Volunteer Appreciation Party Highlights the Heroes Who Make a Difference

On February 15, American Gateways celebrated its second annual Volunteer Appreciation and Open House Reception. It was an informal gathering of more than 50 volunteers and board members to celebrate its accomplishments over 24 years. A number of reasons and experiences led the guests into becoming active in American Gateways.

Pro-Bono Attorney Jackie Watson joined American Gateways because of her experience around an immigrant community.

“I’m from South Texas and grew up on both sides of the border.”

She originally joined American Gateways as a staff attorney as soon as she graduated from the U.T. Law School. Now, she works at the Law Offices of Thomas Esparza and regularly volunteers to help American Gateways’ clients.

“I can’t leave! It made me the attorney I am today.”

Many volunteers recall going through the immigration process, themselves.

“I came as a student in 1997 when a civil war broke out [in the Congo],” recalls volunteer, Melanie Otemoyolo.

She received asylum in 1999, but still had to wait to bring her family to America. She didn’t know whether her three children and husband were alive. Otemoyelo remembers finally seeing them come to the U.S. after several years.

“My youngest daughter didn’t remember me! That was the hardest part.” She has been a volunteer translator for more than three years.

Pro-Bono Coordinator and Staff Attorney Natalie Hansen remembers going to school and passing migrant workers every day in her farming community in Oregon. Oregon has a large berry industry which relies heavily on migrant workers. She became interested in immigration and studied law in Seattle, after which she moved to Austin. She wanted to work in an interesting, diverse city, serving those who need her expertise the most. Hansen mainly matches pro-bono attorneys with clients, but she also helps with outreach.

“I really want to see more of the non-immigrant community understand immigrant groups,” she says.

Whatever the reason for becoming a part of American Gateways, the volunteers made a huge impact on the lives of abused women, terrified refugees, and others who simply want a better future. They provided more than 5,000 hours of representation, translation and support. Despite a slowing economy and reduction in government funding, American Gateways provided services to 58% more people last year than in 2009. After more than twenty years, American Gateways continues to represent an often overlooked and feared segment of our community.

This story was written by Sonia Jacob, American Gateways volunteer.