‘A little less alone in the process’: Immigrant and Refugee Ministry’s accompaniment program offers practical, spiritual support

By St. Louis Review

An accompaniment program through the Immigrant and Refugee Ministry is helping newcomers to the U.S. know they’re not alone.

The Immigrant and Refugee Ministry — a collaborative effort of St. Anthony of Padua, St. Cronan, St. Margaret of Scotland, St. Pius V, St. Vincent de Paul, St. Stephen Protomartyr and Holy Redeemer parishes — launched an accompaniment program in January to support immigrants and refugees as they meet with Immigration and Customs Enforcement, check in with the Intensive Supervision Appearance Program, apply for work permits or Social Security cards and more.

The program, which now has about 40 active volunteers, receives an average of four to five requests for accompaniment weekly. Typically, two or more volunteers accompany an individual to offer supportive presence, take notes on the appointment and provide translation and transportation as needed, accompaniment program coordinator Annie Aeschbacher said.

“A lot of people in the current environment are feeling nervous, and so just being able to have someone physically present in the room helps to bring a lot of reassurance, at least in the moment, to just make people feel a little less alone in the process,” Aeschbacher said.

The program has also been receiving more requests for assistance after a loved one has been detained, she said. Read more here