Bilingual International Assistant Services is a not-for-profit 501 (C) (3) organization established in May, 2002 by stateless refugee women. Bilingual International was founded as a response to the unmet needs of foreign-born seniors who had limited ability in the English language, were unable to navigate the intricate system of care, and often voiced fear over their future and livelihood.
In 2005, the agency began serving US-born older adults, who, despite knowledge of English, lacked knowledge of the system of care and resources. Poverty stricken, isolated seniors who were also home bound and frail sought our services to help them improve their living situations, overcome anxieties, and increase their ability to maintain community living.
In 2016, Bilingual International welcomed two long-time partner agencies: the Center for Survivors of Torture and War Trauma and the Places for People Faith Team. These recent additions have enhanced the agency’s service portfolio – especially to refugees and survivors of state-sanctioned torture.
Free of negative bias, we advocate for and encourage legislation that promotes statewide accessible, appropriate health and social services for under-served individuals and populations. Through our services and proven track record, we not only live our mission – we go beyond expectations to help our elderly and foreign-born communities.
Mission:
Our mission is to ensure equal access to healthcare, mental health, and social services for all, regardless of national origin or language ability, through the advocacy, education, and direct multilingual services that we provide.
Vision:
All people, regardless of nationality, age, or language ability, have equal and unobstructed access to the healthcare, mental health, and social services needed for them to thrive and contribute to a compassionate, diverse, and strong St. Louis community.
Values:
Integrity – We are accountable to the people and partners we serve to provide services in an honest and ethical manner.
Responsiveness – We recognize that we cannot solve all problems we encounter, but we rapidly actualize innovative solutions to address those we can.
Collaboration – We bring a collective spirit and strategy to all that we do by learning from others and sharing what others may learn from us.
Inclusiveness – We embrace diversity, inclusion, and equity and aspire to model our commitment to these values in all that we do.
Joy – We take joy in this difficult work we do to help others. We find meaning in its efficacy and in the companionship and camaraderie of our partners on this journey.
View Our Board – View Our Team – View Our Partners – View our Annual Report 2016-2017
JULIA OSTROPOLSKY, LCSW – FOUNDER
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