iACT Blog

How long have you called Austin (or Central Texas) home, and what’s kept you here?We have called Austin home for 54 years. We were met by a community of faith expressing love and welcome to our family. The birth of children, their education in AISD, and the community spirit of Austin has enriched our lives.… Read more: Donor Spotlight: Rev. Karl & Mrs. Sharon Gronberg

How long have you been in Austin?I have lived in Austin for 25 years. How long have you volunteered with iACT?I just started volunteering with iACT this summer. Previously, I volunteered with RST (Refugee Services of Texas). What made you want to volunteer with iACT?I am a teacher of teenagers, so working with youth just… Read more: Volunteer Spotlight: Wendy S.

Sharia – The Freedom to Follow Your Own Path I have a friend who believes that walking barefoot is beneficial for health, a practice rooted in ancient Hindu wisdom. While he often shares the benefits of this practice during our hikes together, he doesn’t force anyone to remove their shoes. He also respects places where… Read more: Doing Good Together: Shakeel Rashed

Embracing Getting Older There is a wisdom that comes with age. We gain knowledge and experience, but more importantly, we gain perspective, the ability to hold many viewpoints, draw from lived experience, think beyond the present, and respond with greater compassion and understanding.  There is also a quiet brilliance that unfolds as we grow older,… Read more: Doing Good Together: Simone Talma Flowers

I Still Believe in Love A man came by the church the other day in a very emotional state. He asked, “What is the point of even trying anymore?” The man had been working with several mentally ill people who had been set adrift by recent cuts to the social safety net.   The man said,… Read more: Doing Good Together: Rev. Jim Rigby

This summer, iACT proudly hosted its annual iLearn Program from June 22 through July 30, 2026, at its offices at First Austin. The program provided a welcoming, supportive space where refugee youth ages 6-18 strengthened academic skills, built confidence, and formed meaningful connections. Daily activities supported English language development, reading comprehension, writing, speaking, math, and… Read more: iACT for Refugees: iLearn Summer Program 2026

Pictured here in front of her beautiful plants, Mrs. Joan Hall recently worked with Hands on Housing to ensure her home was safe and comfortable. Mrs. Hall was diagnosed with a chronic illness after years of working as a teacher. She retired from teaching and now makes lovely mosaic art as a way to process… Read more: Hands on Housing: Mrs. Joan Hall

Mrs. Leonetta Anderson lives in her lovely East Austin home with her two children Perry and Kamilah. Mrs. Leonetta was an active duty member of the United States Air Force for many years and now cares for her family. She called Hands on Housing to make sure that her electrical system was safe and working… Read more: Hands on Housing: Mrs. Leonetta Anderson

Growing up between India and the United States, my parents taught me to value moral and heart-centered living over material and financial achievement. Our family, our community and our faith traditions all reinforced a simple idea: what you accumulate is never the full measure of your life. What matters is how you live, whom you… Read more: Doing Good Together: Prashant Sheth

Our incredible Health & Wellness Team—AJ Tareen, Azita Jawady, Heather Nicoll, and Anell Mejia—organized an equally incredible Community Wellness Resource Fair attended by 14 organizations and 125 clients. Community members came together to connect with resources and receive help with school supplies and hygiene kits. A big thank you to all our volunteers and our… Read more: iACT for Refugees: Health & Wellness Resource Fair

How long have you been in Austin? I’ve been in Austin for over 35 years since I moved here to attend UT-Austin.  How long have you volunteered with iACT? This is my first summer volunteering with iACT. What made you want to volunteer with iACT? iACT’s mission and values resonated with me, and when I… Read more: Volunteer Spotlight: Rosey Castillo

Building Community Conversations in a Volatile Time Four years ago, my husband and I moved to Smithville, Texas, nestled off Highway 71 between Bastrop and LaGrange. With extensive tree canopies, vintage shops, historic homes and a close community of artists, the minute we landed here, we became part of an active, caring community.  God has always nudged me… Read more: Doing Good Together: Sara Hickman

