Expecting the Unexpected: Welcoming Refugees with Mission Adelante
by Kristen Maxwell, Refugee Resettlement Director
When Jarrett reached out to me about 18 months ago with the idea of opening a resettlement agency at Mission Adelante in partnership with World Relief, I wasn’t sure what to expect. When we got our first assurances in November of 2023, I wasn’t sure what to expect. And when our first arrivals made it to Kansas City in January of 2024, I still wasn’t sure what to expect. We have now welcomed 51 individuals from 23 cases to Kansas City, and I’ve learned to expect the unexpected.
We have seen many unexpected hard things, from difficulties securing apartments, and first jobs. Influxes of many cases at the same time, to having a hard time finding interpreters for minority languages. We’ve had folks who have health problems and clients displaced by an apartment fire. We’ve walked with folks as they’ve learned that America isn’t always like what they’ve seen in the movies, as they’ve been shaken by cultural changes and had to face past traumas head-on.
But with the unexpected hard has been the unexpected good. With the addition of KSOR grants came the addition of many new team members. We have seen relationships and friendships formed with volunteers and community members. We’ve met some great landlords who want to see new Americans thrive. We’ve seen job placements with a starting wage of around $17 an hour! We’ve seen hugs and smiles as clients settle in and move on from having intensive needs but come back to pay us a visit or bring us some empanadas. We’ve met new people and extended a warm welcome to 51 people from all OVER the world!
If I had to summarize my time so far back with Mission Adelante, it would be to expect the unexpected. It’s a wild ride, but it is beautiful. The great news is, that we’ve got plenty of room on this wild ride! We are looking to add volunteers to our Good Neighbor Teams and English classes. We are also looking for landlords and employers to grow our networks with. If you would like to come along with us, please reach out!
Help Our Refugee Families
Your impact is huge for our refugee families! Currently, we are in need of:
Toys that are clean and in good shape for kids under the age of 3
Hygiene kits
Vacuums
You can also volunteer to help with administrative tasks like creating client files and notebooks and other resources.
For more information on how to be a part of this effort, contact our Reception and Placement Director, Amy Herman, at randpdirector@missionadelante.org.
Be part of our programs!
We are so excited for everything that is happening in our programs and we are grateful for all our volunteers who make everything possible. Would you consider partnering with us next trimester?
How can you help?
Pray for our program participants would create an impact in our community and grow with their walk with the Lord.
Volunteer – Come to our volunteer Orientation. For more information visit: http://www.missionadelante.org/serve
Donate to join us in building a multicultural community of disciples making disciples.