Welcoming Our New Ukrainian Neighbors in Nashville

The Nashville International Center for Empowerment (NICE) is a local refugee resettlement agency that helps Ukrainian refugees achieve self-sufficiency in the community.  Transitioning to a new life is challenging, which is why mentors in the local community are needed. Mentors work with recent Ukrainian arrivals and help them adjust to life in the Nashville area. The following three goals are at the heart of the Mentorship Program:

1. attaining self-sufficiency

2. language learning

3. socialization & community integration.

Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, hundreds of Ukrainian refugees have sought refuge in Nashville through the Uniting for Ukraine program.

• NICE helps our new Ukrainian neighbors access employment opportunities and benefit programs while receiving case management and connection to other critical social services.
• Mentors provide newly-arrived Ukrainians with much-need guidance on daily life in the US and a feeling of social belonging to the Nashville community. 

• English Language: Assist and support English language learning.

• Jobs and Finance: Support employable individuals to understand how to apply for jobs, network for employment, and plan for future goals. 
• Transportation: Teach how to access and navigate public transportation.
• Cultural Adjustment: Assist the family in learning how to accomplish daily tasks and take full advantage of services in the community (i.e. finding the grocery store, library, parks, etc.) as well as teaches elements of American culture and life that they might need help with (i.e. using appliances, accessing technology, etc.).

• Be committed to devoting 1-2 hours per week for 3 months.
• Be open-minded, flexible, and willing to attend training. 
• Be willing to work as a group of at least 3 mentors, 1 of whom will be lead mentor and liaise frequently with NICE including being available for a 1-hour in-person meeting at NICE on one Tuesday . 

Be ready to complete a mandatory background check, attend training, and sign a (non-legally binding) written agreement with NICE outlining mentor duties.

If this sounds exciting to you, let’s get in touch! First, review the criteria above then submit an application below.  If you know like-minded people that would be interested in applying, please let them know about this opportunity! Upon receipt of a completed application, NICE will evaluate applicants and notify those who have been selected for the program. Upon successful completion of a background check, mentors will be invited to attend training. After which, you will work closely with NICE to welcome and mentor your assigned family! For businesses or groups interested in this opportunity, you can also request NICE to present an informational session on the Mentorship Program.

For more information, contact our Community Outreach Specialist, Kasia Stempniak: kasia@empowernashville.org