| Dear Friends and Supporters,
Reflecting on the past year, I am filled with gratitude for the way the people of the Tri-Cities have embraced B5’s mission of creating a welcoming place where we walk alongside our refugee friends and give them the support they need so they can thrive in their new home. In May, after years of working in a repurposed apartment, your investment enabled us to move into a brand new building where we can serve the people with the dignity and respect they deserve.
This year has been one of growth. In our new building friends who had learned English with us in past years joined with new students to grow our programs. We deepened our commitment to equipping all our community members with the tools they need to thrive. Throughout the year, our dedicated staff and volunteers remained unwavering in their care, ensuring that every person at B5 felt supported.
Some of the things that give me joy each day:
- Adults who come to class daily, ready to learn a new language. Some of them never had the opportunity to attend school in their native country and now they are bravely attending school here.
- School-aged students spending time with B5 staff and volunteers to improve their reading skills.
- Preschoolers who are cared for in a fun play area while their parents are in class each day.
- Volunteers who teach, encourage, and become friends with adults and children each week.
For those of us committed to welcoming refugees into our community, the new year hasn’t begun well. We all long for the restart of the resettlement program. And while we wait, there is still much work to do. Your donations make it possible to serve all the people who want to participate in classes at B5. We continue to help the people in our community overcome the language and literacy barriers that keep them from thriving. Thank you for joining us in this work.
With gratitude,
Theresa Roosendaal
Executive Director
B5 Learning Center
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