What We Do
About City of Refuge
City of Refuge is a Mid-Missouri nonprofit serving refugees through relational care, education, and development. Since 2010, we have helped refugees rebuild their lives, find belonging, and create a strong future in Columbia and communities across Mid-Missouri.
Around the world, millions of people have been forced to flee their homes because of war, violence, or persecution. Many spend years waiting in refugee camps before being resettled in a new country. Thousands have found a new beginning in Mid-Missouri, often arriving with few possessions and facing the overwhelming task of learning a new language, navigating unfamiliar systems, finding employment, and building a life from the ground up.
Walking Every Step Together
City of Refuge exists to walk alongside them through every stage of that journey. We meet immediate needs, provide practical programs and services, and build lasting relationships that help families move from surviving to thriving.
Everything we do is guided by one simple vision:
Safe. Stable. Thriving.
Our Approach
Relationship — Our Foundation
Relationships are at the heart of everything we do. We believe lasting change happens through trust, consistency, and genuine friendships. By connecting refugees with volunteers, neighbors, churches, businesses, and community partners, we help create a welcoming community where everyone belongs.
Care — Meeting Immediate Needs
The first months after arrival can be overwhelming. City of Refuge helps navigate essential needs such as housing, employment, healthcare, transportation, benefits, and other critical support so they can begin rebuilding their lives with dignity and confidence.
Education — Equipping for Success
Knowledge creates opportunity. Through English classes, citizenship preparation, digital literacy, driving instruction, early childhood education, workforce development, immigration legal services, and other educational programs, we equip refugees with the skills and resources they need to succeed in the United States.
Development — Building a Strong Future
Our goal is long-term independence. We invest in people over time, helping build financial stability, meaningful employment, strong community connections, and the confidence to thrive for generations to come.
