IN-PERSON & ZOOM MEETING : Refugee Services in Austin

Hello all!

I wanted to let you all know about an opportunity to support refugees who are being resettled in the Austin area. There are a few of you in this class and some others at Northwest Hills who have asked about the work I have been doing with Refugee Services of Texas and how to help out/get involved. Right now I am working with community engagement that oversees all of the volunteer programming and donations, but has a hand in a little bit of all the programs at RSTX. 

One of the simplest ways of helping out is through donations either individually or collectively setting up a donation drive. I am planning on reaching out to JJ about putting something in the bulletin on Sundays and seeing if we could start a church-wide donation drive. 

In this email I'm going to attach the various flyers we have for the different kinds of donations we accept that also have QR codes that you can scan on your phone and send you directly to the amazon/walmart registries. You can simply order something or multiple items off of the registries and the donations are directly sent to RSTX, so you do not even have to leave the house if you are interested in donating in that way. 

Our main needs right now are diapers, tech, giftcards, and twin mattresses/frames (all of these can be found on the registries except for diapers, which you would buy individually). Please let me know if you have any questions, suggestions, or want to find other ways of possibly getting involved with Refugee Services. Hope you all are doing well, and enjoy the rest of your week. 

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/24VJEHW19YK7O?ref_=wl_share 

Walmart: https://www.walmart.com/registry/ER/a8c0148b-dd2b-4abd-9005-66c67e933744

About Grace Kiser:

Grace Kiser is a compassionate and creative individual pursuing the study of global leadership and theology as it pertains to passions for social justice, understanding culture, the human story and uplifting human dignity. She excels in versatility and efficiency as a learner illustrated through several multifarious leadership roles and professional experiences.

Grace is currently pursuing her Bachelor of Science for Global Leadership Studies and Religious Studies at Belmont University in Nashville, TN. She is in the Honors program and on the Dean's List for her academic performance.

She has a remarkable profile in community involvement and engagement:

• Austin Region Justice for Our Neighbors; Legal Volunteer; Spring 2022
• Belmont Wesley Fellowship; Belmont University; President/Compassion and Community Outreach; 2021
• Dismas House of Nashville; Community Volunteer; Fall 2021
• Caritas of Austin; Volunteer; 2022
• Stephen Ministry Trainee; Northwest Hills United Methodist Church; 2022
• Texas Bluebonnet Girls State Staff/Counselor; American Legion Auxiliary; June 2019, June 2021
• Project Connect Nashville; Ally/Mentoring, Worship Musician; Fall 2020
• Lake Travis United Methodist Church; Worship Leader/Musician; Spring/Summer 2020, Summer 2021
• Vanderbilt University Medical Center; Hospital Musician; 2019-2020