The United Nations Association of Rochester thrives on the support of our valued interns and volunteers. As a not for profit, the hard work and commitment of our community members allow us to continue to give back to Rochester. Volunteering with such an organization as the U.N.A.R. not only moves our organization forward, but allows individuals to learn valuable lessons in responsibility, selflessness and teamwork. Furthermore, many of our volunteers and interns use their time with the U.N.A.R. for the experience in order to become qualified for their future endeavors. The value of interns and volunteers to the U.N.A.R. cannot be stressed enough. Their contributions allow our organization to continue the work that brings the Rochester community together!

Saint’s Place: Saints Place is a Pittsford, New York organization that has served over 16,000 refugees settle in the Rochester, NY area. The organization provides clothing for new refugee so they can adjust to the varying climates of western New York. Upon arrival to Rochester, refugees are given essential clothes, and access to “the clothing closet” for any circumstance that may arise. The organization has grown through church and volunteer support so that they can now provide school supplies, furniture and even electronics!
Interns who work with Saint’s Place work hands on with refugees and their support staff. Whether interns are tutoring refugees of all ages or providing support to those who are working directly with the refugees, our interns are an important piece to the acclamation puzzle for thousands of local refugees.
Catholic Family Center: The Catholic Family Center of Rochester, New York supports and provides assistance to local families who are vulnerable and facing poverty. Through their service, they are able to provide food, clothes, medical assistance and shelter to thousands of locals. The Catholic Family Center also assists individuals on a professional level as they offer job training and employment resources. They continue their support outside of the Rochester community by advocation to state and national governments.
Our interns work hands on with refugees and support the advancement and potential of refugee lives in Rochester, New York. Many assist refugees as they help them secure social services and employment opportunities through the Department of Labor as well as through various grants and funds.
Rochester Refugee Resettlement: Rochester Refugee Resettlement Services focuses on assisting new refugees to the Rochester, New York area. Beginning as an offshoot of Mary’s Place Refugee Outreach Center, the organization has continued their mission and focuses of the basic needs for refugees acclimating to western New York. Some of their notable services include educational support, career advancement, housing and settlement assistance.
Our interns who work with the Rochester Refugee Resettlement Services work one on one with refugees in order to learn what specific needs they require to acclimate to their new lives. Many have worked specifically with individuals to learn their housing needs and settlement preferences.
Maplewood Community Library: Maplewood Community Library is one of the many public libraries in the city of Rochester. Maplewood prides itself on a long-term plan to assist Rochester, NY and further its education, sustainability and community potential. The library also offers many classes and events to enhance Rochester including adult education, access to state parks and museums for local youth, tutoring service and job training for adults.
Interns at Maplewood Community Library serve many in tutoring and advancement opportunities. Our interns teach English Second language courses, help refugees with essential documents such as citizenship paperwork and drivers license applications. The interns also work with refugees who have children and need childcare while their parents can partake in the services the library offers.
Mary’s Place: Mary’s Place is a refugee outreach service that looks to provide support for refugees in the Maplewood/Edgerton neighborhoods of Rochester, New York. The not-for profit- is joined by refugees from ten different nations who are working to acclimate to American culture. Mary’s Place provides support for these refugees in the form of English language lessons, employment, resettlement and citizenship support.
Our interns have many roles in Mary’s Place including English Language tutoring and citizenship classes. They also have a role in distribution and support for staff who continues to further Mary’s Place mission to acclimate refugees into the Rochester Community.
Rochester International Academy: The Rochester International Academy is a school in the city of Rochester that supports students from many international backgrounds. is designed to facilitate the cultural and academic transition of newly arrived English Language Learners through rigorous language instruction and interdisciplinary learning in collaboration with families and community. As a school, the academy offers more than just academics as students partake in a wide range of athletics and extra-curriculars to enhance their experience.
Our interns at the Rochester International Academy take a hands-on role in the education of the students who attend. Interns serve as teachers assistants, tutors and resources for the students who are adjusting to life in the United States and Rochester community.
St John Fisher College: St John Fisher College is a liberal arts school in East Rochester, New York that serves over 2,000 undergraduate and graduate students on a yearly basis. The school offers a wide array or academic programs including business, social sciences, natural science and healthcare. Outside of academics, Fisher boasts a strong division three athletic programs that brings in student-athletes from around the country. Furthermore, many professionals, community members and experts in their respected field work with the college to host events, intern opportunities and lecture series.
St John Fisher College has provided the UNAR with many capable and passionate interns over the years. The college is also the home of the United Nations Associations Annual Model UN competition that hosts many schools in the Western New York region. The United Nations Association also has an office in the campuses study abroad office!
Strong Museum of Play: The strong Museum of Play is one of the leading museums in the United States that serves families and individuals of all ages. Through the many exhibits housed here, the museum explores the history and engagement of what it means to play. Home to the National Toy Hall of Fame, World Video Game Hall of Fame, International Center for the History of Electronic Games and many educational opportunities for students in the Rochester community, the museum is truly a center for those of all ages and interests.
The Strong Museum of Play supports the United Nations Associations UN Day celebration which is held in October of each year. The museum offers their auditorium as a location for the celebration to take place in a perfect setting for those who attend!
Wegmans: Wegmans is one of the largest grocery store chains that serves Rochester, New York and many other locations on the East Coast of the United States. Founded by Robert Wegman in Pittsford, New York, the one stop grocer has expanded its operations and prides themselves on supporting their communities.
Wegmans supports the United Nation Association of Rochester’s annual UN Day celebration by providing food and beverage for those attending the conference.
Richard Sarkis Realtor Team: Richard Sarkis is a Rochester, New York relator who works with Real Estate company Howard and Hanna. As an active member of the United Nations Association of Rochester by serving on the Board of Directors,
Richard and his office provide generous donations and board room space to advance the mission of the UNAR.
American Association of University Women: The American Association of University Women is one of the most historic organizations that advocate for women’s rights in the United States. From supporting women in academics to advocating for laws and legislation in grassroots settings to the halls of Capitol Hill, the AAUW has supported equality for women in every way possible. 
The Association of University Women supports the United Nations Association of Rochester by providing superb meeting places for many UNAR events!

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