What’s the vigil?

We began with a handful of people who felt compelled to respond to the ongoing refugee crisis in any way we could; From meeting migrant boats on the shores of Greece, to volunteering in refugee camps, to gathering humanitarian aid, to helping families resettle right here in New Jersey. Our experience with refugees has changed us and helped us appreciate so much of what we have, but it has made it impossible for us to stay silent. We invite you to stand with us in saying no to indifference and yes to compassion.

Show your support and join us

Thursdays @7pm on Newark Avenue Pedestrian Plaza in Jersey City

Lend a hand, share ideas, volunteer

If you are devoted to community outreach, have experience in mobilizing folks to action, or just have general thoughts as to how to connect with the community in meaningful ways, we would love your help! From writing and distributing outreach materials, to painting banners, to being an language interpreter, there are many ways you can get involved as a JCVR volunteer.

All about English

Thousands of refugees have fled poverty and war only to find themselves in a foreign country where they struggle to acclimate. JCVR assists with a major resettlement need by providing in-home English lessons for resettled refugees in the Jersey City area. Our network of neighborhood tutors shares simple teaching tools and uses ESL classes as way of establishing supportive friendships, leading to crucial support for refugee families. No teaching experience is necessary, only a willingness to step a bit outside your comfort zone for someone who’s been forced far outside their own.

Become a volunteer tutor

No teaching experience is necessary, only a willingness to step a bit outside your comfort zone for someone who’s been forced far outside their own. Drop us a line, and we’ll give you more details about becoming a tutor. First, please be sure to fill out the volunteer interest Google form.

Already a JCVR tutor?

For lesson plan inspiration, worksheets, teaching guides and activities check out the online ESL materials library. Feel free to reach out to us if you wish to add some of your own great teaching tools, tips and resources.

Reaching goals

We are helping small, local non-profits that do not use donations to cover organizational overhead and give directly to refugee families to help with housing, jobs, enrolling children in schools, drivers licenses, social services, food, and more.

Fundraising milestones

October 2016 – Benefit Concert at Porta JC – $2,200 raised! Proceeds go to non-profit SMILE and to 8 local refugee families

November 2016 – Photo show at Jersey City Theater Center (JCTC) – $1,100 raised! Proceeds go to generosity.com fundraiser “Moving Refugees from Camps to Houses in Greece”

January 2017 – $100 in art supplies donated to The Schoolbox Project helping Afghani children in a refugee camp in Athens, Greece