Get Involved

HOW CAN YOU BE OF HELP?

Volunteer with the Interfaith Welcome Coalition

For information , please email us at sanantoniowelcome@gmail.com and we will get back with you. If you wish to volunteer, please fill out our online Volunteer Application Form or email our Volunteer Coordinator if you have questions. iwcvolunteersa@gmail.com

Attend monthly meetings on the second Thursday of every month at 10:00 am at First Presbyterian Church.

Families released from the detention centers in Dilley and Karnes City Texas and families released at the border by CBP officers make their way to the Greyhound Bus Terminal and San Antonio International Airport and are welcomed by IWC volunteers.  They have escaped unimaginable violence in their homeland; many have witnessed family members murdered before their eyes by gangs; and many have suffered multiple assaults during their journey north. The volunteers provide warmth and welcome and explain the travel process based on type of travel. Information is provided regarding their rights, ICE check-in appointment and the phone number for information on their court date. The trafficking hotline phone number is also provided and explained. Families are warned of the dangers of traffickers on their journey. Backpacks and a box lunch are provided before departure.

Spanish and English-speaking volunteers are needed to staff both ministries. If you wish to volunteer, please fill out our online Volunteer Application Form or email our Volunteer Coordinator at iwcvolunteersa@gmail.com and she will get in touch with you.

When released at the bus station, families have no money, food, water or supplies to provide comfort on their journey.  We need your help to provide families with basic supplies as they begin their long journey, to reunite with loved ones around the United States. It costs $25 to provide one family with these supplies; help us fill a Refugee Backpack by sponsoring one with a donation of $25.  If you would like to volunteer to fill backpacks, please fill out our online Volunteer Application Form or email our Volunteer Coordinator at iwcvolunteersa@gmail.com and she will get in touch with you,

Toiletries placed in a quart size Ziploc bag
2 toothbrushes
1 travel size toothpaste
1 package of hand wipes
2 packages travel size Kleenex
2-3 hair bands or scrunchies

Optional but highly recommended
Small pocket size English-Spanish Dictionary
Small stuffed animals

Snacks placed in a gallon Ziploc bag
3 packages of fruit snacks
3-4 granola bars
2-3 packages of animal crackers
2-3 packages of Cheezits
2-3 packages of salt snacks (peanut butter crackers, cheese crackers etc.)

1 bottle of water and one water bottle

2 pens
1 small note pad
Coloring book and crayons
Small blanket (4×6)

Become a part of the Advocacy Committee and receive information on opportunities to engage in activities related to asylum seekers, refugees and at risk immigrants. The Advocacy Committee meets the second Thursday of every month at 9:00 am preceding the IWC General Meeting at First Presbyterian Church. For information, please fill out our online Volunteer Application Form or email our Volunteer Coordinator at iwcvolunteersa@gmail.com and she will get in touch with you,

• Keep up to date on local, state and federal levels regarding issues impacting asylum seekers, refugees and at risk immigrants.
• Speak out concerning any bills filed in the current legislative session that would affect asylum seekers, refugees and at risk immigrants.
• Receive training to do presentations on local, state and federal policies/practices that impact asylum seekers,  refugees and at risk immigrants.
• Become a point person for your faith community to be a source of information regarding all immigration issues.
• Collaborate with other organizations which work with asylum seekers, refugees and at risk immigrants and support their work.
• Participate in interfaith prayer services.

Families arriving at the bus station or airport and needing assistance with their ticket purchase or other complications in their journey forward sometimes require overnight hospitality. Volunteer families welcome these guests into their home where they are given a warm meal, comforting support and restful accommodation for the night. If you are interested in sharing your home with a family or working in the Travis Park Overnight Shelter, If you wish to volunteer, please fill out our online Volunteer Application Form or email our Volunteer Coordinator at iwcvolunteersa@gmail.com and she will get in touch with you,

Individuals or families are accompanied by an IWC volunteer to ICE check-in or Immigration Court appearance. Volunteers sit or stand quietly with the asylum seeker and provide support and the visual message that this person is of value and has US citizens standing in solidarity. If you are interested in volunteering, please fill out our online Volunteer Application Form or email our Volunteer Coordinator at iwcvolunteersa@gmail.com and she will get in touch with you,

Lunches are prepared for families leaving the bus station and airport. To help, contact Dawn Silvius at DAWNSILVIUS@gmail.com