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 […]
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Staff Spotlight: Chad Pevateaux
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 […]
Read MoreVolunteer Spotlight: Cathy Norman
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? […]
Read MoreDoing Good Together: Faith as a Bridge
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 […]
Read MoreiACT Volunteer Spotlight: Mary Evan
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 […]
Read MoreDoing Good Together: Love Without Rules
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 […]
Read MoreiACT Board Spotlight: Shakeel Rashed
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, […]
Read MoreiACT for Refugees: Sediqa Gullestany
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 […]
Read MoreDoing Good Together: New Year, New Hope
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 […]
Read MoreIntern Spotlight: Aliyah McKoy
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 […]
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