is a 501(c)3 organization that promotes service programs in the US and abroad for Muslim volunteers. UFS is planning a one-week chaperoned service program in July inshAllah to San Juan, Texas, in partnership with
and other local community organizations to serve immigrants, refugees, and other migrants who arrive from all over the world through the US-Mexico border.
Program dates:
July 2024 - see weeks listed below (based on group size and availability of chaperones, lodging and resources determined by community partners.)
The minimum age for a volunteer is 13; group size min is 10 and max is 11 volunteers including adult chaperones. The service program will be exclusively for a UFS team and minors will be under UFS chaperone supervision at project sites. However, if we are unable to fill the minimum number of volunteers, the remaining spots in the program will be open to other volunteers (advertised by Global Volunteers to the public.) Being in a mixed group with non-UFS volunteers also provides for a unique learning experience.
***PLEASE SUBMIT THE FORM BY SUN., FEB. 4, to indicate your interest. Siblings require a separate form. Once group size and dates are finalized you will receive further instructions to submit a deposit.***
Service Program:
All programs are led by experienced community partners and a program team leader. In cooperation with the community leaders, the team leader facilitates the team’s orientation and manages all service program-related logistical issues.
Humanitarian Respite Center
Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley serves refugees and immigrants – men, women, and children – recently released and referred by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Most stay at the Respite Center only until they are transported to their final destinations. Volunteers work with local staff providing childcare, helping with meals, sorting/disbursing clothes, and helping with paperwork.
Distribute Fresh Produce, Dry Goods and Frozen Foods to Children, Families and Seniors
The Food Bank of the Rio Grande Valley serves over 75,000 area residents each week.
Prepare, Pack and Serve Meals for Food-Insecure Residents
The St. Vincent De Paul Soup Kitchen supports low-income and unhoused individuals in the San Juan area. Volunteers often help to prepare and serve meals to over 400 local families who wait for hours to receive hot meals.
Home Construction and Repair
Proyecto Azteca, a community partner, serves low-income residents through a self-help construction program of single family homes. Through this program, families acquire valuable lifelong skills in home construction and financing. Volunteer assignments depend on skill level, and include interior painting, house siding, tile work, site preparation, landscaping, among other tasks.
Cost*: $1,450 excluding cost of roundtrip domestic flight to McAllen Airport (MFE) which may be an approximate $400-500. Program fee includes lodging, meals, airport transfer, local transportation and UFS t-shirt. Volunteers may be able to fundraise for their program cost should they choose to do so.
*The service program contribution and airfare are tax-deductible for U.S. taxpayers.
Lodging
Standard lodging for this program is in the historic
Alamo Inn B&B and includes a double occupancy room with a roommate.
Meals
Self-serve breakfast is included at the lodging, bagged lunches are pre-packed by volunteers in the Inn’s mini-commercial kitchen and brought to work sites. Evening meals will be a combination of traditional Tex-Mex specialties prepared by a local cook and some meals at local restaurants with dietary restrictions taken into consideration.
Freetime
There will be a visit to the border and one or more lectures/conversations about border issues presented by local knowledgeable professionals. There are optional opportunities to visit a local museum, a basilica and a wildlife refuge/bird sanctuary.
