New Refugee Non-profit Coming to Birmingham
Birmingham, Alabama – A new non-profit organization aiming to support refugees, named Birmingham Cross Cultural Connection (BCCC), is getting ready to receive immigrant families starting from August. This non-profit organization is primarily focused on supporting immigrants, helping them establish and achieve success.
A Saving Grace for Immigrants and Refugees
Like many non-profit initiatives, the BCCC organization started with a simple idea for change. It initially served just a few clients by providing coaching and development services. Gaining official status as a 501(c)3 non-profit organization in December of 2023, it put its wheels in motion immediately.
Katherine Woods, the incumbent Executive Director of the BCCC, has a significant background working with non-profits. Her previous experience includes working with The Church at Brook House, where she oversaw their English ministry. Her move to Hoover inspired her to create a platform that would address the necessity for long-term development in Birmingham.
Woods said, “My first thought was that we would create a non-profit and hire someone to serve as the Executive Director. Through the process, the Lord really stirred my heart to wait on the ‘big’ promotion to a large non-profit and step into this local need instead”.
Apart from providing an essential lifeline to refugees, Woods is also committed to aiding the city of Birmingham in understanding the significance of this non-profit and its serving partners. One of the affiliates of this community is World Relief- a program that recruits volunteers and mobilizes churches to welcome immigrants.
BCCC – A Welcoming Hand for Refugees
The mission of the BCCC revolves around empowering refugees through education, resources, and a warm community. They strive to create an environment where refugees feel undying support and are presented opportunities to improve their lives.
Some of the services they offer include:
- English Certification: Participants can attend classes to boost their proficiency in English and earn a certificate demonstrating their knowledge.
- Financial Class: Refugees can learn budgeting skills and how to plan effectively for a secure retirement.
- Bed Distribution: The BCCC ensures that every family received has a comfortable bed to sleep in.
Commenting on their services, Woods added, “Helping our clients get driver’s licenses and cars quickly is very important to us. Other ways we assist is through helping them secure safe housing, providing workforce development training and job support, cultural orientation classes and English. At the end of the day, education is key.”
Get Involved
If you’re looking to give back to the Birmingham community, BCCC is calling for volunteers and sponsors and encourages them to support their work.
BCCC is located at 2025 Patton Chapel Rd, Birmingham, AL 35216, and their working hours are Monday-Thursday from 9 AM to 4 PM.
You can contribute in several ways:
- Volunteer at BCCC.
- Sponsor immigrant families.
- Donate and help support this organization.
