IMPORTANT MESSAGE FROM OUR BOARD PRESIDENT
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.
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, and other organizations.
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
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.
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, and other organizations.
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
|
|
|
VISION |
AJPR envisions all refugees who arrive in Austin being welcomed and provided with the resources they need to pursue opportunities and build successful lives.
|
MISSION |
Austin Jews and Partners for Refugees are volunteers who provide direct and immediate assistance to refugee families. We do this by:
|
Resettlement is a moral imperative.
“Welcoming the stranger” is our privilege.
Our Jewish tradition teaches us that there is no higher obligation than to save the life of another. Faced with one of the largest refugee crises in human history, Austin Jews & Partners for Refugees (AJPR) was formed to raise our voices for the rights, safety, and very lives of people who are fleeing genocide, persecution, and war Together with our Resettlement Agency partner, HIAS, and our other faith and community partners...
we are committed to aiding those who have been forced to leave their homes.
AJPR is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit charitable organization