THE FOLLOWING IS A MESSAGE FROM AUSTIN JEWS AND PARTNERS FOR REFUGEES TO DONORS. THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION’S CUTS TO ORGANIZATIONS THAT HAVE HISTORICALLY HELPED REFUGEES HAS CREATED A HUMANITARIAN CRISIS.
LINKS ARE INCLUDED FOR WAYS TO HELP WITH EITHER DONATIONS OR VOLUNTEER SERVICES. THANK YOU.
OCTOBER 2025
Dear AJPR supporters, donors, and volunteers,
Over the last four years, Austin Jews and Partners for Refugees, AJPR, has partnered with several refugee services organizations to assist newly-arrived families with household goods, furniture, clothing, food, and transportation to begin their new life here in Central Texas. We could not have done this without you.
The current situation is rather different. Over the last eight months, new refugee arrivals have slowed to a trickle, a situation that is expected to continue, and funds for services for refugees already here have been frozen, unfrozen, and then reduced. Although some federal funds will likely continue through September 2026, we expect that after that date, federal funds will be eliminated. So, even though many fewer families are arriving, the needs of those families who are already here have greatly increased.
In accordance with these changes, AJPR’s focus has changed. Although we are still helping the small number of refugees who are currently arriving to get settled, we have pivoted to primarily using our funds and volunteers (in conjunction with our partner organizations) to assist with emergency/urgent needs of previously-arrived refugee families.
Examples of Financial Help that we have provided in the last few months included paying: rent and utilities for families in temporary financial distress because of loss of job and/or loss of benefits, transportation for disabled child until school district arranges transportation, and unanticipated car repairs.
HOW YOU CAN HELP:
Donations to AJPR can be made HERE
Our current volunteer opportunities are mostly along the lines of mentoring and otherwise helping families become self-sufficient and adjust to life in Central Texas, through our partnerships with Endeavors (HIAS’ local affiliate), Global Impact Initiative, and Austin Refugee Help.
Austin Refugee Help
Monthly Event
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Austin Refugee Help holds a monthly opportunity for refugees to come and receive casework-type assistance from volunteers. The next one is this coming Saturday, 10/18 at Canyon Ridge Apartments in north Austin from 10 to 12 and at Lirios Pediatrics in south Austin from 1 to 4. Volunteers needed to help staff the event. Contact Esther Diaz ataustinrefugeehelp@yahoo.com to volunteer.
General needs
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Interpreters who can speak Dari and Pashto.
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Volunteers to help with
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Providing rides to medical and legal appointments etc.
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Job finding, including job applications and resume preparation.
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Applications for Food Stamps and other benefits,
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Registration for English classes and help with English practice.
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Prospective volunteers can contact Esther Diaz ataustinrefugeehelp@yahoo.com
Global Impact Initiative (Gii)
Become a mentor with Gii
Global Impact Initiative is in search of mentors to connect with Afghani youths ages 15-24 who are committed to their growth through academic training, college advice, conversational English learning, and getting to know the Austin community. Female mentors are greatly needed for the female participants.
Ribbons for Gii
Gii’s women’s group is currently working on some beautiful arts and crafts projects, and we’re looking for gift wrap ribbons to use in their creations. If you ribbon to donate, please contact Ellie@globalimpactinitiative.
As we hope is clear from all of this, despite all of these changes to the landscape of refugee assistance, the need for both volunteers and financial resources will continue to be critical over the next year—and beyond.
Thank you,
Austin Jews and Partners Board of Directors