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Did you know…. In 2016, our church played an integral part in sponsoring and resettling a Syrian refugee family into our local area. Recently, the two young men, Ahmad and Hashem Farawati, successfully passed all the requirements and now are officially United States citizens. It has not been an easy or quick journey for them. But thanks to the continual support, friendship, and guidance from this church, they have realized their dream. Their parents’ citizenship applications are still pending.

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Afghan Refugee Resettlement Program July Update
26 Refugee Homes Furnished
102 Refugees Resettled

As of the middle of July, the Birmingham and Berkley First Refugee Resettlement Team in partnership with Cass Community Social Services has provided donated furnishings for 26 homes that house 102 Afghan refugees and there is more help to be given!

Over the past seven months, CASS Community Social Services and Birmingham and Berley First United Methodist Churchs have teamed up on a program to furnish the homes of newly arrived Afghan Refugees as they resettle in the Detroit area. The Refugee Resettlement Team combines all the necessary resources to support a home furnishing program such as

  • a truck
  • drivers
  • warehouse space
  • volunteers
  • access to donors
  • a very supportive congregation
  • and the will to serve our new neighbors!

To date, we have furnished homes for refugees in Bloomfield Hills, Dearborn Heights, Westland (multiple homes), Detroit (multiple homes), and Hamtramck (multiple homes).

The refugees our church has served have come in a variety of family situations including single men, couples and families with as many as 9 children and occupy a variety of home settings including efficiency apartments, larger apartments, flats and single-family homes. Fortunately, your generous donations have made it possible for our resettlement volunteers to provide each family with a set of furnishings that suits their family size and living space.

There is more resettlement work to be done. You can sign up to volunteer in support of refugee resettlement by contacting Carol Driscoll by email (fcdriscoll@yahoo.com) or by phone (248.563.7278). We would love to add you to the team!

You can also support the refugee resettlement program by donating monetary funds for items, click here to donate online and designate your giving in the “other” box as “Afghan refugees.” Matthew’s Gospel calls us to service.

“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.”

Chapter 25 vs. 35-36

The Church & Society Ministry is dedicated to the work of living out our faith in our community by touching the lives of our neighbors in need and seeking justice for the marginalized among us. We are a ministry committed to the pursuit of social justice through action and engagement. The work of the ministry is ever evolving to meet social  needs that are urgent and to fight injustice where we find it. C&S is about having an impact for good. 

 

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.