What’s Love Got To Do With It Most — if not all — of us in this room have lost someone we loved so dearly. The ache remains as fresh as the day they left us. A little bit of us died with them. We feel that vacuum, that emptiness, that grief that settles into… Read more: Doing Good Together: Rabbi Marie Betcher

How long have you been in Austin? 2 years  How long have you volunteered with iACT? A week  What made you want to volunteer with iACT? I’m a Psychology student, and I wanted to explore whether I want to work with kids. So it feels like it would be perfect to see if I connect with children the way… Read more: Volunteer Spotlight: Maria Jose Loaiza Zapata

World Refugee Day is a day of celebration designated by the United Nations to honor refugees around the globe. The international day is always June 20, and Austin’s celebration falls on a Saturday in June and is organized by the Austin Refugee Roundtable, a group of organizations and individuals working to make Austin a welcoming… Read more: iACT for Refugees: World Refugee Day

Antonio and Maria Carbajal are pictured in their backyard. Antonio built their chicken coop which holds their three chickens. The couple lives at home with their two adult children who both have special needs. The Carbajal family needed some home repair and new accessibility improvements in their home. Hands on Housing is so grateful to… Read more: Hands on Housing: Antonio & Maria Carbajal

Where are you from? How long have you lived in Austin?I was born at St. David’s Hospital here in Austin and have lived here my whole life, other than one year in Brasilia, Brazil when I was 11 years old, and 4 years in College Station, attending Texas A&M University. How long have you served… Read more: Board Spotlight: Paul Hudson

Q: Where are you from? I’m originally from Kabul, Afghanistan. Q: How long have you been in Austin? I Came to Austin in November 2021. Q: What do you do at iACT? I’m the Refugee Program ELI Coordinator.  Q: What is the most challenging thing about the work you do at iACT? The challenging part… Read more: Staff Spotlight: Farida Naqshbandi

To Those Who Lead Interfaith Action of Central Texas (iACT) is an organization rooted in the belief that peace is possible when we choose respect, understanding, and compassion for one another. Through interfaith dialogue, service, and celebration, we work every day to cultivate communities where people of all backgrounds and beliefs feel seen, valued, and… Read more: Doing Good Together: iACT Board of Directors

Oneness Is Not an Ideal—It Is Our Responsibility  We Baha’is believe that the most important task before us is bringing about the oneness of humankind. And perhaps there has never been a time in our history when this principle —this idea — is more critical.  I’ll tell you honestly, I got to a point where I felt depressed. I stopped watching the news. Because every… Read more: Doing Good Together: Ajit Giani

Growing Up Technically and legally, you are considered an adult at age 18 in the US. But we all know that a button is not pushed on our 18th birthdays to make us instant adults.  I’ve been a legal adult for over 50 years now and I am a different adult today than I was right after I turned… Read more: Doing Good Together: Lubna Zeidan

My name is Sadaf Mudares, and I am deeply honored to stand before you today. My journey to this moment has been filled with challenges and triumphs. Four years ago, my family and I moved to the United States from Afghanistan, a country where women are often deprived of their basic rights and education. Despite the… Read more: iACT for Refugees: Sadaf Mudares

Mrs. Delores Nash is one of our incredible homeowners in the Hands on Housing program! She has the voice of an angel and sings with her church choir every Sunday. She has recently had to move from using a walker to using a motorized wheelchair full-time. Hands on Housing is blessed to work with her… Read more: Hands on Housing: Delores Nash

How long have you been in Austin?I’ve been in Austin since I was nine months old. How long have you volunteered with iACT?I have volunteered with iACT since I was in 8th grade in 2023. What made you want to volunteer with iACT?Our school does a service project every winter for all the 8th graders, where we… Read more: Volunteer Spotlight: Roshan Vije

Michael Whellan brings decades of legal expertise and community leadership to iACT’s Board of Directors. A partner at Armbrust & Brown, Michael specializes in real estate, land use, and litigation, helping clients navigate complex legal and governmental processes throughout Central Texas.   Beyond his professional accomplishments, Michael has a long history of service with organizations… Read more: Board Spotlight: Michael Whellan

