Serve Our Neighbors with Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest

Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest (LSS-SW) is inviting volunteers across Arizona to put their gifts into action, with current opportunities ranging from mentoring refugee youth and teaching English to sewing, jewelry-making, childcare and food distribution.

For Lutherans, service to our neighbors is one way our faith becomes tangible in the world. These opportunities offer individuals and congregations practical ways to accompany refugees, families, children and others in our communities.

Phoenix-area opportunities

LSS-SW is currently seeking volunteers for several roles in the Phoenix area, including:

  • Refugee Youth Mentors for young people ages 15–24

  • English teachers for the Women’s Empowerment Program on Tuesdays and Fridays, noon–12:45 p.m.

  • Childcare volunteers for the Family, Friends and Neighbors Caregiver Institute, Aug. 31–Oct. 12, at locations in Glendale and Peoria

  • Math tutoring for a foster child in Scottsdale

Volunteers are also needed for an International Rescue Committee food distribution in Glendale on the fourth Tuesday of each month, with shifts from 8–10 a.m. or 10 a.m.–noon. Tasks may include bagging produce, setting up food, assisting with intake, accompanying clients through the food line and cleanup. LSS-SW clients participate in the distribution, although it is not an LSS-SW event.

For information about Phoenix-area opportunities, contact Lane Klassen at lklassen@lss-sw.org.

Share your creative gifts in Tucson

The LSS-SW Women’s Empowerment Program in Tucson especially needs volunteers with sewing or jewelry-making skills who are willing to teach and encourage beginning crafters.

The sewing group meets Thursdays from 11 a.m.–1 p.m., while the jewelry-making group meets Tuesdays from 11 a.m.–1 p.m. Volunteers might share skills in mending, alterations, quilting, garment construction, beading, wire wrapping, jewelry assembly and other creative techniques.

Tucson is also seeking Refugee Youth Mentors and volunteers for one-on-one English tutoring.

To learn more about Tucson opportunities, contact Jessica O’Donnell at jodonnell@lss-sw.org.

Micro-grants help build relationships

Volunteers in Metro Phoenix who are already building relationships with refugee individuals or families may also be eligible for new micro-grants funded through Impact AZ. The grants can help cover the cost of activities volunteers and their refugee neighbors participate in together, removing financial barriers to friendship, connection and belonging.

Applications from volunteers will be prioritized over those from paid staff.

700 students started school ready for success

LSS-SW is also celebrating the results of its back-to-school drive. Thanks to donors and volunteers, 700 students across Arizona received new backpacks filled with school supplies. More than 10 donation drives were held, 80 volunteers helped sort and pack supplies, and more than $2,000 was raised.

LSS-SW also recently welcomed Bobby Ghisolfo as its new President & CEO. Ghisolfo thanked volunteers for the dedication and compassion they bring to their service and said he looks forward to meeting volunteers in the months ahead.

Whether your gifts involve teaching, mentoring, creating, caring for children or simply accompanying a neighbor, these opportunities are concrete ways to live out our Lutheran vocation of loving and serving our neighbors.

For general volunteer questions, contact volunteers@lss-sw.org.

Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardHelp Wanted, Lutheran Social Services of the SouthwestComment