OUR JOURNEY
The Greater Boston Refugee Ministry offers its first training through the Emmanuel Gospel Center.
A small team emerges with a vision to reach the refugees of Worcester.
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From a diversity of backgrounds we come together with one thing in common: a burden for refugees.
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Summer 2015
January 2016
The core group begins meeting regularly.
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God gives us the opportunity to learn more by attending resettlement agency meetings.
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​We consider how to address the overwhelming needs in the Worcester area by coming alongside those already serving refugees.
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March 2016
Worcester Alliance for Refugee Ministry is officially born!
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Over the first year, we watch the Lord open many opportunities.
We launch our training program, a sewing center, and a drop-in cafe for refugees.
We host a backpack drive, furnish forty apartments, and assist with employment opportunities and driver's education.
2017
Summer 2016
We begin to focus our resources to equip individuals and churches to reach out to refugees in their own communities.
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Our core group of volunteers can only offer so much, but as mentors, we can mobilize a broader network of volunteers.
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We envision enabling churches to start their own self-directed refugee ministries.
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We form a board of directors, and begin the process of becoming a 501(c)(3) non-profit.
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We receive our 501(c)(3) non-profit status and host our first fundraiser dinner.
2019
2020
We pivoted in the global pandemic of COVID -19 to meet the emotional, spiritual, and physical needs of the refugee community.
We supported the academic and socio- emotional needs of 20 refugee students through the WARM Learning Pod every Friday. In addition, God made a way for us to start four online tutoring opportunities for adult ESL learners and refurbish laptops for online connection opportunities.
2021
WARM expands into western MA!
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We begin reaching out to churches and training volunteers to welcome refugees in the Springfield area.
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We change our name to
Welcoming Alliance for Refugee Ministry.
WARM opens the Welcome Center in West Springfield!
This new space gives our Western MA team a home base for welcoming refugee families, meeting practical needs, and building community.
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2025
2026
WARM’s Worcester office receives a hospitality upgrade thanks to a generous grant from the Fletcher Foundation.
The project helps us create a warmer, more welcoming space for the families and volunteers who gather here.
Today
WARM celebrates 10 years of welcoming!
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As we reflect on a decade of serving refugee families across Central and Western Massachusetts, we are grateful for every volunteer, partner, church, and family who has been part of the journey.
Exciting things are still ahead as we continue to grow, welcome, and serve together.