Where are you from? I am from San Antonio, Texas. How long have you been in Austin? I’ve been living in Austin since 2017, so almost 10 years! What do you do at iACT? I am the Communications Coordinator at iACT. What’s the most challenging thing about the work you do at iACT? The most… Read more: Staff Spotlight: Andres Garcia

Interfaith Action of Central Texas (iACT) is an organization rooted in the belief that peace is possible when we choose respect, understanding, and compassion for one another. Through interfaith dialogue, service, and celebration, we work every day to cultivate communities where people of all backgrounds and beliefs feel seen, valued, and connected. We believe in… Read more: A Message from Interfaith Action of Central Texas (iACT) to Those Who Hold Public Office

Our hearts are deeply saddened by the devastating news from San Diego. We mourn with you in the wake of this horrific violence at the Islamic Center of San Diego and the increasing Islamophobia and anti-Muslim hatred leading to fear that so many in your community continue to endure.  There is something especially heartbreaking when… Read more: A Message from Interfaith Action of Central Texas to Our Muslim Community

My Kingdom is Not of This World By Rev. Jennifer Cumberbatch A few weekends ago, “No Kings” marches took place all over the country. Presidents are not kings. was the message. Americans are often fascinated by royalty, captivated by the pomp and splendor. Yet, Americans also fancy voting for their leaders.   I have been rereading the book of… Read more: Doing Good Together: Rev. Jennifer Cumberbatch

I Am Enough, You Are Enough By Rev. Don Brewington Life is to be lived. That’s a true statement—and at the same time, when one makes this statement, it is important to realize that it encompasses all that comes with living. Life holds joys, sorrows, and surprises (both good and not so good), and it is always… Read more: Doing Good Together: Rev. Don Brewington

Sara Hickman is a longtime Austin-based musician, educator, and advocate whose career has been rooted in creativity and community impact. Named the Official Texas State Musician in 2010, she has been recording, performing, and touring since 1988, with more than 20 albums and a Grammy nomination to her name. Beyond her work in music, Sara… Read more: Board Spotlight: Sara Hickman

Q: How long have you been in Austin?Since 2001. Q: How long have you volunteered with iACT?4 years. Q: What inspired you to volunteer with iACT?AAFAME—I was asked to lead the group to help iACT. Q: What do you enjoy most about your experience with iACT?The people we help. Seeing their appreciation and joy when… Read more: Volunteer Spotlight: Omar Heras

Mrs. Mary Riojas is standing in front of the wall of art her grandchildren have created for her. She lives in her North Austin home covered in memories of her family. Her father, John Trevino, was the first Mexican-American to serve on the city council of Austin. Ms. Mary cared for him and her mother… Read more: Hands on Housing: Mary Riojas

My name is Adila, and I’m a refugee from Afghanistan. Since joining the Health and Wellness Program, my mood has improved significantly. Previously, I often felt sad and homesick. However, after becoming part of iACT’s program, I started connecting with the other community members and benefiting from their informative and supportive content. Additionally, I have… Read more: iACT for Refugees: Adila

Mrs. Charlotte Cummings is one of the amazing homeowners that Hands on Housing works with. The ten-year anniversary of her husband Jack’s passing was in January. Jack was an architect and his handprint is still covering Mrs. Cummings home to this day. When they first bought the home, they remodeled the windows and several bedrooms… Read more: Hands on Housing: Charlotte Cummings

Interfaith Action of Central Texas welcomes Dr. Kazique Prince to our Board of Directors!  Dr. Kazique Prince is a consulting psychologist, social impact strategist, and entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience helping organizations, communities, and leaders build trust, navigate conflict, and foster belonging across lines of difference. He is the Founder and CEO of… Read more: Board Spotlight: Dr. Kazique Prince

Members of the refugee program recently visited the Refugee Collective Farm to learn more about their community farmer program. This incredible program offers 750-square-foot plots to refugees to farm themselves and supports them with knowledge, tools, and seeds. Refugee Collective even helps them sell the extra food through their community supported agriculture program. We learned… Read more: iACT for Refugees: Refugee Collective Farm

