Please make arrangements with: 

Gloria Yen, University YMCA
Office: 217-337-1514
Email: jessica@universityymca.org

Up to 2 students can work with the New American Welcome Center. 

About the University YMCA

The University YMCA has been a vital part of campus life at the University of Illinois since its formation in 1873. The Y has played a powerful role in developing students into leaders who share a commitment to make our world a better place. As the oldest non-profit in Champaign County, the University YMCA has a proud legacy of responding to community needs and serving as a bridge between the university and community. Throughout our history, we have worked to address campus and community needs by encouraging student engagement in projects and programs that expand their view of the world, deepen their understanding of community, and integrate the ideas, knowledge and skills gained in school by applying to real life situations. The University YMCA has sponsored programs, organizations and activities dedicated to fostering ethical and principled leadership dedicated to building a better world, better human relations and better care for the Earth.

About the New American Welcome Center

In December 2016, the University Y was designated a New American Welcome Center (universityymca.org/welcome) with the mission of fostering a community where immigrants can thrive and flourish. Our current programs and initiatives include:

• La Linea Immigrant Helpline- Connect families to commnunity resources and reduce barriers to public benefits for health, well-being, & self-sufficiency.
• Immigration Legal Services- Provide free consultations and low cost services for DACA renewals, citizenship, adjustment of status, asylum, & work authorization.
• Pathway to Citizenship- Prepare residents to pursue U.S. citizenship with information sessions, ESL classes, mock interviews, & naturalization assistance.
• Oasis.Resource Center- Virtually centralize important information about wide-ranging support and assistance available to immigrants.
• Champaign County Welcoming Plan- Facilitate strategic plan to increase economic resiliency, promote shared prosperity, and ensure equitable access to services and opportunity. 
• Welcoming Collaborative- Welcome immigrants and refugees by celebrating diversity, promoting inclusivity, and fostering connection in community.
• Immigrant Rights & Advocacy- Equip community members to understand impact of latest developments in immigration law/policies an provide avenues for action.
• Count Me In 2020- Ensure a safe, secure, and accurate count of immigrants in the 2020 Census through community outreach and education 

Spanish Language Volunteer Needs

Please see below for the primary projects we need volunteer assistance with this Fall: 

1. Community Outreach-  Help us get the word out about our programs and services! Create, translate, and distribute flyers at strategic access points throughout the community. Attend community events as representative of the New American Welcome Center. Develop content for our facebook page: www.facebook.com/ynawc. Build partnerships with various community agencies and community leaders. 
2. Interpretation/Translation-  Interpret for clients during office hour or legal clinic consultations and appointments. Translate materials (e.g. marriage certificates, legal declarations, info sheets) from English to Spanish. 

Interested? Got questions? Contact Jessica DeVries (jessica@universityymca.org), Immigrant Outreach & Services Program Coordinator, for more information. 

Only two students can work here.