Refer a Refugee or Immigrant

Family Services are post-resettlement programs that fill in after the critical work that resettlement agencies do to help refugees become established in their first six-months in the U.S. While these initial months of resettlement are a critical time in the lives of refugee families, the months and sometimes years that follow are equally crucial as refugees learn to navigate a new city and culture, overcome language barriers, build social networks, and gain confidence in their new lives. That is where Family Services steps in, offering support to recently resettled refugee families through our various programs.

Do you know a refugee or immigrant that would be a good fit for one of Hello Neighbor's programs? Read more about what qualifies a family or individual for each of our programs and click on the link below to make a nomination!

Note: If you're not sure about the fit, feel free to nominate anyway and our team will follow up.

Requirements

We want all of our matches to connect and have a successful relationship. For that reason, we do have several requirements for our mentees. These requirements are set in place to make sure that mentees are giving to the program as much as they are getting from it, and that they are able to fully participate in and enjoy their relationship with mentors. In order to become a Hello Neighbor mentee, you must have:

Family Mentorship

Potential mentee families should meet the following qualifications:

• Resided in the United States between six months and five years
• Have at least one child under the age of 18 living at home (we will accept individuals without children on a case-by-case basis)
• At least one parent is employed
• An authentic desire to have an "American Friend"
• Can commit to spending on average 10 hours a month with their mentor for six months.
• Committed to living in Greater Pittsburgh for the next 12 months

Smart Start for Refugee Mothers & Children

Mothers nominated to be part of the program should meet the following qualifications:

• Expecting a child
• A refugee or immigrant living in Allegheny County
• Can commit to weekly communications with their mom volunteer

Study Buddy Program

Students nominated for this program should meet the following qualifications:

• Be in middle or high school in the greater Pittsburgh area
• Be willing and able to dedicate two hours per week to learning with a tutor
• Be in need of additional educational support

Who Nominates Mentees?

A number of different agencies and people nominate our mentees. They include resettlement agencies, interpreters, friends, social service agencies, and past mentees. A big thanks to all of our partner agencies!

What Does The Nomination Form Include?

• First and last name of at least one family member (the more the better)
• Address
• Country of Origin
• Preferred Language
• Phone Number
• If the family or individual is interested in a specific Hello Neighbor program
  

Are you ready to get started?

We're always accepting mentee nominations for future cohorts. Nominate a family below.

You can also email or call us with information about a refugee family that you would like to nominate for one of our programs. Email our Senior Family and Youth Program Manager, Jenni Jayes, at jenni@helloneighbor.io or call 412-567-3946 and leave a message.

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MENTEE REFERRAL FORM

“This program was a source of motivation and encouragement to step into our new lives in Pittsburgh.” - Mentee Testimonial