If you’re ready to roll your up your shirt-sleeves and get busy serving refugees, look no further than South St. Louis. Over 400 Syrians have been relocated in our city since October, 2015 alone, and we are personally seeing what appears to be an equal number of Iraqi refugees in our work here. Numerous other nationalities are represented as well. St. Louis is home to the largest Bosnian community in the world outside of Bosnia!

Refugees are frequently closed off from the physical community that surrounds around them by the struggle of learning a complex language, adapting to a new culture, and now a polarized political landscape that has caused many to voice outrage over their presence here. Arriving here already traumatized and cut off from family and friends, they live isolated by their circumstances and in poverty.  Nonetheless, we consistently find them some of the most hospitable, hard working and hopeful people to spend time with.

The opportunity to meet felt needs is seemingly endless, but here is where we have begun:

Prayer – At Cornerstone, Tuesdays, 8:30 am

Teaching English as a Second Language (ESL) or Driver’s Education (car required); assisting in childcare during ESL classes; and sorting & organizing donations. At Oasis International, Tuesdays, 10:00 – 12:30

Moving and delivering furniture & home visits – Various times, contact us

Serving as a volunteer for events or horse therapy for refugees with PTSD here at Cornerstone – coming in the Spring

We partner with Oasis International for many of these things. Please contact them directly if you have cars, clothing, furniture, household goods of fine quality, or time you would consider donating.