YMCA International Services was founded in 1978 to provide client-centered programs to refugees, immigrants and other vulnerable populations in the Houston area. As the years have gone by, client demographics may have changed but one thing has stayed the same; the YMCA is still providing support for refugees, immigrants and vulnerable populations in the Houston and surrounding areas.
Mon – Fri: 8:30 am – 5 pm
Sat – Sun: Closed
Satellite Office Information:
Immigration Legal Services
3120 Hayes Road, Suite 250
Houston, TX 77082
713-758-9280
Immigrant Youth Services
3120 Hayes Road, Suite 250
Houston, TX 77082
Alief Family YMCA
7850 Howell Sugar Land Road
Houston, TX 77083
281-495-9100
Richmond Office
11111 Richmond Avenue, Suite 350
Houston, TX 77082
Adopt-A-Family Holiday Giving Program
Help bring smiles to members of our community by participating in the YMCA International Services’ Adopt-A-Family program. This program provides an opportunity to show a newcomer the love and support of the community. Help us make this season merry and bright for our clients!
In order to accommodate the growth our center has seen in the last few years, we have adjusted our program format for 2024. We will be accepting donations to distribute during a client holiday donation event. Event date to be announced soon and volunteers will be vital to the success.
To partner with us in making this holiday season merry and bright, please see details on the ways you can participate below:
- Please fill-out this form to participate in Adopt A Family
- Purchase items from our Amazon wish list
- Make a donation
Please ensure all donations reach the YMCA office at 3110 Hayes, Suite 300 before December 9.
OUR SERVICES
Career Advancement
Education
Immigration Legal Services
Post Release Services
Refugee Employment
Refugee Resettlement
Social Adjustment Services
Trafficked Persons Assistance
Learn More
- Contact us at 713-758-9280 for more questions or to schedule an appointment.
- For general information about immigration, please go to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services website.
- If you have a pending case with USCIS and a receipt notice, you can check your case status.
- If you have an Immigration Court date pending, you can call to check your status at (800)-898-7180.
- If a member of your family has been detained, you can locate them.
- If you have moved and need to change your official address with the government.
- For general legal resources, including immigration resources.
Other Resources
- Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Immigrants, Department of State
- Office of Refugee Resettlement, Department of Health and Human Services
- United Nations High Commission on Refugees
- National Center for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
- U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants
Community Resources
- YMCA International Services Food Pantry: Fridays from 10:00 am-12:00 pm
Community Impact (Client Success Story)
Khuda arrived in the US with his wife, Bibi, and their children in July of 2020. Khuda had worked for the American Special Forces for almost 8 years in Afghanistan, his home country. His job was to assist the US to defuse landmines. Not only was this a dangerous line of work, but also allying with US forces put Khuda and his family in even more danger. Khuda was shot 3 times and also survived a landmine explosion. He was able to recover from these injuries, but Khuda still felt that he and his family were no longer safe in Afghanistan. Because of his work with the American Special Forces, he and his family were eventually able to come to the US with Special Immigrant Visas (SIV.) With YMCA’s assistance, Khuda quickly found a job working for a security company. His wife, while also caring for the children at home, is attending online ESL classes to improve her English.
Despite his hardship in Afghanistan and despite arriving in the US in the middle of a pandemic, Khuda is upbeat and optimistic about his family’s future. He is excited about advancing his career and enjoying life with his family here in Houston.
Our Impact in Numbers
YMCA International Services restore hope and well-being through client-centered assistance including services to refugees, survivors of human trafficking and other vulnerable newcomers. Houston is one of the most diverse cities in the United States (25 percent of Harris County residents were born outside of the U.S.). YMCA International Services aids with advanced economic independence, social integration and civic participation.
In 2023, YMCA International Services:
- Served 54,000+ individuals
- 2,400+ Unaccompanied minors were served through the Post Release Service Program
- 200+ Survivors were assisted by the Trafficked Persons Assistance Program
- 25,000+ Community members received assistance from Immigration Legal Services
Contact Us
Center Executive Director (Immigrant Youth Services)
Dayana.GomezMendoza@ymcahouston.org
346-297-2526
Senior Program Director (Trafficked Persons Assistance Program, Social Adjustment Services, Preferred Communities and Refugee Health Promotion)
Claire.Poff@ymcahouston.org
936-259-0669
Senior Program Director (Reception & Placement, Match Grant, Refugee Cash Assistance and Refugee Medical Assistance)
Delores.Serrano@ymcahouston.org
346-297-2373
Senior Program Director (Immigration Legal Services)
Nicole.Jones@ymcahouston.org
713-758-9288
Senior Program Director (Education Services, Refugee Youth Mentoring and Employment Services)
Joanne.Pantaleon@ymcahouston.org
713-339-9015 ext. 3632
Senior Program Director (Home Studies/Post Release Services)
Grace.Ozinga@ymcahouston.org
346-297-2450
Senior Program Director (Home Studies/Post Release Services)
Swany.Matos@ymcahouston.org
346-297-2503