San Antonio Community Resource Directory

Guided by the principles of human compassion and dignity, Refugee Services of Texas (RST) is a social-service agency dedicated to providing assistance to refugees, immigrants, and other displaced peoples and supporting them in integrating and thriving in their new communities.

Each year, RST provides services to hundreds of refugees, asylees, survivors of human trafficking, and related vulnerable populations from over 30 different countries of origin.

Originating in Dallas, RST now has service centers in:

David McKeever - CFO/Interim CEO
Erica Schmidt-Portnoy, LMSW - Senior Programs Director

Community support is vital to refugee success:

Legally resettled refugees contribute to the enrichment of San Antonio, becoming dependable employees and reliable neighbors who contribute positively to the diversity of our community.

Following resettlement, refugee families are extremely vulnerable and underserved. They fled their homes due to religious and ethnic persecution.  CRS focuses on refugees’ ongoing unmet needs, recognizing that self-sufficiency and successful community integration is a process rather than a time-limited event.

 

Hours
Monday: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Saturday: CLOSED
Sunday: CLOSED

Howaida M. Werfelli, DrPH MPH, CHES
Jill Rips
Updated within the last 3 months.

Letter to Our Volunteers

Dear prospective volunteer:

Since the fall of the government in Kabul, Afghanistan on August 15, 2021, the huge influx of legally admitted Afghan humanitarian parolees into the US is unprecedented.

San Antonio is one of the top destination cities for Afghan resettlement. While CRS is not a resettlement agency our newest neighbors are arriving without basic necessities such as hygiene supplies, bedding, and access to food.

CRS is filling the need to supply essential supplies to new arrivals. Since October 2021 CRS continues to assist over 4000 Afghan adults and children. In 2024 CRS expects to see more Afghans, Syrians, Sudanese, and Somalis. Our most urgent needs at the moment include help with obtaining and delivering essential household items to new clients. We welcome donations of new or gently used household items. See https://sarefugees.org/donate/. Please do not drop off any donations at CRS without contacting our office at 210-949-0062 or sending us a message. We regularly post a list of needed items on our Facebook page.

The Center for Refugee Services is a registered 501(c)(3) charitable nonprofit agency that uses a team approach to provide cultural guidance and social support to resettled refugees originating from more than 20 countries that have been devastated by war and violence.

CRS serves almost 1,000 refugees annually with five core staff members, of which only two are salaried, and 30 auxiliary monthly volunteers.  We rely heavily on community networking to achieve the best results for our clients. We value cultural diversity, compassion, and respect for all people.

Established in 2010, the Center for Refugee Services has a proud history of helping hundreds of resettled refugees acclimate to their new homes in San Antonio. If you wish to join our team of volunteers, we will help you find the best possible fit for your skills and interests.

Once your application has been reviewed, you will be contacted to schedule an interview. Training for new volunteers is ongoing.

Hours
Monday: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Saturday: CLOSED
Sunday: CLOSED

Updated within the last 3 months.