By Teddy Sass, iACT Youth Program Coordinator

The most effective way you can help a refugee is to commit your time to supporting them. Spending time with someone who values your thoughts and your advice is not only rewarding, but it is also an effective way to influence a life.

iACT’s Youth Mentorship Program serves refugee clients aged 15-24 in the Austin area. These young adults may have had their dreams crushed by interrupted schooling, violence or displacement. They may have spent years in dangerous areas where they could not pursue their education or careers, Suddenly, they are here. And while the possibilities are exciting, their limited means and inaccurate information about their new city leave them confused and helpless.

This is where you come in- dedicating as little as 20 hours of your time. Mentors visit their mentees’ homes once a week for two hours to help them create a short and a long-term plan to be successful. The mentees themselves, with their mentors’ help, can decide what that success looks like. For our adult clients, this can include learning English, preparing for a job interview, or applying to college. For our high school clients, it may mean learning more about cultural norms, school expectations and how to study effectively. Mentors can also help with upcoming exams and classwork.

Many of our clients are from Afghanistan and one of our mentees was a young woman who had had very little say in her life decisions. With the help of her mentor, she has learned to ask questions and advocate for herself confidently. She can now visualize a future within her own control.

Our clients have a variety of experiences and needs, and our mentors lend their support in any way they can. As a mentor, you will have the opportunity to connect with a refugee in need, experience a new culture, and work outside of your comfort zone. Mentors are expected to visit their mentee once a week for a minimum of ten weeks. If you would like to mentor, or know someone who would make a good client for this program, please contact Teddy Sass at tsass@interfaithtexas.org.