iACT Blog

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