Part of the Story

I started at City of Refuge in August 2021. Just days later, Kabul fell to the Taliban. The phone rang nonstop. Emails poured in. Everyone wanted to know: Will refugees come to Missouri? What will City of Refuge do? How can we help?

At that moment, we didn’t have all the answers. We weren’t sure who would come or what resources would be needed. But we knew one thing: we would do everything we could to help. We put out a statement:

“City of Refuge stands ready and we are eager to welcome evacuated Afghan refugees and others to the United States. Our organization has always stood up for the vulnerable and will continue to do so.” 

Four Years Later

It’s been four years since that devastating event. It came and went for many American citizens, but for the almost 400 Afghans who did make their way to central Missouri, it is seared in their minds forever. A few recently shared their stories with us: 

These stories remind us that what we witness here in Columbia is only part of the story—their journeys started long before, in places and moments that shaped who they are today.

A New Life in Missouri

Since August 2021, lives—ours and theirs—have changed. Every day they are charting a new path for themselves, for their families. In the last four years, we’ve learned much about the beautiful traditions and customs of Afghan culture. We’ve been welcomed into home after home and been fed delicious food. We’ve handed women their first paychecks. We’ve seen children thrive at City Preschool. We’ve cried over tea, and listened to stories while learning to decorate cakes or make candles. We’ve witnessed countless community members share time, space, and life with our Afghan friends. We’ve filled homes with beds, tables, rugs, pizza stones, sewing machines, and pressure cookers. 

We’re continually working on ways to make our programs more accessible – to address transportation, childcare, language, and cultural barriers so that all can participate. We continue to strive toward making Columbia feel a little more like home, to ensure that those who have had to flee feel welcome. 

It takes a village. And, friends, we certainly have a village – a growing village. 

In four years, we have gone from 351 financial donors to just under 500 year-to-date. We now have 324 weekly volunteers. Our staff team has doubled. 

And while I can be overwhelmingly grateful for the many ways we have been able to help, to come alongside, to empower, to connect in meaningful ways – I also know that our ability to do that is entirely dependent on this incredible village’s continued support. 

Much of this growth has been made possible by federal Afghan-specific funding. That support allowed us to:

• Hire additional Care Coordinators
• Launch youth programs and driving instruction (with a simulator!)
• Grow our Development team and start the Global Artisan program
• Provide scholarships for City Preschool
• Expand Adult English Language classes

But this federal funding only lasts five years. That clock is running out.

The need, however, will not disappear. Refugees will still need English classes, children will still need teachers, families will still need community. 

How You Can Help

I wish money weren’t necessary. But continuing this mission depends on all of us. We are building a strong, diverse base of support.

We need 1,000 people to commit $50/month. Today, I’m asking: Will you be one of them?

Debbie Beal
Executive Director

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