Volunteer Opportunities

Thank you for your interest in volunteering with us!

You can sign up to become a member of the Interfaith Welcome Coalition volunteer group by clicking the Volunteer Sign-Up button above. You will be directed to GivePulse, our volunteer database and scheduling platform, and asked to fill out a simple application.

Our Volunteer Coordinator will contact you after you submit your application, and provide you with information on next steps to sign up for volunteer opportunities.  

All volunteers (18+) who work directly with clients must complete an IWC background check.  

Important Notes:

• It’s a plus if you speak a second language, but not necessary. Google Translate is our friend!
• Teenagers (14-17) may volunteer in certain circumstances if accompanied by a parent/guardian, who is a registered IWC volunteer.
• The information collected in this application is for the purpose of establishing contact with you as a volunteer. Your information will not be shared with anyone outside of the Interfaith Welcome Coalition Leadership.  

Accompanying people to ICE check-ins and Immigration Court appearances provides an invaluable source of emotional support to vulnerable immigrants.  The need is primarily for weekdays in the daytime since that’s when appointments are scheduled.  At least some language skills would be helpful although you do not have to be fluent.  Sometimes people need help with transportation to their appointments as well.

Detention Visitation volunteers respond to requests for visits to individuals detained at the ICE facilities in Karnes City, TX, Pearsall, TX and Dilley, TX.  Typically, these are individuals who do not have family members or friends able to visit them. We go to provide a kind and caring presence, to share conversation, and to support and encourage them during their detention. Visits are coordinated collaboratively among the visitation team.  Spanish is very helpful.  English speakers can also participate if they are willing to serve as drivers for Spanish speakers who might not be able to drive themselves.

We are piloting a partnership with West Avenue Compassion (10715 West Ave, San Antonio, TX 78213), which runs a weekly food bank and resource hub on the north side of San Antonio.  They are currently serving a sizable number of asylum-seeking families.  We are looking to have a small team of Spanish-speaking volunteers participate in their Tuesday morning (9AM – 1PM) resource hub.  The primary tasks will be translation and assisting with their check-in process.

Volunteers needed every other Friday from 9AM – 12PM to sort and organize the clothes closet at Impacto Comunitario, a community center serving many immigrants.  Located near I-10 & Nogalitos.  Clothing donations can also be dropped off at that time.

We continue to receive requests for emergency shelter, food assistance, clothing assistance, and other urgent needs.  The type of work varies – sometimes it’s errands or deliveries, other times volunteers are working with the client.  The coordinator will contact volunteers based on client needs AND the stated availability of the volunteer.  Language skills are useful but not essential.

The Communications Committee handles IWC’s social media, newsletter, website, and other communications needs.  They meet primarily via email as needed.  They welcome new participants who have time AND skills to share with our organization. 

Volunteers partner with a local church to offer document clinics Tuesday evenings.  The location is about 5 miles south of downtown.  Volunteers assist individuals in reading and navigating forms such as asylum applications, job applications, etc.  They do not offer legal advice.  Language skills are essential.

 We are looking for volunteers to serve as ushers to support the American Gateways Legal Orientation program at the Immigration Court. The ushers will be assisting the American Gateways staff in initial conversations with potential clients in the courthouse parking lot. Volunteers need at least a basic level of Spanish and the ability to be on their feet for several hours.  Training and supervision will be provided. ICE does operate in and around the San Antonio Immigration Court. Therefore, we do not recommend this opportunity to those whose immigration status might make them vulnerable.