Welcoming the Stranger

MANA’s Welcoming the Stranger Program matches volunteers with asylum seeking individuals or families, to provide a warm welcome to the Greater Portland community.

Photo Credit: Aimable Nduwayezu, Liany Media LLC

Join the Program

Welcoming The Stranger home > Join the Program

What kinds of things do mentors and participants do together?

  • ride together to appointments or errands

  • fun activities in the area such as parks, Children's Museum, the beach, community events

  • conversation to practice English or ask questions about American culture

  • work together to find and access resources, like school registration, social services, food banks, clothing, legal resources, furniture, etc.

  • collaborate on logistical tasks that require strong English, such as phone calls, applications, sorting and understanding mail.

Who are our program participants?

They have come to Maine recently with the intention of seeking asylum. Some are single adults, many are families.

Most come from central and east African countries (DRC, Angola, and Rwanda are most common), but we represent a total of 27 countries on 4 continents.

Most are English language-learners who speak basic conversation-level English, though some speak English fluently, and others are brand new to English.

They are excited to form cross-cultural friendships, get to know their new community, and join in making Greater Portland a welcoming and inclusive multicultural community.

Apply to become a program participant here.

Photo Credit: Aimable Nduwayezu, Liany Media LLC

Who are our volunteer mentors?

They may be American-born, or they may have immigrated to the US several years ago.

They all speak English, some speak other languages as well (basic French and Spanish are most common).

They are excited to form cross-cultural friendships and they are committed to making Greater Portland a welcoming and inclusive multicultural community.

They commit to spend a couple hours each week building the relationship and assisting where they can.

Apply to become a volunteer mentor here.

I think I want to be a volunteer mentor! Now what?

Fill out an application here. The application is NOT a commitment to volunteer, it’s just the first step.

After you apply, we’ll schedule a Zoom info session where you can learn more about the program, ask any questions you have, and figure out if the program is a good fit for you.

I think I want to have a mentor! Now what?

If you are an asylum seeker and you want to have a mentor, fill out an application here.

Someone will call you to explain the program better in your best language, and figure out if it’s a good fit.

We do have a waiting list, so it will be some time before we can match you with a mentor.