Located on the South Side of Milwaukee, the ICC provides a safe learning space for refugees coming into Milwaukee.
Visit Us:
Monday-Friday | 8 am-3 pm
English Classes: Weekdays, 9-11 am or 11:30 am-1:30pm
Citizenship Classes: Weekdays, 9-11 am or 11:30 am-1:30pm
Kids’ Room: Weekdays, 9-11 am or 11:30 am-1:30pm
Evening Tutoring: Tuesdays & Wednesdays, 6:30-8 pm
Click here to view a calendar of special events related to the ICC..
Our History:
Many immigrants arrive in Milwaukee, yearning to have American friends, but face language and other barriers. The International Community Center is located near the airport, close to many immigrant neighborhoods. Our main activities include English instruction, preparation for citizenship, child care, home visits, helping kids with homework, and hosting event nights.
Mostly, we provide a connection point for volunteers and immigrants to form lasting, cross-cultural friendships where each has the joy of sharing their life and faith. We encourage immigrants not to isolate in their own cultural and religious enclaves, but to interact with the broader community.
Serve at the Clinic
There are a variety of volunteer roles we are currently looking to fill:
English and/or Citizenship Teacher
SCHEDULE: Weekdays, 9-11 am or 11:30 am-1:30 pm
COMMITMENT: One (or more) 2-hour class per week
QUALIFICATIONS: Speak & read English well (but not necessary to have English as mother tongue), patient, and enjoy seeing students make progress. ESL certificate is NOT required. 18+ years old preferred, but mature high school juniors and seniors are also welcome.
RESPONSIBILITIES: Teach English (or citizenship) from materials provided to a class of ten or fewer adults. Engage students in English conversation during class and during breaks. Record attendance and course material completed to help track student progress.
CLICK HERE FOR ADDITIONAL DETAILS
PURPOSE: To bless refugees with friends who help them learn English as they make Milwaukee their new home. For our members to experience God’s joy through befriending and helping refugees.
How you’ll be able to build relationships with other members and/or the community: You will work together with other fun and interesting volunteers. You will meet refugees, have opportunity to form friendships that continue outside the center, and gain valuable cross-cultural experience.
TRAINING & SUPPORT PROVIDED: Eastbrook staff and team leads are on-site while you serve together. We provide Initial orientation and opportunity to observe other classes prior to starting. Curriculum materials are provided for you. Once teaching, we provide ongoing input & discussion as well as a weekly prayer time for volunteers.
ICC Kids’ Room Team
SCHEDULE: Weekdays, 9-11 am or 11:30 am-1:30 pm
COMMITMENT: One (or more) 2-hour session per week
QUALIFICATIONS: Previous experience with young children is helpful. Parenting experience counts! Two volunteers are needed for each class session; at least one should be 18 years old or older. (If a parent wants to bring a capable middle schooler or high schooler along, they could qualify as the second volunteer).
RESPONSIBILITIES: Prepare the room by getting out toys, materials, and snacks for the day. Greet parents. Interact with children through play and guided activities. After children leave, put away materials and tidy up room.
CLICK HERE FOR ADDITIONAL DETAILS
PURPOSE: To bless refugee families with a safe, caring place for young children to play and learn while parents study English. For Eastbrook members to experience God’s joy through loving service to young children and their parents.
How you’ll be able to build relationships with other members and/ or the community: You’ll get to know other members by volunteering together. You will meet refugee parents and are encouraged to form friendships that continue outside the center.
TRAINING & SUPPORT PROVIDED: We provide an overview of the routines and materials, then partner you with an experienced volunteer. Questions and feedback are valued, and help is always available. We regularly check-in with our team to make sure you feel comfortable and equipped to serve!
Middle & High school Tutoring
SCHEDULE: Tuesdays or Wednesdays from 6:30-8 pm during the school year
COMMITMENT: One evening per week for the school year
QUALIFICATIONS: Proficiency in English and other subjects as needed. Joy and patience for working with school aged kids. For those who drive kids, a driver’s license, and insurance on your vehicle.Adults preferred, and mature high school juniors and seniors are also welcome (a parent could volunteer to serve along with their mature middle or high school student).
RESPONSIBILITIES: Help a few high school and junior high students with the homework that they bring. Help students keep on track and focused. For some volunteers, pick up students from home beforehand and drop off afterwards.
