In 2025, IWC worked with 89 volunteers who donated 2,329 hours, which is equivalent to $82,431. These figures are likely undercounted as people are still submitting hours for 2025.
THE HOSPITALITY PROGRAM
The hospitality program continues to assist immigrants that are currently living in San Antonio and have been in San Antonio five years or less. Support provided includes:
- Dedicated case manager
- Shelter and meals
- Local transportation (bus vouchers or Lyft rides) to vital appointment
- Accompaniment to medical appointments
- Assistance enrolling children in school
- Guidance on accessing local food pantries
- Support with filling out housing applications
- Assistance, when possible, with long-distance transportation
- Compassionate, consistent friendship and support
- Assisting families with obtaining birth certificates, Social Security cards, and passports
OFFICE HOURS
New immigrants hoping to become permanent residents or citizens have to complete and sign a lot of forms, including forms to get their children into school. This team assists migrants to translate what is on the forms.
ACCOMPANIMENT PROGRAM
IWC has revitalized its long-standing Accompaniment Program. This is particularly important as individuals are being arrested and sent to detention when they appear for their mandatory ICE check-ins and Immigration Court hearings. Volunteers offer moral, emotional, and spiritual support to the person they are accompanying. IWC representatives meet the person shortly before their appointment and afterwards to speak with them, offer encouragement, and sometimes to pray. (In most cases, the volunteer is not allowed to enter the courtroom or the ICE office during the hearing itself).
DETENTION VISITS
Detention Visitation volunteers respond to requests for visits to individuals detained at the ICE facility in Karnes City, TX. If we have sufficient volunteer capacity, we can also visit Pearsall. Typically, these are individuals who do not have family members or friends able to visit them. We go to provide a kind and caring presence, to share conversation, and to support and encourage them during their detention.
VOLUNTEERING WITH IMMIGRANT ORGANIZATIONS
The IWC collaborates with other community organizations which help immigrants, such as Impacto Comunitario Clothing Closet and West Avenue Compassion. Members of IWC also participated in virtual Summer Court Watche Programs in Pearsall in partnerships with Texas Immigration Law Council.
