Working with refugee organizations, AISD and the faith community, we have identified a few initial programs that will help get the faith community quickly and appropriately assisting refugees in their transition to becoming part of our Austin community.

Working with AISD, Refugee Connect will help launch a program for churches to sponsor schools that have a high population of refugee students. Sponsorship may include:

• Communication liaison: attend meetings with parent, help parent review school notices and alert parent to anything that needs response or any issues, be the contact for the teacher, help with enrollment paperwork, etc.
• Mentoring: lunchtime or after school mentors on school property to assist refugee students with homework and English.
• Transportation: getting family to/from school events.

There is an initiative under way among some Austin churches to work with an Austin Apartment Complex to turn an apartment into a resource center for the refugee families in that complex. Program may include:

• Providing regular evening hours where volunteers would be available to assist refugees with reviewing mail, paying bills, reviewing school forms/notices, filling out government forms (i.e. Medicaid, food stamps, etc.)
• Provide a safe place for after-school activity and homework help for students.
• Evening programs, i.e. budgeting, entrepreneur skills development, etc.
• Provide access to sewing machines and computers.

A newly formed network brings together churches that are working with refugees to share resources and experience, as well as to identify additional ways to assist the refugee community. This network will also reach out to churches that are not yet aware of refugee needs and provide training and guidance to assist them in getting involved. If you'd like to participate in the next meeting, email kaylee@refugeeconnect.com.

Based on needs identified by refugee services organizations, Refugee Connect will continue to communicate volunteer and funding opportunities to the faith community. Concerted efforts will be made to maintain regular communication with service organizations and to continue to share information with current faith community contacts while always striving to meet more and share more.

For more information, to arrange for Kaylee to give a talk to your group about the Austin refugee situation and how you can help, or to get involved, email: kaylee@refugeeconnect.com.