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After applying for refugee status, individuals and families are screened, granted permission to resettle, and assigned to our agency by the U.S. Department of State. RST offers programs to assist refugees with basic needs and services during their initial resettlement period to the United States. Refugee clients are provided with case management and assistance while they work to meet the many challenges of transitioning to the local community.

RST's Survivors of Trafficking Empowerment Program (STEP) and the 806 ACTS Program are designed to help survivors of trafficking throughout their transition to stable, independent lives. Serving in 6 cities across Texas, RST serves all survivors of human trafficking, including labor and sex trafficking, adults and minors, foreign born and domestic born. RST serves survivors regardless of race, color, national or ethnic origin, age, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or veteran status.

The RST Austin and Dallas service centers offer low-cost immigration services through Board of Immigration Appeals-accredited representatives. These representatives assist clients with legal issues including status adjustment, naturalization, and family reunification for refugee families and Iranian religious minorities. Services are not limited to refugees, but are available to all immigrant communities.

RST Austin and Fort Worth provide group orientation and psycho-education sessions, as well as referrals to other appropriate providers in their respective areas. RST Austin offers culturally and linguistically-appropriate individual, couples and family therapy at no cost to clients who may need additional support. Our services are all trauma informed and customized to the individual needs of clients.

Finding employment is a vital step towards self-sufficiency but presents unique challenges as our clients adjust to a new culture. Many come to the US from diverse educational and professional backgrounds. Though they often have the skills and experience required for jobs in their field of interest, additional help is needed with job searches, resume development, education and certifications, and interview skills. You can also visit our Employment page to learn about hiring refugees.

Record numbers of children migrating alone have arrived at the Texas border in recent years. By law, the United States Health and Human Services department must provide for the custody and care of unaccompanied migrant children. In partnership with Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Services (LIRS), RST Houston has provided case management, support services, advocacy, and donations to unaccompanied children and their families since October 2013.  

All RST clients have access to English as a Second Language classes (ESL). Some sites offer classes directly as part of their services, while others partner with outside organizations to provide these ESL classes to clients. Education in basic English increases clients' ability to navigate every day life in America, while enhancing their potential for success in the workplace. Students often have the opportunity to continue their education in English past the basics.

Clients are supported during the initial post-arrival period with limited-term assistance programs. Social Adjustment Services provide long-term case management services for clients with emergency needs and difficulties adapting to their new surroundings. This program seeks to accessservices within the community and advocate on behalf of clients in order to dissolve barriers to self-sufficiency.

Our offices in Amarillo, Austin, Fort Worth and Dallas are home to our Intensive & Medical Case Management Program. Our Intensive & Medical Program provides medical case managers who work to establish better health, hygiene, and illness and injury care, partnering with community organizations to establish access to specialists, equipment, and basic transportation to and from appointments.

RST's Refugee Youth Mentoring Program (YMP) is focused on meeting the unique needs of teens and young adults as they adapt to life in a new country. YMP helps young refugees achieve their personal, educational, and professional goals through a one-on-one relationship with a volunteer mentor over a 6 month period. Pairs work on English proficiency, college and job applications, career exploration, and more.