Refugee Resettlement

This is Our Time


This is Our Time

by Jarrett Meek, Founder/Pastor/Executive Director



Mission Adelante, like the rest of the world, is digesting the results of the U.S. presidential election.  Given our experiences during the previous Trump presidency and the rhetoric and policy statements that have been made regarding immigrants and refugees during the recent campaign, we are anticipating a challenging season for our community and a disruption in the government programs for refugee resettlement and support.  

Nevertheless, Mission Adelante is resolute in our commitment to serve the immigrant and refugee communities in Kansas City.  We have been swimming against the cultural current for 19 years and we have been forged in the fire of unfavorable political policies and harsh public rhetoric for much of our history as a ministry.  And yet, our passion for “loving people from all places” grows only stronger when those we are called to serve are marginalized.  The ears of our hearts become even more attentive when we hear Jesus say, “I was a stranger and you welcomed me”.  Mission Adelante exists, in part, to stand in the gap for vulnerable people whose worth others may not recognize.

We are not alone in our conviction and commitment to compassionate action.  We have seen churches, schools, businesses, organizations, and individuals throughout the metro area and the region rise to the occasion and join us in serving, sharing life, and sharing Jesus with our neighbors from all places.  When our resilient and courageous community of immigrants and refugees is joined by Americans who are serious about “loving our neighbor as ourselves”, a powerful “new we” emerges that challenges the “us vs. them” narrative. 

Friends, this is our time.  And when I say “our time”, I mean a collective “OUR” that includes YOU.  This is our collective time to shine and we need YOU to be part of the WE.  Over the coming weeks, we will be rolling out some new and timely ways for you to engage.  Please stay tuned!  Whether through praying, serving, or giving, we invite you to join us in loving people from all places.

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 – For more information visit: http://www.missionadelante.org/serve

  • Donate to join us in building a multicultural community of disciples making disciples.

Year 19: Crazy Growth!


Year 19: Crazy Growth!

by Jarrett Meek, Founder/Pastor/Executive Director



There have been many exciting seasons at Mission Adelante since our launch in 2005. The initial launch phase was a thrilling adventure, engaging new volunteers, connecting with neighbors, and developing brand new ministry programs.  Five years later, we were exploring a ministry to Bhutanese-Nepali refugees and expanding our impact.  In 2015, we launched Adelante Thrift, a major milestone in sustainable entrepreneurship. This year, 2024, is another year of unprecedented growth and new endeavors at Mission Adelante.

Refugee Resettlement: It’s safe to say, we didn’t really know what we were getting ourselves into when we said,”yes” to resettling refugees, but secretly, we had a hunch it would exceed our expectations.  Indeed, the refugee resettlement journey has been an exhilarating challenge that has doubled the size of our ministry impact!  As we approach the end of September, we will have received 103 individuals, orienting them, housing them, getting them medical care, enrolling the kids in schools, and caring for their critical needs during their first months in the the U.S.  Our Refugee Services staff has grown from 1.5 to seven team members, we’ve engaged over 50 new volunteers, and our overall budget has nearly doubled.  The real noteworthy part of this is that we’ve accomplished these impossible feats, building the team, creating the systems, and doing the work, in the first nine months of the year!

Core Ministry Programs: Our core Ministry Programs have seen more qualitative growth through 2024 than growth in numbers.  Leadership development through our kids and youth ministries has produced a crop of youth interns and an a couple of young adult apprentices who demonstrate the kind of gifts and character that we dream about seeing in our young people.

Transitions: A few weeks ago, our staff team got away for a day for a staff retreat.  As we were sitting around the room sharing about our Gallup Strengths Finder results, I was keenly aware that our team has many new faces.  In addition to adding a whole new refugee services team, another part of this year’s craziness has been transitions other in key roles.  From Michelle Simbaqueva and Rachel Yeargin joining our team in important operations roles, Yanelis López switching out of her Associate Director role to serve on our Refugee Team, and more recently, Luis Magaña’s transition, in a lot of ways, our team is being re-built for our exciting future. 