By Skye Howell Sharing Good Medicine: Passing our spiritual practices to the next generation  The world feels so heavy in this moment, and many of us are silently carrying the weight of grief, health concerns and uncertainty about the future.   We need spiritual practices for daily living that bolster our strength, allow us to heal,… Read more: Doing Good Together: Sharing Good Medicine

By Rev. Jim Rigby I UNDERSTAND WHY MANY WONDERFUL PEOPLE HATE RELIGION  I certainly understand why many wonderful people hate religion. I know intelligent and compassionate people who use the word “religion” as a synonym for superstition, hierarchy and every form of intolerance.   Religious people have certainly done much damage in the world, and I… Read more: Doing Good Together: I Understand Why Many Wonderful People Hate Religion

Where are you from?  Born in Houston but grew up in Austin. How long have you been in Austin? I was twenty years away but am happy to be back home in Austin since October 2022 What do you do at iACT? I am the refugee program co-director. I help run our education program that… Read more: Staff Spotlight: Chad Pevateaux

How long have you been in Austin?  I moved to Austin in 1976 to attend the University of Texas, and for all intents and purposes never really left.   I have always had extended family in Austin and I have always loved it here.  How long have you volunteered with iACT?  My first time volunteering with iACT… Read more: Volunteer Spotlight: Cathy Norman

02/05/20263 minute read By Elham Sadat As the Christmas season gives way to a new year, many of us pause—reflecting on what has been and quietly hoping for what might be. Across traditions and beliefs, this season invites renewal: a fresh start, a softer heart, a deeper commitment to what truly matters. In a world… Read more: Doing Good Together: Faith as a Bridge

Andres Garcia01/02/2020 3 minute read This article was written by Rev. Lee Lever, Pastor of the Austin Mennonite Church and a member of Veterans for Peace.  Rev. Lee Lever I am writing this piece at the beginning of the Advent season, a time when Christians reflect on waiting, waiting for God to show up, waiting for… Read more: Waiting Is Not Easy

Where are you from/Where did you grow up? I am from and grew up in Minneapolis, MN. I have been in Austin for 31 years. I also served 10 years in the USAF where I got to live in Washington D.C., Michigan, Texas, Philippines and Sicily (Italy). How did you first hear about The Red… Read more: iACT Volunteer Spotlight: Mary Evan

By Phyllis Everette, CEO and Founder of Saffron Trust Women’s Foundation “Mom, I left some Dove chocolate on the counter for you!” she called, already halfway down the hall, already leaning toward the next flight, the next beginning. She knows my sweet spot, I thought, smiling at the small kindness left behind. I imagined it… Read more: Doing Good Together: Love Without Rules

We’re honored to highlight Shakeel Rashed, who has served on the iACT Board of Directors for five years and was recently named Board President. Shakeel brings deep experience as a technologist, entrepreneur, investor, and community leader based in Austin, TX—with over 20 years working at the forefront of emerging technologies from web and mobile to cloud, AI, and data sciences.   In… Read more: iACT Board Spotlight: Shakeel Rashed

Sediqa Gullestany is one of the clients of the iACT Health and Wellness Program. She joined the program while adjusting to life in a new city as an Afghan immigrant. Like many newcomers, she felt uncertain about how the healthcare system works and where to find clear and trustworthy guidance. The iACT Health and Wellness classes… Read more: iACT for Refugees: Sediqa Gullestany

By Shakeel Rashed We are at a peculiar inflection point in our collective history. Trust, that binds us together, has eroded across nearly every institution. Government approval ratings hover near historic lows. Journalism faces accusations of bias from all sides while AI-generated content is making it nearly impossible to distinguish authentic voices from conspiratorial fabrications.… Read more: Doing Good Together: New Year, New Hope

