Bilingual International Assistant Services
Hannah Kluender, LMSW, is a Mental Health Clinician currently working at Bilingual International Assistant Services. Hannah has a background in various internships and roles, including as a Graduate Therapist Intern at the University of Missouri-Saint Louis and a Youth Outreach Worker at Epworth Children & Family Services. Hannah's experience includes working with vulnerable populations, such as refugees and trafficking victims, to provide support and assistance in navigating various challenges they face. Hannah has also been involved in program development and community outreach efforts to raise awareness and ensure access to resources for those in need.
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.