Salt Lake City

Mayor's Office of Access & Belonging

Know Your Neighbor Program

The Know Your Neighbor (KYN) program is a partnership between the Salt Lake City Mayor’s Office of Access & Belonging and the State Refugee Services Office. We connect local volunteers with refugees in Utah to assist with a variety of needs and create a welcoming and inclusive environment.



  • Mentoring: Ever wish you had a friend to help you figure things out when life gets tricky? Help a newcomer navigate life in the U.S. by being their guide, sounding board, and source of support. Whether it’s making sense of a new culture or figuring out the best way to get around, you can be the friendly face that helps them feel right at home. It’s like building a whole new support system – together!
  • English Practice: Let’s chat! Help clients who are learning English practice one-on-one and have fun conversations about anything you both enjoy. From hobbies to world news, it’s a great chance to exchange ideas, boost language skills, and make a new friend. Plus, you’ll learn about new cultures while sharing your own!
  • Tutoring: Got a knack for explaining things clearly? From middle school math to GED prep, there’s a world of opportunity to make a difference! Whether it’s solving tricky problems or breaking down big concepts, you’ll help students gain confidence, one lesson at a time. It’s all about the “aha!” moments and being a part of the success when it all clicks.
  • Companionship: Lend your friendship and help someone feel connected again. By showing a client fun things to do in the community, you’ll be building a bond around shared interests. It’s all about breaking down isolation and creating lasting friendships through fun activities and meaningful conversations.
  • Utah Refugee Center program support: Want to share your expertise and help others grow? We’re looking for skilled volunteers to teach and support programs like Office Computer Skills, Sewing, Python Programming, and Adult Leadership. You’ll play a part in helping others develop their skills, gain confidence, and take steps toward achieving their professional goals. It’s all about empowering others to reach their potential!

An image of 2024 World Refugee Day attendees holding flags from different countries

World Refugee Day is a time to celebrate the resilience, strength, and dreams of refugees around the world. This year’s event provided an opportunity to shine a spotlight on the stories of those who have fled conflict and persecution, highlighting their courage and determination to rebuild their lives in new communities. The day was filled with meaningful activities that allowed refugees to connect, share their journeys, and celebrate their culture and achievements. With the support of approximately 100 Know Your Neighbor volunteers, the event ran smoothly, creating a welcoming and vibrant atmosphere for all.

An image of refugee David and his Know Your Neighbor volunteer Luis at David's high school graduation ceremony

When David graduated, it was clear how much Luis meant to him. In fact, David insisted that Luis be part of the celebration, including him in family photos and ensuring that his mentor was right there beside him to share in the joy of the day. This moment of recognition was not just about academic success—it was a testament to the lasting impact of their relationship and the unwavering support that Luis has provided.

“Saturday afternoon I received a message from David telling me that Tuesday would be his high school graduation. For a long time he has been working on obtaining and fulfilling this goal. In his message he told me that he would be very happy if I could go to his graduation, so I did! He saw me and he was very happy despite the fact that all his friends and family were there for him. It was important that I was at his graduation.” -Luis (Mentor who has been matched with David since 2021)

An image of refugee Jamila addressing attendees at the inaugural Salt Lake City Welcoming Week event in 2023

Jamila’s journey as a newcomer to the U.S. has been marked by her determination to build a new life for herself and her family. One of the pivotal moments in her path was the support she received from her volunteer, Taylor, who helped her prepare for her nursing exam. Taylor, a Farsi-speaking volunteer, came to Know Your Neighbor looking for a meaningful way to practice her language skills while also giving back to Afghan refugees following the crisis in Afghanistan.

Their partnership quickly blossomed into something special. With Taylor’s help, Jamila worked tirelessly to master the material for her exam. Together, they navigated the complexities of the nursing exam while building a strong bond that went beyond just study sessions.

At the Welcoming Week celebration at the mayor’s office, Jamila shared her inspiring story with the community, speaking about how Taylor’s help made a huge difference in her journey. It was a moment of pride and joy for Jamila to stand before others and highlight the powerful impact of her volunteer partnership.


Phoenix Ostermann
Know Your Neighbor Volunteer Coordinator
Phoenix.Ostermann@slcgov.com | 385-443-1163

Kristen Hansen
Know Your Neighbor Program Manager
Kristen.Hansen@slcgov.com | 505-932-9864

Roxana Orellana
Policy Advisor for Refugees & New Americans
Roxana.Orellana@slcgov.com | 801-535-6381