Where are you from? El Paso, Texas How long have you been in Austin? 41 months (3.5 years) What do you do at iACT? I am a Bachelor’s of Social work intern; I assist with the Youth Mentorship Program, Hands on Housing, Health and Wellness, and Outreach.  What’s the most challenging thing about the work… Read more: Intern Spotlight: Aliyah McKoy

Mrs. Belinda Wilson is one of our amazing Hands on Housing clients! She is retired and lives alone in her lovely home in East Austin. Mrs. Wilson spends her days taking care of her home and going to her local community center. She said that she is excited to have her home repaired so that she… Read more: Hands on Housing: Belinda Wilson

by Juliet Walters  My name is Juliet Walters. I’m a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, but more importantly, I am a follower of Jesus Christ.  When people ask me where my hope comes from, my answer is simple: my hope is rooted in my relationship with God.  Over the years, I’ve learned that God pays attention.… Read more: Doing Good Together: Where My Hope Comes From

Interfaith Action of Central Texas mourns the passing of Frank Cooksey, a former iACT Board President whose life reflected a deep commitment to justice, compassion, and community. Frank served on iACT’s Board of Directors from 1990 to 1998 and served as Board President during his tenure, helping to guide the organization during a formative period in its history. A… Read more: Board Spotlight: Remembering Former iACT Board President Frank Cooksey

This holiday season, iACT celebrates the generosity of local students who supported a refugee family through the Season for Caring campaign. Grisham Middle School students collected gifts and necessities for the Babrakzai family, who arrived in Austin from Afghanistan in 2023, setting a new school record for donations. Their compassion and community spirit reflect the heart of… Read more: iACT for Refugees: Grisham Middle School

Where are you from? I’m a little bit from all over. My family is from Dominican Republic. I was born in New York City, and I have lived for over 10+ years in both New Orleans, Louisiana and Austin, Texas. All of these places have had an impact on who I am, and I see… Read more: Staff Spotlight: Anell Mejia

Daniel Llanes was one of our wonderful Hands on Housing clients who passed away in December. Mr. Llanes was entrusting Hands on Housing with repairing his beautiful home and creative space. He is survived by his daughter Carmen who, when announcing her father’s death, said he “took his place among the stars.” While Mr. Llanes… Read more: Hands on Housing: Daniel Llanes

How long have you been in Austin? I’ve lived in Austin for over 15 years! How long have you volunteered with iACT? I’m new to iACT. Being an assistant ESL teacher is my first “gig,” and I had my first class in September.  What made you want to volunteer with iACT? My church has frequently hosted… Read more: Volunteer Spotlight: Traci Clayton

Living with Purpose: Lessons from Sathya Sai Baba By Mahesh Mahadevan Life is a Challenge, Meet It; Life is Love, Enjoy It; Life is a Game, Play It. – Sathya Sai Baba  Being a big sports lover, I instantly connected with this quote from Sathya Sai Baba inspiring us to play the game of life… Read more: Doing Good Together: Lessons from Sathya Sai Baba

The Grace of Seeing the Other By Rev. John Newton Last spring I took my daughter, Annie, on a special trip to Washington, D.C. She was nine at the time, and I gave her a small amount of spending money. Near the National Mall, she noticed a man sitting on the sidewalk with a cardboard… Read more: Doing Good Together: The Grace of Seeing the Other

A Nickel By Ray Brimble My first gift was a nickel, put into an offering basket at my local church. It was magic when my mom handed me that shiny nickel, so that I could immediately give it away. I looked forward to giving in that way every Sunday. I did not quite understand it at… Read more: Doing Good Together: A Nickel

As we look ahead to 2026, iACT extends deep appreciation to the leaders who have guided and strengthened our work over the past year. We offer our heartfelt thanks to Rabbi Gail Swedroe and Sheikh Jafar Muhibullah for their many years of dedicated service on the iACT Board of Directors. Their steady leadership, spiritual insight, and commitment to interfaith… Read more: Board Spotlight: Thank You!

