Helping refugees make Amarillo home

AMARILLO, TX (KFDA) - Imagine leaving behind everything you know to move across the world in hopes of a better life.

n Amarillo around 1,000 refugees from several different countries do this every year, calling the panhandle their new home. To help make sure it's a smooth transition the Refugee Services of Texas (RST) works with newcomers.

On Saturday, the group took around 50 refugee children, ages 9 to 19, to the Discovery Center for an afternoon of fun. Leighanne Williams, the group's mentor coordinator says community events are a good way to expose the kids to different places in Amarillo, while also bonding with their mentors who help the kids adjust.

The RST provides refugees with basic needs and services during their resettlement period. Financial assistance and case management are also provided for a limited time along with teaching English.

If you would like to volunteer and help these families settle into Amarillo, follow this link: http://www.rstx.org/