Race & Raise: The Tao Fund Challenge
Due to current federal policies, refugees are facing greater challenges to successfully integrate into their new community. Refugees are losing access to or even being denied critical benefits that aid their resettlement. These include food stamps, health insurance, and family reunification. The Tao Fund at the International Institute is an emergency fund for refugees ONLY to access essential needs including food assistance, rental assistance, and medical bill payments. This ensures that refugee families' emergency needs are met so they can start building new lives in our community.
The William K.Y. Tao Family Fund (Tao Fund) was started in 2009 to Honor the legacy of huge supporters and board members William and Anne Tao. The Taos have been supporters of the International Institute since the late 1970s.
“When my parents, Kwangyeh (William) and Yu-Tsai (Anne) Tao, came to the U.S in 1947/1949, leaving their war-torn country, they knew very few people here in St. Louis. But thankfully the few they knew were welcoming, supportive, and often mentors to them. This gave the encouragement and hope that the Taos needed to continue, despite the challenges of being a newcomer immigrant. These acts of kindness influenced them to give back and help others. This instilled upon me to be engaged, get involved and give back in any way I can. Most of us has had a situation in life where someone, even a stranger, was there to lend us a hand and provide some comfort.” - Peter Tao TAO + LEE
Together, we can continue the legacy of the Tao Family by supporting our newest neighbors as they build their lives in St. Louis.
