Bilingual International Assistant Services
Abigail MacDonald, LCSW, currently serves as a Mental Health Therapist at Bilingual International Assistant Services, where responsibilities include assessing client mental health needs, collaborating with treatment teams, and utilizing various therapy techniques such as CBT and NET. With prior experience as a Mental Health Social Worker at The International Institute in Saint Louis, MacDonald conducted screenings for the foreign-born population. Additionally, previous roles included Children's Case Manager at BJC HealthCare, where individualized care plans were developed for clients, and a Concentration Practicum Student at Uganda Development and Health Associates, focusing on health service utilization. MacDonald holds a Master of Social Work from Washington University in St. Louis and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Arkansas.
Bilingual International Assistant Services
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.