Construction: In January we acquired the commercial building adjacent our main property.  Early in the year we worked hard with architects and engineers to put together an awesome plan for our new refugee welcome center, which will house staff offices, classrooms, and storage space for our refugee services ministry.  After submitting our plans to the city, we’ve been in a long holding pattern as we’ve awaited the proper permits to begin our work.  In the meantime, we’ve hired Tate Williams’ CoBuild, Inc, as our General Contractor, and we’re preparing to launch another fundraising campaign to raise $550,000 for this project.    

In short, 2024 has been a year of exhilarating growth and all the challenges that come with big, new endeavors. As we look toward the last quarter of the year and forward to our 20th Anniversary next year, we invite you to pray with us for God’s favor, His energy, and His guidance to walk faithfully in the opportunities He is laying before us.

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 Observation Nights. For more information visit: http://www.missionadelante.org/serve

  • Donate to join us in building a multicultural community of disciples making disciples.

Building Bridges: Inside of Mission Adelante's Refugee Resettlement

Building Bridges: Inside of Mission Adelante's Refugee Resettlement

by Yanelis Lopez, CMA Director

As many of you know, at the heart of Mission Adelante lies the biblical truth that highlights our neighbor as our primary target for love and compassion. The new refugee resettlement office we have opened at Mission is giving us a wonderful opportunity to live out this truth. In the short time that we have been offering our services, it has been impressive to hear stories of trauma and pain, and at the same time, it has been refreshing to see many transitions from a state of fear and astonishment to that precious moment of peace, relaxation, and joy. It has been fascinating!

The Refugee Resettlement Office at Mission is much more than just a physical space, or an agency focused on providing services; it is a welcoming refuge for those who have fled their homes in search of safety and a better life. Here, newcomers find a support network made up of people who have gone through similar experiences and understand the struggles and challenges they face. Solidarity is the soul of this community. Newly arrived refugees find comfort and relief in being welcomed by people who understand and support them.

I love that instead of simply providing basic services, we promote active participation and collaboration between newcomers and those of us who have been living in Kansas for years. It is so common to find new arrivals visiting each other, sharing meals, sharing places to find resources, or simply spending time sharing life stories and dreams for the future.

How happy I am to be part of a community focused on helping to build a home for those who have lost theirs. Let's continue to spread love, hope, and compassion one heart at a time. Thanks to all who have supported us from the beginning!

Construyendo Puentes: Dentro del Reasentamiento de Refugiados de Mission Adelante

Como muchos de ustedes saben, en el corazón de Mission Adelante descansa la verdad bíblica que resalta a nuestro prójimo como nuestro target fundamental de amor y compasión. La nueva oficina de reasentamiento de refugiados que hemos abierto en la Mission nos esta dando una linda oportunidad de vivir esta verdad. En el poco tiempo que llevamos ofreciendo nuestros servicios ha sido impresionante escuchar las historias de trauma y dolor y ha sido refrescante al mismo tiempo, ver a muchos pasar de un estado de susto, y estupor a ese momento precioso de paz, relax y gozo. Ha sido fascinante!!

La Oficina de Reasentamiento de Refugiados en la mision es mucho más que un simple espacio físico o una agencia enfocada en ofrecer servicios; es un refugio acogedor para aquellos que han huido de sus hogares en busca de seguridad y una vida mejor. Aquí, los recién llegados encuentran una red de apoyo compuesta por personas que han pasado por experiencias similares y que entienden las luchas y desafíos que enfrentan. La solidaridad es el alma de esta comunidad. Los refugiados recién llegados encuentran consuelo y alivio al ser recibidos por personas que los entienden y los apoyan.

Me encanta que en lugar de simplemente proporcionar servicios básicos, promovemos la participación activa y la colaboración entre los que apenas llegan y aquellos que llevamos años viviendo en Kansas. Es tan común encontrar las nuevas personas que llegan visitándose unos a otros, compartiendo comidas, lugares donde encontrar recursos o simplemente pasar el rato compartiendo de las historias de vida y sueños para el futuro.

Que feliz estoy de ser parte de una comunidad enfocada en ayudar a construir un hogar para aquellos que han perdido el suyo. Sigamos difundiendo amor, esperanza y compasión, un corazón a la vez. Gracias a todos los que han apoyado desde el comienzo!

