USA
Northern Colorado
Approximately 10% of Colorado residents are foreign-born. This includes thousands of refugees who have resettled in Colorado, secondary migrants who were originally resettled in other states but have since migrated to Colorado, and others who have been forcibly displaced and carry different statuses in the U.S. (e.g., asylum-seeker, asylee, TPS). Many choose Colorado for good paying jobs on farms or in agricultural processing plants that require minimal English language skills. We are collaborating with forcibly displaced individuals and families, as well as a variety of churches and organizations in Northern Colorado. Much of our work is in Fort Morgan, a town of 11,000 and home to many people whose families originate from a broad diversity of countries in Africa and Latin America. Processing plants for beef, cheese, and sugar, as well as some large dairies and feedlots, employ many of them. The local church is in a unique position to model the beauty of multi-ethnic community and to stand for the value and dignity of every person.
Our Mission
IAFR Northern Colorado partners with the Body of Christ and local communities to accompany those who have experienced forced displacement as they move through processes of survival, recovery, and integration. We aim to walk alongside them as they navigate government systems, employment, language learning, housing, and community support networks in collaboration with local churches and community organizations.
Our Ministries
Community Integration
English Tutoring
Public Advocacy
Practical Assistance
Church Training
Hospitality
Needs & Opportunities
Inquire about service opportunities below.
Long-Term Needs
Northern Colorado Ministry Leader
Utilize your ministry passions and skill sets as is relevant in the local context – rural plains, agriculture & food production, diversity of immigrant populations. Oversee and be involved with the local ministry plan and team. Engage partners for communication, collaboration, and fundraising. Periodically meet with IAFR administrators and ministry leaders from other locations. Regularly complete a variety of administrative tasks related to supervision, strategic planning, finance, and communications.
Community Navigator
Fluency in Spanish or French is preferred. Build and maintain relationships with community organizations: nonprofits, businesses, churches, educational institutions, etc. Engage with the general immigrant community as well. Pursue specific areas of interest to develop programming (e.g., housing, youth, health/wellness, immigration). Implement strategic communication strategies. Facilitate and/or participate in relevant community programs.
Short-Term Needs
3-12 Month ESL Internship
Experience various aspects of IAFR ministry efforts in the Fort Morgan area. Work alongside an experienced ESL teacher on the Northern Colorado team. Develop relationships with local students who are learning English. Practice various approaches to English learning, planning and implementing lessons. Engage the community with programs and volunteer opportunities. Participate in other team meetings and projects.
2-3 Month Community Research Internship
Fluency in Spanish is preferred. Experience various aspects of IAFR ministry efforts in the Fort Morgan area. Work with the Ministry Leader to develop a community research plan, and implement the plan on a topic of relevant and useful interest. Engage the community, including local churches. Participate in other team meetings and projects.
