During these uncertain times, how can we help?
See below to access our COVID-19 Resource Hub, and to explore our growing directory of COVID-19-specific and virtual volunteering opportunities.
Bilingual International Assistant Services
Our agency offers citizenship assistance to older adult immigrants and refugees, and adult refugee survivors of state -sanctioned torture. Volunteer tutors are a key component, by providing one to one tutoring in US civics and history, and for the required personal interview (N400), to individuals unable to access or learn in a traditional classroom setting. COVID-19 has resulted in this assistance being conducted remotely, via phone, zoom , or other video format. Our Citizenship Educator matches tutors with our foreign born students, and mentors them both throughout the process. Printed resource material and reference links are provided to volunteers. Time commitment is approximately one hour/once a week, but can exceed that if mutually agreed upon by both volunteer and student. Days and hours are flexible to accommodate scheduling for both individuals. This is an ongoing opportunity with expectation of a minimum 6 month commitment. Volunteers need not know a foreign language.
Desired skills/background: Teaching/tutoring, older adults; immigrants/refugees; mental health. This is a wonderful opportunity to make a significant difference in the life of an individual striving to attain US Citizenship! Prefer individuals with Missouri residency.
No additional volunteer opportunities at this time.
1329 Macklind Ave., St. Louis, MO 63110, US
Our mission is to ensure equal access to healthcare, mental health, and social services for all, regardless of national origin or language ability, through the advocacy, education, and direct multilingual services that we provide.
Bilingual International Assistant Services is a not-for-profit 501 (C) (3) organization established in May, 2002 by stateless refugee women. Bilingual International was founded as a response to the unmet needs of foreign-born seniors who had limited ability in the English language, were unable to navigate the intricate system of care, and often voiced fear over their future and livelihood.
In 2005, the agency began serving US-born older adults, who, despite knowledge of English, lacked knowledge of the system of care and resources. Poverty stricken, isolated seniors who were also home bound and frail sought our services to help them improve their living situations, overcome anxieties, and increase their ability to maintain community living.
In 2016, Bilingual International welcomed two long-time partner agencies: the Center for Survivors of Torture and War Trauma and the Places for People Faith Team. These recent additions have enhanced the agency’s service portfolio - especially to refugees and survivors of state-sanctioned torture.
Free of negative bias, we advocate for and encourage legislation that promotes statewide accessible, appropriate health and social services for under-served individuals and populations. Through our services and proven track record, we not only live our mission - we go beyond expectations to help our elderly and foreign-born communities.
We'll work with your schedule.
This is a Virtual Opportunity, with no fixed address.
January 24, 2021