 

LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES?
JOIN US FOR VOLUNTEER ORIENTATION - MAY 18TH AT 9:00M

Join our team of volunteers for the summer trimester and be part of "loving people from all places." Attend our volunteer orientation on May 18th, 2024 and find your place serving kids, youth, or adults in the immigrant community in KCK

For more information about volunteer opportunities visit: https://www.missionadelante.org/orientation

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 Observation Nights. For more information visit: http://www.missionadelante.org/serve

  • Donate to join us in building a multicultural community of disciples making disciples.

Catch a Ride on the Whirlwind!


Catch a Ride on the Whirlwind

by Jarrett Meek, Founder/Pastor/Executive Director



The year 2024 has begun with a spinning, whirling, blizzard of blessings at Mission Adelante. “Spinning and whirling”, because it has been CRAZY. “Blizzard”, because it has been blinding (and because of the alliteration, which I happen to love). “Blessings”, because there’s no other way to describe the joyful new things the Lord is doing at Mission Adelante.

As 2023 came to a close, we were praying and working on raising $500,000 for the purchase of the adjacent commercial building and a residential house which would serve as our Refugee welcome center. It had all come together surprisingly quickly, as we learned about the opportunity to purchase those properties during the first week of October. It would be a Providential moment in our newest project- the launch of a Refugee Resettlement program at Mission Adelante. Donors from far and wide stepped forward- church partners, business partners, generous individuals- and we witnessed what seems like a miracle- our campaign total reached $500,995 by the end of January, allowing us to purchase the properties and begin work on plans for a complete renovation of the commercial space. In the meantime, we’ve done some cosmetic work to the “welcome house”, and it is set to begin being used to welcome newly arriving refugees in the next few weeks! I’m astounded at the provision of God and His perfect timing!

The new properties are not the biggest thing happening at Mission Adelante right now. Indeed, the refugee resettlement program itself lifted off the last week of January, as we received our first family, a couple from Nicaragua. The “good neighbor team” that we assigned to this very first family was from Mission Adelante’s own Spanish-speaking church community. With tremendous generosity and love, our own community of “people from all places” set the standard for hospitality, welcoming this new Refugee family to the United States and also into our church! Then, in a chain reaction of hospitality, this first refugee couple helped us welcome another new arrival, who, in turn, helped yet another family with their first steps in the U.S.!  This is what happens when agency, community, and church collide in one organization!  To date, we’ve received 12 families from different countries and continents. We’re building new systems, figuring things out as we go, and leaning on the support of partners in our community and city. God is so good!

As if this weren’t enough, in late January, we received news from the Kansas State Office for Refugees that we would be awarded additional grant funding to expand our programming. The kinds of expansion opportunities they had in mind went far beyond what we had imagined. It has allowed us to supercharge the development of our Refugee Resettlement team, which has gone from Kristen Maxwell, as the lone team member back in the fall, to include five full-time staff members by early March. Needless to say, the addition of these programs, which target employment services, medical navigation, public benefit navigation, expanded English classes, and more, will allow us to serve our new friends in a much more comprehensive way. Of course, this kind of rapid expansion of programming and staffing requires new systems and more operation support, which have stretched our team and infrastructure — a blinding blizzard of blessings!

Friends, this is an exciting time of expansion at Mission Adelante. The Lord is expanding our reach and our capacity as a ministry, and we’re so very thankful for this whirlwind of new things. Even as we lean into these new opportunities, we continue to see and celebrate fruit in our legacy programs and enjoy the fun and encouraging team environment among our staff and volunteers. We don’t stop giving thanks for those who serve as volunteers, give as donors, pray as partners, and love our community with us. Let’s do this! Let’s spread our wings and catch a ride on the whirlwind!

Our Refugee Resettlement staff: Kristen, Caleb, Marian, Veronica, Amy and Yanelis

LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES?
JOIN US FOR VOLUNTEER ORIENTATION - may 18TH

Join our team of volunteers for the summer trimester and be part of "loving people from all places." Attend our volunteer orientation on May 18th, 2024 and find your place serving kids, youth, or adults in the immigrant community in KCK

For more information about volunteer opportunities visit: https://www.missionadelante.org/orientation

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 Observation Nights. For more information visit: http://www.missionadelante.org/serve

  • Donate to join us in building a multicultural community of disciples making disciples.

