garden, community clean-ups, annual yard-sale, kids activity kit deliveries, etc.
HopePrint generally requires volunteers to be age 16 or older. However, students under age 16 should still reach out to HopePrint and see if any alternative options are available. All volunteers must attend a volunteer training session once per season.
Volunteer work does not go unappreciated: “We are so grateful for our volunteers – we cannot do what we do without them!” said Hewitt.
HopePrint seeks volunteers with a “willingness to work with others from different cultures and backgrounds than one’s own,” said Hewitt. While all volunteer positions require flexibility, HopePrint also asks volunteers to be especially flexible this year due to COVID-19.
“I realized that people in my own community are struggling and need help. Now I know there’s more to the world than just what is inside my sheltered bubble,” said J-DHS junior Shiela Phoha, a HopePrint volunteer. Students interested in volunteering at HopePrint can email Sarah Hewitt at syracuse@myhopeprint.org.