At Interfaith Action of Central Texas (iACT), we are honored to nominate the Babrakzai family for this year’s Season for Caring campaign. Their journey to Austin reflects both extraordinary hardship and extraordinary resilience. The Babrakzais fled Afghanistan after the 2021 U.S. withdrawal, facing years of uncertainty, dangerous border crossings, and the devastating loss of a newborn due to lack… Read more: iACT for Refugees: Babrakzai Family

Staff Spotlight: Danette Lopez Garza Where are you from? I am from East Austin. My family has lived in central Texas with roots going back to the late 1800s. My family has been part of this region for generations. We like to say, we did not move, the line moved,” because our history to this place… Read more: iSpeak Staff Spotlight: Danette Lopez Garza

During the 2025 Raise the Roof event hosted by Hands on Housing, disaster almost struck. The group of volunteers were planning on using their paint sprayer which would have made painting one of our homeowner’s houses much quicker. However, when the volunteers were connecting their sprayer to the hose, they found that the nozzle was… Read more: Hands on Housing: A Good Samaritan

Finding Faith in a Salad Bowl By Shakeel Rashed I have a ritual on Saturday mornings during summer. I head early a.m. to Barton Springs, my happy place. A few laps in the cold, refreshing water brings in a smile for the rest of the weekend. This previous Saturday was special since it was the… Read more: Doing Good Together: Finding Faith in a Salad Bowl

Q: Where are you from? How long have you lived in Austin? A: I grew up in San Jose, California. I’ve been fortunate to live in several beautiful and interesting places which have also shaped who I am today: Santa Barbara for college, New York City and Israel for rabbinical school, and Gainesville, FL where… Read more: iACT Board Spotlight: Rabbi Gail Swedroe

Heather Nicoll – iACT Health & Wellness Social Worker and English Language Instructor Where are you from? I am from the Midwest. How long have you been in Austin?  I’ve lived in Austin for more than a decade. What do you do at iACT?  I am a Health and Wellness Social Worker and English Language… Read more: iACT Staff Spotlight: Heather Nicoll

From Darkness to Hope The following is a speech by Sumaira Aman, an iACT for Refugees client, shared at iACT’s A Night Under One Sky in October. Good evening, everyone! My name is Sumaira Aman. I am originally from Kabul, Afghanistan- a beautiful country nicknamed the Heart of Asia. I am happy to be with… Read more: iACT for Refugees: Sumaira Aman

Carina Chowdury – iACT Volunteer How long have you been in Austin?  12 years How long have you volunteered with iACT? For 2 summers. What made you want to volunteer with iACT? I initially started looking for opportunities for my high schooler, but as I learned more about iACT, I realized it was also the… Read more: Volunteer Spotlight: Carina Chowdhury

Estate Sale Reflections: What Really Matters By Simone Talma Flowers One Saturday afternoon, after running errands, I noticed signs in my neighborhood announcing an estate sale. Normally, I drive past them without a second thought—my home already holds more than enough things. But that day, something nudged me to follow the arrows. Perhaps I’d find… Read more: Doing Good Together: Estate Sale Reflections – What Really Matters

Faith and Growth By Rev. Leslie Woods Water is water, right?  As a kid, each summer, I visited my bestie. We were playing outside, and I ran in the house to get water from the tap.  She was midsentence, “Wait, remember…”, when I took a good gulp or two of water that tasted like sulfur! There… Read more: Doing Good Together: Faith and Growth

iSpeak Board Spotlight: Michelle Bonilla, Board President Where are you from? How long have you lived in Austin? I’m from Los Angeles, grew up in Madrid Spain and have lived here since 1976-49 years!  Wow-I’ve never done the math before! How long have you served on the iACT Board? I have served on the board… Read more: Board Spotlight: Michelle Bonilla

Where are you from? I am from Houston, Texas. My parents immigrated to the United States from the Philippines. How long have you been in Austin? I have resided here since enrolling at the University of Texas in the fall of 2023. What degree are you pursuing in school? I am pursuing a Bachelor of Arts… Read more: iSpeak Intern Spotlight: Zeke Hermano

