Volunteer and Make a Difference!

The light of a lantern brings hope and courage when life feels challenging. At Presentation Lantern Center, volunteers shine that light in many ways, serving as tutors, board members, donors and community partners. Many also offer newcomers a friendly hand as they navigate a new culture. Occasional special event volunteer opportunities provide additional ways to get involved.

In 2025, volunteers contributed 4,950 hours in support of our mission, helping immigrants and refugees find opportunities to learn, grow and belong.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

Volunteer Opportunities

OPPORTUNITIES AT THE LANTERN CENTER
  • Become a tutor of English language learners.
  • Assist a student in preparing for the U.S. Citizenship test.
  • Assist newcomers in developing “life skills” in a new culture, such as cooking, shopping and transportation.
  • Celebrate with students and other volunteers at social events.
  • To get started, fill out the form below, or contact Sue Ellis, Education Director by calling or texting 563-557-7134 or email [email protected]
Beyond tutoring, volunteers also support special events such as Relay Iowa, the world’s longest relay run. The Lantern Center is one of the nonprofit organizations supported by this annual event.
Education Director Sue Ellis (right) guides new 2025 tutor Joan Johnson.
Long-time tutor Dianne Roche loves the lasting friendships that are formed through tutoring.
Tutor Tom Eckermann is pictured here with Executive Director Megan Ruiz and Divine Word volunteer Alejandro at the Latinx Fiesta event.

Please register here to become our volunteer!

    • Professional Reference

    • General Acknowledgement

  • Concern for the welfare of children and those who work with them, mandates sound hiring and supervision practices. Therefore, we ask volunteers to please answer the following questions. Your response will remain confidential with the administration

    • Declaration

  • I hereby acknowledge that I have answered the questions truthfully and recognize that falsification of my responses can lead to disciplinary action up to and including termination.

    • Note if interested in tutoring via Zoom or additional availability not listed:

  • Please email us at ( [email protected] ) if you do not hear from us within 72 hours of submitting your application.
 

Verification