Since the airlift of the Vietnamese in 1975, Refugee & Immigration Services -Diocese of Jefferson City (RIS) has provided a safe and hopeful refuge for those forced to flee their homelands. Over the years, we have welcomed people from countries in Asia, Africa, Eastern Europe, and Latin America regardless of their color or creed.
Our staff works hard to ensure culturally competent services to our clients, offering refugees initial housing; provision of furniture, clothing, household goods and food; orientation and initial 
needs assessment; education placement of children in the appropriate school; introduction to government and community service providers; and extensive case management services. Many families are also provided with a support network of individual volunteers.
For more information contact Phil Stroessner
Email:pstroessner@diojeffcity.org
Call: 573-442-7568
pstroessner
How might I help? My daughter is currently serving on the Thai/Burma border in a refugee camp. She loves the Burmese people and her love for them has me wanting to help if I could. I am 60 years old. In good health. I do garden but I’m not an expert by any stretch of the imagination but do a pretty darn good job of growing things for my family. I would love to help the refugees in any way I might. I live in Ashland, Missouri but have transportation.
Hi Lorraine, we are always looking for volunteers to use their skills to help refugees. If you email me at pstroessner@diojeffcity.org, we will see what we can do to get you started.
Thanks!