Refugee Expansion Gets Real with Property Purchase and First Families in the Queue!

by Jarrett Meek, Founder/Pastor/Executive Director

Our plans to expand into refugee resettlement and acquire the adjacent properties are becoming a reality! We’re just a few days away from the end of 2023, and it is crunch time! We’ve seen tremendous generosity and support for our new refugee resettlement initiative and the acquisition of the adjacent properties to accommodate this expansion and our new programs. We’ve set a “God-sized” goal to raise $500,000 by year-end to purchase the properties with cash, and God has indeed responded. To date we have received $357,000 in committed funds— nearly enough to close with cash on the commercial property on January 5th. The closing for the residential house is scheduled for January 31st. We’re praying and still working on completing the $500,000 goal in order cover both closings and move into our renovation phase without debt. There are a few days left in 2023. This is our time! Would you consider making a year-end contribution, either before December 31st or by mid-January, to help us reach this goal? Gifts of any size are a big encouragement and help us towards our goal! Giving is easy at https://www.missionadelante.org/give

Our First Refugee Families are in the Queue!

Just before Christmas we received word about the first families we’ll be welcoming in 2024. Though we don’t have travel dates yet, we have received detailed information about each family and where they’re from, which has suddenly made this project seem very real! Here is a quick rundown of our first refugee families and countries of origin:

  • Family of 5 from Eritrea

  • Family of 3 from The Democratic Republic of the Congo

  • Family of 4 from Sudan

  • Family of 2 from Nicaragua

If you’re interested in volunteering with our new refugee resettlement ministry, you may use the interest form on our website to let us know! https://www.missionadelante.org/refugees

LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES?
JOIN US FOR VOLUNTEER ORIENTATION - JANUARY 13TH

Join our team of volunteers for the spring trimester and be part of "loving people from all places." Attend our volunteer orientation on January 13th, 2024 and find your place serving kids, youth, or adults in the immigrant community in KCK

For more information about volunteer opportunities visit www.missionadelante.org/serve

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 Observation Nights. For more information visit: http://www.missionadelante.org/serve

  • Donate to join us in building a multicultural community of disciples making disciples.

Refugee Expansion Project - Video Update


by Jarrett Meek, Founder, Pastor/Executive Director


As of November 16th, 18 donors have committed $217,550 in “lead gifts” to help launch our Refugee Expansion Campaign! That’s nearly half of the year-end goal! Will you join us! Watch this video to learn more.

  1. Total Project Goal for Purchase and Renovation: $750,000

  2. Year-End campaign Goal for our Refugee Expansion Project : $500,000

  3. Lead gifts commitments as of November 16th: $217,550!

This is our time to shine! Will you join us?

An Expansion Property for Mission Adelante's New Refugee Resettlement Program!

Concept rendering by Katrina Mills


by Jarrett Meek, Founder, Pastor/Executive Director

If you’ve been following along lately, you’ve probably heard that Mission Adelante is on the cusp of a major new milestone. We’ve entered into a partnership with World Relief and for the last 10 months we’ve been preparing to open a refugee resettlement office at Mission Adelante. This is a major undertaking that will launch in January, as we receive our first new arrivals.

One of the conversations that had just begun among our board of directors was related to the future space needs of this new ministry. With the anticipation of a growing staff team and additional programs to serve newly arriving families, expansion was on our minds. Literally, the week after our board started this conversation, the property adjacent to Mission Adelante came on the market with a 4000 square foot commercial building and a 2 bedroom home. We now have these properties under contract. We are absolutely in awe of this unexpected provision that feels like the very hand of Providence!

Things are moving fast as we move forward on acquiring this building that is adjacent to Mission Adelante and the house that goes with it.  We have started our due diligence and are working on plans for renovation of the building to provide office space for expansion of our refugee resettlement team, classroom space for new refugee programming, and storage/warehouse space for items donated for refugee families.  The home that comes with the property will be used to house newly arriving families until we can get them into apartments.

There have been a few catalytic moments in the history of Mission Adelante: the inception of our ministry, the launch of our programs to serve Bhutanese Refugees, and the opening of Adelante Thrift. Refugee resettlement and this opportunity to acquire these adjacent properties is another one of these perfectly timed “God opportunities” that will catapult us into new territory as an organization. This is indeed the most significant new milestone for us since the launch of Adelante Thrift and is worthy of special attention and support!

