Refugee Services welcomes the assistance of communities of faith, fraternal and civic organizations, and committed individuals to help in their resettlement process.

Another way individuals can be of service is to get the organizations where they’re active to sponsor a family. This can include apartment set-up, helping the family initially get to appointments, assist in acculturation, and mentoring the families to self-sufficiency. RST has a training program for individuals and groups interested in providing support.

English-As-A-Second Language is available for the refugees through Austin Area Interreligious Ministries’ (AAIM) ESL program ( http://www.aaimaustin.org) There are many volunteer opportunities available to assist the refugees through AAIM as well.

There are a number of communities of faith in the area who also do outreach work with the refugees. Westlake Hills Presbyterian is one of them.

I have been involved in refugee resettlement since the late 80’s and have yet to find more meaningful volunteer work. I would feel churlish not to share this opportunity with you all to make a significant difference in a families’ life.