News from Direct Services

The data on the background of those seeking our assistance highlights the diversity and scope of SAHELI’s reach, which extends across communities and nationalities. The effect of our services is far-reaching and truly impacts the lives of women, children, and families throughout Central Texas every year. Consider these statistics (from September 1, 2007 to August 31, 2008):

•    SAHELI provided general crisis management and information to 194 families.
•    151 clients were provided information, referrals and/or one-time services, while 43 clients received extensive ongoing services.
•    100% of the clients spoke a language other than English at home and were foreign born.
•    The majority of clients served were Limited English Proficient and required the assistance of an interpreter. 
•    Ongoing clients came from Bastrop, Hays, Williamson, and Travis Counties. 
•    Approximately 70% of the calls came from Central Texas counties, and the rest came from other parts of Texas as well as from other states.
•    Clients’ country of origin ranged from the following: China, Iran, India, Israel, Japan, Korea, Myanmar (Burma), Pakistan, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam. SAHELI has also been contacted by non-Asian victims from Angola, Ukraine, and Egypt.
•    Clients come to SAHELI for help on many things, such as issues relating to stalking, physical violence, immigration threats, financial abuse, emotional abuse, in-law and extended family abuse, rape, as well as assistance with employment, permanent housing, transportation, education, and financial literacy.
•    Roughly half of SAHELI’s clients came from calls on the hotline, and the other half came from direct calls to SAHELI staff, community interaction, and referrals from other agencies.

In 2007, SAHELI created an Economic Empowerment program designed to help guide clients in the path toward self-sufficiency.  In 2008, the Economic Empowerment program served 27 long-term clients by helping them with permanent housing, financial literacy, ESL classes, medical assistance, transportation assistance, and computer literacy, among other things. SAHELI also conducted workshops on resume writing, interviewing skills, and tax preparation. Currently, we are looking to expand the Economic Empowerment program to include more culturally appropriate job readiness trainings. We are also continuing to work on developing strong relationships with local employment resources and local businesses to help ensure our clients have access to employment.

By Catherina Conte, Family Advocate, and Rajani Ramachandran, Self-Sufficiency Specialist