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 […]
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Volunteer Spotlight: Wendy S.
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, […]
Read MoreDoing Good Together: Shakeel Rashed
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. […]
Read MoreDoing Good Together: Simone Talma Flowers
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 […]
Read MoreDoing Good Together: Rev. Jim Rigby
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 […]
Read MoreiACT for Refugees: iLearn Summer Program 2026
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 […]
Read MoreHands on Housing: Mrs. Joan Hall
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 […]
Read MoreHands on Housing: Mrs. Leonetta Anderson
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 […]
Read MoreDoing Good Together: Prashant Sheth
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 […]
Read MoreiACT for Refugees: Health & Wellness Resource Fair
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 […]
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