REPLAY VIDEOS: NOWCastSA webcast two Community Conversations on Refugee Children and the Border Crisis at First Presbyterian Church. The discussions prioritized six areas of focus: Education, Advocacy, Detention Visitation, Mentorship, Housing and Healthcare.
This gathering of faith communities, service organizations, nonprofit agencies and governmental entities is hosted by Presbyterian Disaster Assistance and the San Antonio Area Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster. Thanks to underwriting from Methodist Healthcare Ministries, you can watch and participate in the event live, online right here on this page, or come back to this page later and replay the video.
Those attending were encouraged to share their expertise, their hopes, their agency's needs, volunteer opportunities and the resources they have to offer in long-term response to children and their families.
On August 7, 2014, NOWCastSA webcast the first community gathering and conversation on this issue.
Topics for the session included updates on the legal status of the children and family reunification; understanding government services and the role of voluntary organizations and the faith community; direct services being provided and potential future unmet needs; current legislative advocacy issues; how other communities are responding and serving and identifying future support service needs as children and families integrate into the San Antonio area.
At the second Community Conversation, on August 21, 2014, groups formed around the six priority areas and disscussed their immediate needs and priorities. You can watch their report out below.
Watch Jonathan Ryan, of RAICES, presentation on the situation facing Central American child refugees here in San Antonio and through out the rest of the country.
Watch Jonathan Ryan's update from the second community conversation.
Watch Harvey Howell explain the role of Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, SAVOAD and introduce all the members of the room.
