Ways to Serve Refugees
 

Amarillo is one of the largest recipients of refugees per capita in Texas. First Baptist Church works diligently to care for the physical, social, and spiritual needs of our newest neighbors. In addition to weekly worship and Bible study for all ages, FBC mobilizes volunteers to help ease the resettlement process by providing basic household items, forming relationships, providing education, and building support systems.

WELCOME KITS
Refugees arrive to the United States with very little and must quickly begin their lives over again. FBC helps to provide a full set of basic housewares for new arrivals in our city. Welcome Kits are filled with new household items that provide refugees the starting essentials needed in their new homes. The hope is that these kits would honor refugees arriving in Amarillo, welcoming them with love, while also meeting a very tangible need. Here are ways to help:

• Donate a complete Welcome Kit (Welcome Kit List)

• Host a Welcome Kit Drive with family, friends, co-workers, or your church.

• Let us know you’re available to assist with delivery, apartment set-up, or grocery shopping.

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WELCOME TEAMS


The challenges of resettling in a new country are vast and can make simple daily tasks daunting and overwhelming. New relationships that can help navigate challenges are needed! This is a great way for your group, class, or family to serve.

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Volunteer Welcome Teams partner with a refugee family during their first six months in Amarillo. Welcome Teams connect refugees with critical resources and community, act as a support system, and love and honor refugees with the gift of friendship. 

• Contact us about forming a Welcome Team

• Attend a training/orientation and join a team of 4-10 people (or more)

• Be ready to commit to one refugee family for 4-6 months

• Teams should attempt to visit the family 2-3 times per week collectively in the first 2 months, then at least once per week thereafter 

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ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE (ESL) CLASSES
FBC hosts International Friends ESL program on Thursday mornings (10:00am) and Sunday afternoons (4:00pm). Teachers, greeters, mentors, and van drivers are all essential to helping provide community, classes, and language learning. Classes range from basic ABC's to advanced conversation to GED preparation. Sundays also include classes for elementary school children, tutoring for middle school and high school students, and help for those preparing for their citizenship test. Generally, over 300 students from over sixteen countries are enrolled. Contact the office to get involved!