MATCH PROGRAM
The Match Program connects individuals, families, or small groups with refugees or immigrants to assist them with integration into the community and help them feel more socially connected. Volunteers offer general support focused on social connection, language acquisition, and cross-cultural experiences. Some examples of the activities Match pairs do together are food shopping, English conversation, attending community events, assist with technology needs, assistance with accessing resources, and so much more.
The Match Program requires a commitment of at least three months. Volunteer times are flexible and dependent on your schedule and the schedule of the match participant you are paired with.
For additional questions or interest in volunteering, contact Deborah Seelinger, Match Program Coordinator, at deborah.seelinger@imaa.net
Caleb’s and Canh’s Match Story
Caleb grew up with an interest in learning about other cultures. His curiosity led him to traveling that opened his worldview and gave him some eye opening experiences. The last time he went overseas, he made the journey with his wife, Courtney, and spent time working in Cambodia for four years. The immersive experience into a vastly different culture offered endless learning as they found ways to adapt to a different lifestyle halfway around the world.
When they moved to Rochester, along with their now two year old daughter, they both knew they wanted to look for something that allowed them to feel like they were giving back to the community. Earlier this year, they were matched with a Vietnamese family who were struggling to integrate into the community.
Canh’s mom sponsored her, her spouse, and their son to come to the United States five years ago. Soon after she came, her mom was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Canh became her PCA and stayed home to take care of her while her husband worked. Canh struggled to integrate and felt isolated because she was unable to leave her home except to go to the grocery store.
A former IMAA employee and current board member told Canh about the Match Program. Canh always wanted to learn English so when she heard that someone could come to her home to help her, she jumped on the idea. Since she was matched with Caleb, she has expressed feelings of reduced stress and increased her socialization in the community.
Anytime you meet someone new for the first time, there is always apprehension. There is always some kind of barrier – language, culture, age, gender, race, ability, religion, and the list goes on. “Just knowing that and have that expectation helps you to not get disappointed and discouraged. It helped to move past those awkward interactions and meetings.” Despite the differences, the two still found a way to connect. Both had children and shared interests for different Asian cultures. Canh always prepared food and snacks when she knew Caleb and his daughter were visiting. At first, Caleb’s daughter was shy, but she has now discovered that Canh is the lady that gives her animal crackers every time they visit. Now, she loves visiting Canh.
Since Caleb was matched with Canh, her English has improved and she feels more confident to speak the language out in public. Currently, he is helping her to study for her citizenship test that she plans to take in the near future. Caleb admits, “The first few months, I was pretty self-conscious about this. That’s just something that takes time and keep trying and keep going. As time goes on, it has gotten more natural and easy.”
CHRISTIAN’S STORY
Watch the 8 minute video below to learn about another meaningful, cross cultural connection.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do Match Pairs do?
Our pairs do a variety of things!
The program focuses on social connection and English acquisition, so meeting for coffee or a walk are simple ways to start. It’s really up to you and your match to decide what you want to do together. At the initial meeting we identify ways in which you can help and what the participant would like to do.
Our pairs do some of the following things:
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- Go to the library
- Cook dinner or bake together
- Provide transportation to grocery store or medical appointments
- Attend community events or cultural celebrations
- Study for citizenship or drivers test
- Access resources; coat or school supply give-aways
- Technology help; computer setup, phone apps
- Learn about home appliances
- Register for school or classes
How do You put Together Matches?
We put a lot of thought into our Matches. Interviewing volunteers about their interests and talking about availability starts the process. Refugee and immigrant participants have a wide range of needs; some just benefit from a volunteer to talk with, others may have very specific ideas. We rely on those referring participants to the program to identify what type of volunteer would be a good match for them.
Can I Volunteer with my Family or a Group?
Yes! We have individuals, family and groups of volunteers. We love to match families with children of the same age when appropriate. Sometimes a team approach is best for an individual or family with many needs. All volunteers over the age of eighteen must have a background check.
When do You Start?
Our program doesn’t have a specific start and end date. We match pairs throughout the year as referrals and volunteers come into the program. We try not to have a waiting list of clients and will recruit volunteers if needed.
What Support do You Offer?
We are a small program that can offer volunteers support and resources. There are English language learning books available for check out, learning and networking opportunities and access to a wealth of cultural knowledge from IMAA staff. There are many community partners who support our work, so we can connect volunteers with specific resources if necessary.
Do You Require a Background Check?
Yes, we require background checks for all volunteers over the age of 18.
Who are the Participants?
Match Program participants come from all over the world! Some have very limited English skills, some are fluent. Most participants are part of a family with school age children. Refugee participants in the program have generally completed the 90 day resettlement process, are employed and have stable housing. Even immigrants that have been in the U.S. several years can benefit from the program if they still need social connection and access to resources.
Ready to Find a Match?
Complete the Application below, and the Match Coordinator will reach out to you.
Match Volunteer Application
IMAA’s Match Program is graciously funded by the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota Foundation.
If you have questions about the Match Program, contact Deborah Seelinger, deborah.seelinger@imaa.net
Donate Today!
We need your support to be able to continue building bridges between cultures.
Have questions? Contact us today!
If you would like to request more information about IMAA’s Diversity and Inclusion Training, please submit a request on the Diversity and Inclusion page
If you need an interpreter, please complete the interpreter request form found at the top of this page under “Request an Interpreter”
Get In Touch
Address:
2500 Valleyhigh Drive NW
Rochester, MN, 55901
Phone: (507) 289-5960
Fax: (507) 289-6199
Business Hours:
Monday – 8:30am-5pm
Tuesday – 10:00am-5pm
Wednesday – 8:30am-5pm
Thursday – 8:30am-5pm
Friday – 8:30am-5pm
Saturday and Sunday – Closed