Search
Close this search box.

121 Afghanistan Refugees Resettled

Afghanistan Refugee Resettlement Program: 
A Response to Matthew’s Gospel

In the summer and early fall of 2021, Afghan Refugees* were arriving in the Detroit Metropolitan Area in search of a new life. In many cases, these families arrived with only the possessions they could carry, and they desperately needed the touch of a helping hand. In response, the Church & Society Ministry of Birmingham and Berkley First UMC partnered with two local social service agencies, Samaritas and Cass Community Social Services (CCSS), with the goal of resettling Afghan refugees in a comfortable and well-furnished homes. As Samaritas found housing for a refugee family they would put us in touch with the family and our church volunteers and CCSS (with the “Big” truck, driver, and movers) would proceed to fully furnish each home.

The incredible generosity of our congregation and friends of our church was the source of the donated furnishings that were installed in the homes of refugee families. That same spirit of generosity provided the resettlement program with over $25,000. Those dollars enabled us to purchase needed furnishings beyond what was donated and to cover the transportation costs of picking up the furnishings from donors’ homes and delivering the furnishings to the homes of refugee families. Additionally, UMCOR provided us with a Mustard Seed Grant in support of our Afghan Refugee Resettlement Program. For all these organizations, we give thanks and ask the Lord to bless their work!  

The Refugee Resettlement Program was truly a church-wide effort from the many members who volunteered, to those who donated furnishings, to the family that opened their business warehouse to us, all the way to our 4th and 5th graders who put together king-size welcoming bags for the Afghan families we served. Amazing what small hands with big hearts can do!

After a full year of serving the Afghan refugee community, Refugee Resettlement Program concluded on October 31 having furnished 34 homes that now house 121 Afghan refugees (men, women, and children) stretching from the northern suburbs through Hamtramck and Detroit and into the western suburbs.

As every United Methodist knows, service to others is its own reward. The 121 lives we touched by living our faith have enriched us with their gratitude and kindness.

We heard Matthew’s Gospel call us to action and we were blessed to be able to respond.

Chapter 25 vs. 35-36.

“I was hungry, and you fed me; thirsty and you gave me a drink; I was a stranger and you received me in your home, naked and you clothed me; I was sick, and you took care of me.”

(*Most Afghans entering the U.S. in 2021 were officially designated “Humanitarian Parolees”. But in every sense of the word, they were truly refugees who could not go home.)

Previous slide
Next slide
The 121 lives we touched by living our faith have enriched us with their gratitude and kindness.
Frank Driscoll
Church and Society Team Leader

Chelsea-Rose Jabboori

My name is Chelsea-Rose and I am excited to be teaching in the Turquoise Room.  This is my first year teaching at First Kids.  I have many years of experience in child care and as a nanny.  I started my education with OCC and finished my CDA with TeachStone.

I come from a large family.  I am the oldest of six siblings.  We had many wonderful adventures over the years, traveling to most of the United States and some of Canada.  I have a love for nature and adventure.  I really enjoy long road trips, outdoor activities and camping.  I am an artist who enjoys painting, poetry and doing crafts.  I love to study children’s psychology and herbology.  With gentle guidance and compassion, I encourage children to explore and learn.  Children have always been my passion in life.

I am an active member of Berkley First and am happy to now be connected with Birmingham First.

I am looking forward to learning and growing with your children this school year.

Brooke Lynch

My name is Brooke Lynch, and I am excited to be your child’s classroom teacher!  This is my fourth year as a parent at First Kids Preschool and I look forward to joining the teaching staff this year.  I have a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education from Miami University.  I taught first grade for seven years in Chicago.  I then worked for five years as Director of Operations for a charter school management company here in Michigan.  I decided to take some time off from work once my husband Joe and I welcomed our third baby.  After two years at home with Kyle (6), Grace (4), and Griffin (2) I am thrilled to return to the classroom.  First Kids is such a special place and I feel so honored to now be part of the community as both a teacher and parent.  I can’t wait to partner with you to provide a wonderful year of fun and learning for your child!

Jillian McDonald

My name is Jillian McDonald and I am thrilled to be teaching in the Green/Orange Room.  This will be my first year teaching at First Kids Preschool.  Previously, I taught three and four-year-old preschool in the Birmingham Public Schools for six years.  Before that, I was a first grade teacher in Detroit.  Between teaching positions, I took time off to raise my three children, Madelynn, Riley and Delaney.  Madelynn and Riley are twins and will be starting their first year of college in the fall.  My daughter, Delaney will be a senior at Groves High School.  In my free time I enjoy spending time with my family, traveling, reading, and going to my cottage in Northern Michigan.  I am so excited to be working with the four-year-olds.  As an early childhood educator, I love to make my students’ first experiences with school very memorable.  I enjoy helping them build their independence and self-confidence.  I like to encourage the building of a classroom community to promote social skills and conflict resolution.  I am so happy to begin this journey of learning with you and your child!

Gloria Fulton

My name is Gloria Fulton, and I am very excited to be teaching at First Kids Preschool.  I also work in childcare for Children and Family Ministries at Birmingham First United Methodist Church.  I am a member of the Garden of Faith Missionary Baptist Church where I currently teach Sunday school and assist with the youth choir.  For two years, I was co-leader of the Brownie troop at Upton Elementary, where my daughter attended school.  I have a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Central Michigan University and am currently working towards my Child Development Associate.  I  enjoy miniature golf, walking, traveling, and spending time with my family.