Volunteer Spotlight: Jourdan Chapman

SURVIVORS works extensively with volunteers to maximize funding and services to clients. From 2012 – 2015 we had over 400 short-term and long-term volunteers including 33 dedicated long-term administrative and program support volunteers who, together, contributed approximately 48 hours per month for a total of 1,728 hours during the past three years. Activities ranged from newsletter folding, to hygiene drives, to befrienders, to volunteers who drove clients to and from appointments, and more!

Today we spotlight Jourdan Chapman, a graduate of Joan B. Kroc Institute for Peace and Justice, who volunteered at SURVIVORS for 5 months.

Name: Jourdan Chapman
Hometown: Dallas, TX
Background: BA in International Studies from Baylor University and MA in Peace and Justice Studies from University of San Diego
Hobbies: Reading, sewing, walking
Career interests: Working for a nonprofit specializing in refugee and asylum seeker services as a paralegal

Why did you choose to intern at SURVIVORS?
- During my master’s program I learned about SURVIVORS and attended a Journey to Healing Tour with my fellow cohorts. After graduating I was having a difficult time finding a job and decided I need to develop my skills more. I remembered coming to SURVIVORS and thought it was a great place for me to volunteer because it encompassed two of my interest areas, refugee services and human rights.
What did you do at SURVIVORS?
- I volunteered for the development/community relations team helping with volunteer coordination for the Helping Survivors Heal Fundraising Luncheon, managing the development database, and creating social media posts, as well as any administrative tasks that needed to be done.
What did you learn while at SURVIVORS?
- At SURVIVORS I discovered my passion for providing legal services to refugees and asylum seekers. Volunteering there has set me on a path that I am very much looking forward to continuing down.
What was your favorite part about working at SURVIVORS?
- Being introduced to the services provided to refugee and asylum seekers and learning about the resettlement process in general.
What are your next steps professionally?
- I am returning to Dallas, TX to continue my education. I will be attending Southern Methodist University to receive my paralegal certificate. Ideally, I would like to work for the Human Rights Initiative of North Texas in their Asylum Program.
Anything else you would like to add?
- I am so grateful for my time at SURVIVORS. If I had not volunteered there I would not have found my path in life. SURVIVORS helped me narrow my interests and learn how I can provide services to refugees and asylum seekers. I appreciate all of y’all taking me in!

Join the Healing Society Today

You are not alone. We're here to help. We're a healing resource to survivors of torture and their families without regard to race, religion, gender, national origin, sexual orientation, or economic or legal status.

SURVIVORS can provide specialized care and support to empower you in your healing journey to become a self-sufficient and healthy member of your family and community. We are able to offer services to torture survivors and their families free of charge. Professional interpretation is available.

To find out if you qualify for services, please call us at 619-278-2400 to talk with an expert staff member.

MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES

SURVIVORS provides tailored individual, group, family, and couples therapy with licensed and licensed eligible mental health professionals throughout San Diego County.

MEDICAL SERVICES

SURVIVORS' provides support for Survivors with medical needs like finding a physician for general health care or connecting with a vision provider to receive glasses.

MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES

SURVIVORS provides tailored individual, group, family, and couples therapy with licensed and licensed eligible mental health professionals throughout San Diego County.

PSYCHIATRIC CARE

SURVIVORS’ psychiatric services include a thorough evaluation of clients and regular follow-ups by a psychiatrist.

PROFESSIONAL INTERPRETATION

SOCIAL and PEER SUPPORT

SURVIVORS offers Healing Clubs to help counter torture survivor's feelings of shame, humiliation, and isolation. Activities have included art projects and nature walks.

FORENSIC EVALUATIONS

SURVIVORS coordinates medical affidavits and psychological evaluations to support our client's asylum cases. Medical and psychological evaluations are conducted by trained professional evaluators.

FORENSIC EVALUATIONS

SURVIVORS coordinates medical affidavits and psychological evaluations to support our client's asylum cases. Medical and psychological evaluations are conducted by trained professional evaluators.

CASE MANAGEMENT

Services to address essential needs such as food, clothing, and housing. We distribute blankets, backpacks and educational supplies, public transit passes, and hygiene items.

MEDICAL SERVICES

SURVIVORS provides assistance with medical needs like finding a physician for general health care, or connecting with a vision provider to receive glasses.

PSYCHIATRIC CARE

SSURVIVORS’ psychiatric services include a thorough evaluation of clients and regular follow-ups by a psychiatrist. SURVIVORS combines psychiatric care with psychotherapy and social support.

SOCIAL and PEER SUPPORT

SURVIVORS offers Healing Clubs to help counter torture survivor's feelings of shame, humiliation, and isolation. Activities have included art projects and nature walks.

INTERPRETERS

CASE MANAGEMENT

Services to address essential needs such as food, clothing, and housing. We distribute blankets, backpacks and educational supplies, public transit passes, and hygiene items.

Interested in volunteering like Jourdan? Go to our volunteer page to see all of the ways you can get involved.