Samaritas Mission Team Receives UMCOR Mustard Seed Migration Grant 

Birmingham & Berkley First’s Samaritas Mission Team has been awarded a $2,000 UMCOR Mustard Seed Migration Grant through the United Methodist Foundation of Michigan to support English as a Second Language (ESL) ministry for New American refugee families in Southeast Michigan.

The grant funding will allow the team to renew Zoom licenses with translated caption technology, helping volunteer instructors continue offering virtual ESL classes to Samaritas refugee clients. The translated caption feature enables teachers and students to communicate across language barriers in real time, while also helping students connect with one another and build community.

Samaritas lost funding for ESL support services in 2025, making this grant especially meaningful for the continuation of the program. Volunteer instructors from Birmingham & Berkley First have stepped in to help meet this growing need by offering online classes that provide practical language skills and compassionate support for refugee families adjusting to life in the United States.
As participants strengthen their English skills, they are better equipped to secure employment, support their children in school, pursue educational opportunities, and participate more fully in community life.

The virtual nature of the program has also proven especially important for many refugee clients. Some participants face transportation or childcare challenges, while others are hesitant to leave their homes because of limited English proficiency or concerns related to anti-immigrant sentiment. Online classes help remove these barriers and create a welcoming, accessible learning environment. Samaritas reports that many participants, especially women and Spanish-speaking clients, describe the classes as a source of emotional support, connection, and consistency during a difficult season of rebuilding their lives.

In addition to supporting ESL instruction, the Zoom account will also assist Samaritas’ Youth Refugee Mentoring program by hosting virtual seminars focused on career exploration, goal setting, and resume writing. The technology will help mentors and students stay connected while expanding educational opportunities for refugee youth across Southeast Michigan.

In announcing the award, Joel Fitzgerald of the United Methodist Foundation of Michigan thanked the congregation for its ministry to migrants and for “planting seeds of God’s Kingdom here in Michigan.” Church volunteers also expressed gratitude to UMCOR and the Foundation for supporting a ministry that continues to offer welcome, education, and hope to refugee families throughout the region.