  • Total Campaign Goal: $750,000 (enough to purchase and renovate both properties)

  • Phase one- Year-End campaign (purchase): Raise $500,000 by year end. This will take the place of our normal year-end campaign.  As of November 9th, before the public launch of the campaign, we already have commitments for lead gifts totaling $172,000!

  • Phase two (renovate): Raise an additional $250,000 by June 30th to complete renovations. We are currently working on our renovation plans.

Our closing date for the adjacent property is slated for January 5, 2024. That’s right around the corner! Our God-sized goal is to have enough funds raised to come to closing with cash and without debt. We’re inviting all of our friends, partners, and donors to make a special, over-and-above contribution to support this cause, before year-end! This is our time to shine! Will you join us?

Concept rendering by Katrina Mills

Una Propiedad de Expansión para el Nuevo Programa de Recibimiento de Refugiados de Mission Adelante!

por Jarrett (Jaime) Meek, Fundador, Pastor/Director Ejecutivo

Si usted ha estado siguiendo nuestras noticias ultimamente, es probable que ha escuchado que Mission Adelante está al punto un momento clave en nuestro ministerio. Hemos comenzado una relación oficial con la organización World Relief y durante los últimos 10 meses, hemos estado preparandonos para abrir una oficina de recibimiento de refugiados en Mission Adelante. Es un proyecto de grandes proporciones que iniciará en enero con el recibimiento de nuestros primeros individuos y familias de otros países.

Una de las conversaciones que apenas habia comenzado entre los miembros de nuestra junta directiva tenía que ver con las necesidades futuras de espacio para este nuevo ministerio. Con la expectativa de un equipo de trabajo que va creciendo y programas adicionales para servir a las familias que estarán llegando, la necesidad de expansión estaba muy presente en nuestra mente. De repente, la semana después de que comenzamos esa conversación, la propiedad al lado de Mission Adelante se puse en venta con un edificio de 4000 pies cuadrados y una casa residential de dos recámaras. Ahora tenemos esas propiedades bajo contrato. ¡Estamos absolutamente asombrados con esta provisión inesperada y se siente como la misma mano de Providencia!

Todo va progresando rápido mientras avanzamos hacía adquirir este edifico al lado de la misión y la casa que se incluye. Hemos empezado a hacer nuestras inspecciones y cumplir con los pasos de diligenia. Estamos trabajando en los planes para la renovación del edificio para proveer espacio adicional para oficinas y aulas para los programas para servir a las familias refugiadas que estarán lleganod. La casa que viene incluido se usará para proveer vivienda temporal para familias que llegan, hasta que podamos encontrarles apartamentos para rentar.

Ha habido unos pocos momentos tan claves en la historia de Mission Adelante: el comienzo de nuestro ministerio en 2005, el arranque de los programas para los refugiados de Bhutan, y la apertura de Adelante Thrift in 2015. Este nuevo programa de recibimiento de refugiados y la oportunidad de adquirir estas propiedades continguas es también uno de esos momentos claves, ordenados por Dios, que representa su perfecto tiempo. Esta oportunidad nos lanzará a otra etapa y a nuevo territorio como organización. ¡Sin duda, es el momentos más significante para nostros desde que abrimos Adelante Thrift, y es un proyecto digno de atención y apoyo especiales!

  • Meta Total de la Campaña: $750,000 (para comprar y renovar las dos propiedades)

  • Fase Una- (Comprar): Levantar $500,000 para el fin del año.  Hasta la fecha de hoy, antes del comienzo público de la compaña, ya tenemos comprometidos $172,000 en contribuciones!

  • Fase Dos (renovar): Levantar fondos adicionales de $250,000 by June 30th para completar las renovaciones. Actualmente, estamos trabajando en los planes para la renovación.

La compra de estas propiedades contiguas se cierra el día 5 de enero 2024. ¡Ya pronto! Nuestra meta es tener suficientes fondos levantados para cerrar la compra con efectivo y sin deudas. ¡Estamos invitando a todos nuestros amigos, asociaciones, y donadores a realizar una contribución especial y generosa para apoyar esta causa, antes del fin del año! ¡Este es nuestro momento para brillar! This is our time to shine! ¿Se unirá a nosotros en esto?