It is our distinct pleasure to announce that the Center for Survivors of Torture and War Trauma and Bilingual International Assistant Services, long collaborative partners, are uniting to support their common cause. Since the early 2000’s, we have worked closely to help and heal immigrants and refugees in the St. Louis area and to offer assistance as they become successful contributors to the community. Our operations combined effective April 1, 2016.
Together, our two organizations will be strengthened, thus better able to face the financial challenges of today and of the future. By working as one, we will strengthen and sustain our quality programming in this challenging climate and ensure that more of your dollars are spent on direct programming and assistance to refugee youth and supports to New Americans.
Our clients’ well-being remains our highest priority. With this in mind, we will attempt to minimize any disruption to services during the process of our merger. For years, our teams worked collaboratively to ensure that Saint Louis remains a welcoming home to refugees. When you visit our expanded programs, you no doubt will see familiar faces of staff you had previously come to know. Many of our staff members and clinicians have worked with or for both agencies throughout the years. This union will undoubtedly deepen and enhance our collaborative work.
Going forward, Bilingual International Assistant Services will assume the operations and management to support the programs you have come to know and appreciate. The Center’s programs shall continue to be run under the name “The Center for Survivors.” Facilities will continue to operate largely as they have; with only minor differences, if any, in service delivery.
By joining forces, we can best ensure continued care for those new Americans in our community in need of hope and healing. We encourage you to visit this site often to learn of all the exciting changes and updates
Thank you for your ongoing support to immigrants and refugees. We look forward to forging a new relationship as we take this exciting step.