Along with our work internationally, Austin Samaritans seeks to serve our neighbors in need right here in the United States. Here's a letter of appreciation from the Center for Survivors of Torture that received computer technology from the Austin Samaritans Computer Connections ministry.

Dear Austin Samaritans,

Thank you so much for your donations to Center for Survivors of Torture (CST) this past year. Your partnership assists us in meeting the goals of some outstanding individuals and families here in Austin. All of our clients have survived terrible events, often in defense of liberties and values we hold dear as Americans. Many of our clients were previously professionals and/or well-respected members of their communities across the world before the events that took them to our shores. To arrive in America without the recognition and resources they previously enjoyed is quite shocking for these unique individuals.

Our partnership with your organization offers our clients the invaluable gift of technology. Technology enables clients to read the news in their own language, to keep in touch with friends and families across the world and access to information that helps to navigate the new world around them. Upon receiving the donated items that your organization sends our way, our clients’ faces shine with happiness from within! One client, a poet from Nepal, cried with relief upon receiving a computer with internet access. For him, this donation provided the meaningful opportunity to continue publishing his poetry online and even to produce music with a friend still living in Nepal. These small opportunities are great achievements from his perspective.

They feel blessed by your kindness, and so do we. We offer our deepest gratitude for your generosity and willingness to support our mission. Your commitment to the work that we do enables CST to persevere another year of providing services for inspiring adults and children from around the world. Thank you so much for your support. For more information on how your donation is helping to make a difference in the lives of so many in our community, we invite you to visit our website. You can find information there on upcoming events for this year as well as volunteer opportunities.

Sincerely,
Celia VanDeGraaf
Program Director, CST
Dec 18, 2008