January 15, 2026
Welcome, 2026! We’re jumping into the new year with mixed feelings of excitement and trepidation – knowing that change and transition are on the horizon while we simultaneously work to sustain the growth we’ve experienced over the last several years.
Even as I type this, a new group of English students is gathered together – people from all over the world – laughing joyfully as they introduce themselves to soon-to-be friends. It’s a beautiful thing to witness; hope with skin on. Grown adults putting in the hard work to tackle a remarkable feat: learning an entirely new language.
This is just one example of the services we provide for refugees now living in mid-Missouri. While this class is happening, we’re also helping folks get a job, teaching a driving lesson, singing with kids at City Preschool, handing out diapers, consulting about a status adjustment, or supplying a box of fresh produce to a family. A myriad of services on any given day. Hope offered, dignity restored.
We don’t necessarily aim to start new services or programs, but we do want to continue all that has begun. This means that in 2026, City of Refuge is focusing on new initiatives that will help fuel the growth for a long time to come. You’ll (hopefully) see this unfold through a newly renovated Flex Learning Space; a designated suite where more Adult English Classes can take place and where our youth can gather together in community on a weekly basis. You’ll (hopefully) see it transpire as we move City Boutique into a larger, more efficient space to process donated items to distribute and sell. You’ll (hopefully) taste it through City Cuisine becoming a brick & mortar staple in Columbia – with a three-pronged goal of employability/employment, public awareness, and a diversified revenue stream to fund other programs and services.
So while we will start nothing new, we actually hope to build new in order to sustain the old. Hence the excitement…and trepidation! This means that in 2026 we are continuing our search for 1,000 partners to give $50/month. This reliable income will be critical as we look to the future to consider what we can realistically continue to fund. In addition to that, be on the lookout for information about our first ever City of Refuge Fundraising Gala on April 18. We’re excited to bring our unique twist to this kind of event and share more about who we are and what we are up to in the hopes of raising up new partners.
Welcome, 2026. We have no idea what the year will actually bring, but we’re determined to drive our mission forward, even through the unknowns. We’re so grateful for the hundreds of you that are part of making it happen every single day.
We closed out 2025 with an incredible response from YOU, our support base. Between online donations, CoMoGives, stocks, IRAs, QCDs, checks… we saw an increase in over $120,000 compared to 2024 year-end giving. Thank You!
Be sure to follow along with us on our social media channels, tune into our Quarterly Updates, or sign-up for a tour to see, in-person, how we are rising to the occasion.
This year may be a doozy, but we are here for it. We hope you are, too.
Debbie Beal
Executive Director
P.S. We’re very aware of what’s unfolding in the headlines and are doing our due diligence to stay informed and prepared to respond if and when changes reach closer to home. If you’re wanting to stay informed, find trusted resources, or explore ways to advocate, we encourage you to check out Church World Services Daily State of Play or World Relief’s News & Stories.
Thrift with Purpose
If you’re new here, you may not know that we have a curated thrift store that is open to the public and directly supports City of Refuge’s mission!
At City Boutique, you’ll find clothing, housewares, designer bags, artwork, games, handcrafted items from refugee artisans, and much more. Shop Monday-Friday* 9am-4pm at 10 N. Garth Ave.
*Please note that City Boutique will be closed on 1/19 for MLK Jr. Day
Monthly Giving
Sustaining vital services and programs for refugees in Mid-Missouri is made possible through financial partnerships. We’re continuing to look for 1000 people to come alongside us by committing to giving $50/month, so that we can carry out our mission.
Don’t forget to share the opportunity to support refugees in this way with your friends and family! Our website’s Refugee Stories section and social media platforms are great places to look for inspiration!
To-Go Tumblers
Pre-order a City of Refuge tumbler for yourself or as a gift, now available in two sizes/colors!
To-go tumbler options include 12oz. in sandstone (pictured) or 20oz. in white, both spill-proof designs from Miir.
Each purchase supports our mission.