CLICK HERE FOR ADDITIONAL DETAILS
PURPOSE: Bless refugee families by providing a safe and caring environment for their children to get help with their homework. For Eastbrook member to experience God’s joy through helping refugee kids with homework.
How you’ll be able to build relationships with other members and/or the community: You will work together with other interesting volunteers from a variety of churches. You will meet refugee kids, have opportunity to form relationships with them and their families, and gain valuable cross-cultural experience.
TRAINING & SUPPORT PROVIDED: Initial orientation and tutoring observation, then ongoing on-site support as you serve alongside other members and with the team leads.
Friendship with Refugees
SCHEDULE: As your schedule allows
COMMITMENT: Physical visit at least once a month; other communication as possible
QUALIFICATIONS: Prayer for God’s leading into a significant relationship with a refugee; desire to live out God’s love for refugees in the context of friendship.Must be 18+ years old, or families may serve together.
RESPONSIBILITIES: Be a good friend, “aunt”,”uncle”, or “grandparent” to a refugee family. This means making space in your life and schedule to include regular time with the refugee family, opening yourself to a mutual friendship.
CLICK HERE FOR ADDITIONAL DETAILS
PURPOSE: To bless refugees with friends who walk alongside through life, embodying God’s love, leading them to thank God for bringing them such good friends. For our members to experience God’s joy that a friend- ship with a refugee can bring.
How you’ll be able to build relationships with other members and/or the community: We also provide fellowship opportunities with others involved in close relationships with refugees. Refugee families are great hosts and will be thrilled to open their home to you. But be mindful that real friend- ship takes real time.
TRAINING & SUPPORT PROVIDED: First gain a connection with a refugee through an ICC activity, like teaching ESL or evening tutoring. Ongoing support through connecting with experienced members and ICC staff. Opportunities to discuss and pray with others with similar involvement.
Are you interested to serve? Click here to contact us!
Our Impact:
Hear What our Volunteers are saying about the ICC…
“I marvel at God’s handiwork in children. These refugee kids have incredible curiosity and ability to learn new skills plus some English. If you are considering joining our team, you should know that you are never alone in the Kids Room; you always work with a partner. Some volunteers bring their own preschool children along. And it’s lots of fun! One mom tells me that her little daughter is very excited about coming to her ‘school’ and learning so many English words. Another mom and dad were struggling to write their son’s name and birthdate on our form. I realized, ‘That’s exactly why the Kids Room is here—to help parents like these!’”
Sue G.
“I decided to volunteer teaching English or citizenship classes, and I now pick up more time slots when my time allows. Last year I was introduced to a few Rohingya families who asked for in home help. I am blessed to go to their homes a few times per week to teach them English and citizenship or help them navigate life with car insurance, doctors appointments and even legal issues. It is a blessing to know that they trust me with such important life decisions. Most whom I’ve met are very hospitable and joyful and my wife and I have shared many meals in their homes. I now consider some of them great friends.”
Joe K.
“My husband and I started to tutor students at the ICC one night a week. Over this time, we have developed a friendship with three students and their families. As we have spent time with them, helping with their homework, driving them to tutoring and home again, we have gotten to know them and their families. We have had them to our home for dinners, holiday celebrations and pizza and game nights; they love a good game of Spoons or Uno! We have taken them out for ice cream, fireworks at the lakefront and have gone shopping with them. Their families have invited us over for special family baby showers, celebration of Eid or just welcomed us for a visit. It’s given us a connection to these people and helped us to live out the love of Jesus in a very practical way.”
Tanya S.
“During an event for families, I was invited to a student’s home. She asked her children to call me ‘Granny’ and the title stuck. I started visiting their family weekly, and after a few weeks her husband relayed that one of the most difficult things about coming to this country was knowing that their children would be raised without their grandparents. He happily said that God had heard their prayer and had provided a Granny for their children! I think one of the greatest things about this ministry is that most of us instinctively know how to be friends, and in my case: a Granny.”
Denise G.
Our Team:
Pastor Dan Ryan
Sr. Director, Mission
dryan@eastbrook.org
414.228.5220 x225
Jim Dressner
ICC Director
jim@iccmke.org
414.988.0202