Refugee Family Ministry

Heartland Refugee Family Ministry

What We Do

The Heartland Refugee Family Ministry (HRFM) is a compassionate team of Heartland volunteers dedicated to meeting the essential needs of refugee families within our community. Since its founding, HRFM has supported three families on their journey to resettlement. In 2022, the ministry assisted an Afghan family of six as they adapted to their new life in Des Moines. In April 2023, the ministry warmly welcomed a Congolese family of seven—who became eight with the arrival of their newest member in January 2024! In the summer of 2024, care was offered to a young Nicaraguan family of five, helping them settle into their new environment.

These stories reflect the enduring spirit of care and commitment that drives HRFM’ s mission. Examples of HRFM volunteer efforts include:

Welcoming families at the airport with transportation, a warm meal, and a pantry stocked with food and household essentials.

Collecting furnishings/household essentials and coordinating the setup of apartments.

Teaching families how to prepare meals in American kitchens, shop in local stores, manage bills, and use public transportation.

Providing transportation to schools, medical appointments, and other critical errands.

Facilitating transportation for family members to attend church services, whether at Heartland or a church of their choice.

Assisting families in accessing resources such as food pantries, SNAP benefits, Social Security, financial aid, and vehicle registrations.

Offering guidance to adults/teens on finding and maintaining employment.

Enrolling children in school while fostering strong communication between families and educators.

Encouraging youth participation in sports by supplying equipment, arranging transportation to practices, and attending games.

Offering emotional backing during both joyous and challenging moments, such as the birth of a new baby, academic and athletic milestones, employment successes, and the loss of loved ones.

Organizing social activities, from zoo trips and birthday celebrations to festive Christmas events!

Our ministry is supported by the staff and resources of the US Committee for Refugees and Immigrants.

Helping Our Friends at First Arabic Church

Members of the HRFM team are assisting First Arabic Presbyterian Church. This Sudanese ministry was founded on Aug. 1, 2016 and is located in Cottage Grove Presbyterian Church, in Des Moines were Reverend Ekram Kachu serves as pastor. The congregation is primarily made up of Arabic-speaking refugees and immigrants who are adjusting to life in America. The HRFM provides financial assistance and helps with childcare during First Arabic’s Sunday worship services.

Our Collaborative Partners

The Heartland Refugee Family Ministry actively collaborates with a variety of organizations and agencies to access resources, stay informed on the latest immigration developments, enhance skills, and expand networks. Some of the organizations include:

USCRI Des Moines (U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants) https://refugees.org/uscri-des-moines/

International Rescue Committee Des Moines https://www.rescue.org/united-states/des-moines-ia

Iowa Migrant Movement for Justice https://www.iowammj.org/

Des Moines Refugee Support https://www.facebook.com/DSMRefugeeSupport

Our Beliefs

The shared experiences and time spent with refugee families have been incredibly rewarding for both volunteers and Heartland congregants. Through these interactions meaningful friendships have been built and insight into each family’s unique culture has been gained. The inspiration our ministry has drawn from their resilience allows us to marvel repeatedly at God’s boundless love, grace, and power in our lives.

Heartland Refugee Family Ministry embodies Heartland Church’s spirit of compassion and support for those embarking on a new chapter in life.

“This ministry has been a blessing to those involved — we have been enriched by wonderful friendships and greater understanding of various cultures, faiths and the incredible resilience of our brothers and sisters.” ~ HPC congregant

Heartland Church Advocates for Migrants, Refugees, and Immigrants: Statement Adopted by the Session of Heartland Presbyterian Church (3/27/25)

Whereas God commands God’s people in Exodus 23:9 not to oppress a resident alien; in Leviticus 19:34 to love the alien as oneself; in Hebrews 13:2 to show hospitality to strangers; in Matthew 25:35 to welcome the stranger; in Luke 10:25-37 to show compassion for our neighbor; Matthew 23:23 to regard the more important things of justice, mercy, and faithfulness; Matthew 7:12 to treat others as we would like to be treated; and Micah 6:8 commands us to do justice, love kindness and walk humbly with God.

Whereas, as disciples of Jesus Christ, we are compelled to stand in solidarity with the poor, the sick, the homeless, the weak, the stranger, and all who are oppressed; and are called to advocate on their behalf.

Therefore, we, the Session of Heartland Presbyterian Church, reaffirm our commitment to welcoming migrants, immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers* and recognize the inherent dignity of all people as created in the image of God. We stand in solidarity with our neighbors in the U.S. who are migrants, immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers. And we pledge to advocate for and work toward more just immigration laws and adequate support services to refugees in Iowa and the United States.

We oppose policies that criminalize, dehumanize, or harm our neighbors who are migrants, immigrants, refugees, or asylees. We reject all divisive rhetoric and racial slurs in public discourse.

We encourage our congregation to seek ways to provide tangible support for migrants in their communities. We also encourage our congregation to sponsor refugee families as they come to this country and are resettled in the State of Iowa, and support resettlement agencies’ efforts to provide for the needs of recently arriving refugees.

*Migrants and immigrants are persons who left their country in order to find work or better living conditions, study, or join family. Many were forced to leave their country of origin because of poverty, political unrest, gang violence, or natural disasters. According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection personnel, less than 5% of migrants arriving in the U.S. have criminal records. Refugees and asylees are persons who fled their country of origin for reasons of feared persecution, conflict, violence, or other circumstances that have seriously disturbed public order and, as a result, require protection.

How You Can Help

Ready to get involved? Everyone can help!

Please join our HRFM team! Check the bulletin board in the church narthex for information.

Donate new or gently used furniture and household goods. Donations will be delivered to families, or organizations that support immigrants and refugees. Contact the HRFM chairperson to donate.

Give via check written out to Heartland Presbyterian Church. Be sure to indicate Refugee Family Ministry in the memo line. Place checks in the church collection basket or mail your check to Heartland Presbyterian Church, 14300 Hickman Rd, Clive, IA 50325.