We had a wonderful summer with our Wednesday night iBelong group mentoring sessions, with students and mentors completing their twelve week commitment. We’ll continue with monthly group gatherings, with more details soon. Our mentoring program is also moving into an exciting new phase. Starting this October, we’re partnering with Pflugerville ISD to offer on-site mentoring… Read more: iACT for Refugees: iBelong

Client Stories: Christopher Estrada Originally from Austin, Mr. Estrada is a jack of all trades who worked several different jobs to support his family. Through Habitat for Humanity, Mr. Estrada built the home on the east side, and is proud of creating a safe place to raise his sons. As a single father (his youngest… Read more: Hands on Housing: Christopher Estrada

By Elham Sadat At the last Raise the Roof event, I joined an incredible group of people—neighbors of all faiths and backgrounds—to paint the home of an elderly woman living with cancer. With every brushstroke, laughter, and shared sip of cold water, I felt a deep sense of purpose. It wasn’t just about painting a house; it… Read more: iSpeak Volunteer Spotlight: Raise the Roof

At iACT, we offer English classes to support people in their journey of reintegration into our country. More than just a classroom, this space becomes a meeting point of cultures, traditions, nationalities, and languages. Individuals from all over the world, different in age, race, gender, and origin; but united by a shared goal and, often,… Read more: iACT for Refugees: A Friendship Beyond Language

By Lubna Zeidan In my 23 years in Austin working at Interfaith Action of Central Texas (iACT) I met numerous wonderful people, who are genuinely committed to interfaith connections, and exhibit curiosity and openness toward other beliefs, especially less known faith groups.   Our affable first-world curiosity frequently does not extend to learning about the living… Read more: Doing Good Together: The Druze People

By Paul Divakar and Dr. Nidhi Trehan   Ever since I witnessed my mother’s murder at the hands of the land mafia in India, I knew my life would never be the same. That devastating moment filled me with sorrow—but also purpose. I vowed to ensure that no one else suffers simply because of the family… Read more: Doing Good Together: Standing Up To Caste and Descent-Based Discrimination

Where are you from? How long have you lived in Austin?I was born at St. David’s Hospital here in Austin and have lived here my whole life, other than one year in Brasilia, Brazil when I was 11 years old, and 4 years in College Station, attending Texas A&M University. How long have you served… Read more: iACT Board Spotlight: Paul Hudson

Where are you from? I’m from Rwanda  How long have you been in Austin? I’ve been in Austin for 2 Years  What do you do at iACT? I’m a Program Specialist working with both ELI and Youth program What’s the most challenging thing about the work you do at iACT? iACT is a highly diverse… Read more: Staff Spotlight: Nadia Mukunde

How long have you been in Austin?Since 2012, when I was 5 years old. How long have you volunteered with iACT?Just this summer through the iLearn program. What made you want to volunteer with iACT?Through MCSS, I wanted to help kids build speaking and self-advocacy skills. Elham recommended iLearn as a great place to start helping… Read more: Volunteer Spotlight: Aaniya Khan

Herminia “Minnie” Donley is one of Hands on Housing’s wonderful homeowners! She and her late husband Manuel Donley have been in their home since the 1970’s. Manuel “Cowboy” Donley passed away five years ago and was a pioneer in the Tejano music scene. Mrs. Donley now spends her time with her grandchildren and enjoying her… Read more: Hands on Housing: Minnie Donley

By Simone Talma Flowers Where do we go when we die? Where does the soul journey? Where does the spirit reside? One thing is certain: the body remains. This shell, this physical form, is left behind. It may be buried in the earth or sea, cremated, or otherwise returned to nature. Some remnants may be… Read more: Doing Good Together – Where Do We Go In Death?

By Eric C. Shuster   As the rain subsided in Northwest Houston in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey in 2017, the Houston Texas Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints—the 97th dedicated in the Church’s history—was partially underwater.   A neighbor near the temple, not a member temple’s faith community, asked Al Haines—a temple sealer… Read more: Doing Good Together – Faith: Groundbreaking of the Austin Texas Temple