Community Assistance Team (CAT) FAQs
Q: How is a Community Assistance Team (CAT) structured?
A: Team leader(s): 1 or 2 people on the team who serve as the point person for the group and act as the liaison between Bridge and the group. This primarily involves conveying the family’s needs to the team and reporting to the Volunteer Manager.
Team members: 10-15 individuals who welcome and offer support to an individual or family throughout the first 90 days of their arrival, assisting in their integration into the community.
Q: What is the role of a CAT?
A: CATs serve as ambassadors of welcome to help equip, guide, and educate newcomers as they navigate their new home in the U.S.
CATs commonly assist with:
Pre-Arrival: Helping move furniture, set up the home, grocery shop, etc. (within their capacity)
Transportation: Assisting in transporting clients to meetings, health screenings, orientations, etc. – primarily during business hours
Community Guide: Showing the family neighborhood resources (YFD centers, parks, etc.), navigating the grocery store for the first time, helping with ESL, attending social gatherings, etc. Bridge generally requests that each team have at least 3 members who are available during business hours (Monday-Friday 9am-5pm) to assist with transportation.
Q: Is there a financial requirement for CATs?
A: There is no requirement that CATs fund the needs of the family, but Bridge welcomes donations toward the family. Some CATs provide additional household items or furniture, donate seasonal clothing, or make financial contributions to Bridge to assist with the family’s rent. It is entirely up to the team’s capacity.
Q: What is the CAT’s time commitment?
A: Teams commit to serving a family for 3-6 months, with the first month being the most intensive (~3 appointments a week). Community guide opportunities are more flexible depending on your schedule.
Q: Can children serve on the team?
A: Bridge recommends that adults facilitate the initial meetings/appointments. However, as time progresses and family-friendly opportunities arise, we certainly don’t discourage children from being involved.
Q: Are CATs solely responsible for the family they co-sponsor?
A: No – CATs supplement the work of case managers and Bridge staff. Teams assist Bridge in providing services to ensure that families are successful in the resettlement process.
Q: What is required of me to be on a CAT?
A: All team members must fill out an application, pass an online background check, attend an orientation, and sign volunteer policy forms.
