About MRC


MRC Founders: Sarah Stranahan, Paul Tiah, Meg Goodman Erskine and Johnson Doe

History of Multicultural Refugee Coalition

The Multicultural Refugee Coalition began in January 2007 originally as the African Society of Austin (AFSA).  This group was made up of African refugee men in the Austin community who wanted to serve their fellow African refugees through social service and support.  These men were Johnson Doe (Liberia), Paul Tiah (Liberia), Asefa Tamer (Ethiopia) and Michael Lungaju (Sudan).  Caritas of Austin provided initial direction and support and provided a volunteer- Lauren Jennings to be the group’s secretary.  Monthly meetings were held at Triumphant Love Lutheran Church.

In June 2007 another Caritas volunteer- Meg Goodman Erskine and a Refugee Services of Texas volunteer- Sarah Stranahan- joined the group and helped AFSA coordinate two large social gatherings held at Triumphant Love Lutheran Church (August 2007 and January 2008).   These events drew in about 150 African refugees in the Austin community for a time of food, fun and fellowship.  Learning opportunities were available through speakers and school supplies were provided for the children.

The group continued to meet monthly and work towards desired programs.  In July 2008 the group decided to formalize as a non-profit and change its name to Multicultural Refugee Coalition (MRC) with the desired goal of serving the larger refugee community in Austin. On May, 2009 MRC became a registered non-profit organization in the state of Texas and program development began.