By Andrea Cabrera, Refugee Services Case Manager
As my time at Mission Adelante comes to an end, I find myself reflecting on the many lessons I have learned and the amazing people I have met.
Shine Gala 2025: Celebrating the Past, Igniting the Future
A Summer to Remember
A Quick Introduction
Arts Camp 2025: A Week to Remember
Letter To The Parents, Kids, and Community Who I Love
When Everything is a Mess!
Tickets Available Now for Mission Adelante’s 20-Year Anniversary Celebration!
It's hard to believe that twenty years ago we were preparing to launch Mission Adelante! So many beautiful memories, friends, and so much ministry fruit! And now it's time to celebrate God’s faithfulness!
On Thursday, September 18th, Mission Adelante will host SHINE, our first ever gala event, to celebrate 20 years of "loving people from all places." Since this is the kind of thing that only comes around once every couple of decades, we're really planning a special event that is worthy of this milestone moment. We would love for you to join us!
Here are some details:
Date and Time: Thursday, September 18, 2025, 6:00 p.m.
Venue: Children's Mercy Park (Home of Sporting KC)
Reception: Food, live jazz music, stadium experience including access to player locker room, media room.
Special Guests: Dan Deeble (Emcee), Dániel Sallói (Sporting KC Forward and Team Captain), Brad Gregory Jazz Quartet.
Program: Inspiring in-person and video elements celebrating the past and igniting the future of Mission Adelante. This program will kick off our 2025 year-end fundraising campaign.
Tickets: Individual tickets are available on our website for $250 each.
We hope you’ll join us to celebrate and launch Mission Adelante into its next 20 years!
Good Things Take Time
You Are Enough for Jesus
Refugee Support in a New Reality — How We’ve Been Able To Help and How You Can Too
Answering the Call to Lead
Choose to Celebrate in Christ
Welcome Center Project Update!
Built with Love
built with Love
by Carla Garcia, Ministry Director
When people encounter Mission Adelante today, a vibrant multicultural ministry with deep community roots and a transformative impact. It’s easy to see the fruit. But what often goes unseen is the daily, faithful work that built it.
Our founder, Jarrett Meek, didn’t wake up one day with a fully formed nonprofit in his hands. Mission Adelante was built slowly, over days, weeks, and years. It was shaped by intentional relationships, consistent service, shared meals, hard conversations, and persistent prayer. The kind of work that is quiet and steady, and changes lives.
Recently, I had the opportunity to spend a weekend in Manhattan, Kansas with our summer interns, staying at the home of Jarrett’s parents, Palmer and Marti Meek. What I saw there reminded me of how much of Mission Adelante’s DNA comes from this legacy.
Palmer Meek, a man of quiet strength, built a life for his family one day at a time. He didn’t rush to make a name for himself. Instead, he invested in things that matter: integrity, faithfulness, and community. Now in his later years, his legacy lives on in his children and grandchildren, and in the seeds he planted through consistent action.
And Marti—Marti has built a home. Her pride and joy is her family, and it shows in every room. The photos on the walls, the way she talks about her grandkids, the warmth in her hospitality. It all speaks to a life spent loving deeply and intentionally. As we sat around her kitchen table, surrounded by family photos and laughter, I saw the result of years of quiet, loving labor. She has built a family that is now her pride and joy, and that same care echoes through the culture of Mission Adelante.
It hit me deeply, the heart of Mission Adelante, the love, the patience, the commitment to people, isn’t just something Jarrett decided to pursue. It was woven into him by the family who raised him. It made me emotional, honestly. Because in so many ways, what Mission Adelante is today is a reflection of that same kind of slow, steady love. This weekend reminded me that the most meaningful things in life are built slowly, lovingly, day by day. That’s how Mission Adelante was built. And that’s how we’ll continue.
Now, 20 years in, we believe the best is still to come. There are more families to walk alongside, more leaders to raise up, more bridges to build between cultures and hearts. And as we look toward the next 20 years of Mission Adelante, I want to invite you to be part of it.
On September 18th, we’re hosting a gala, SHINE! It’s a night to celebrate all that’s been built so far and to dream about what’s still to come. I’d love to see you there—whether you’ve been with us since the beginning or are just getting to know our heart.
Come shine with us! Let’s keep building something that lasts—together.
Be part of our programs!
Summer is here! We’d love to include you in some of the excitement during our summer trimester!
Come and See Nights: July 14, 15, 16, 17
Visit one of our programs and get a first-hand look at how you could make an impact as a volunteer. Learn more at missionadelante.org/serve
Summer Arts Camp: July 21-24
Contact Erick Flores about volunteer opportunities at Summer Arts Camp: erickf@missionadelante.org
Summer Interns Are In Town!
Summer Interns Are In Town!
by Patrique Harris, Ministry Director
Back row from left: Erick (Monistry Apprentice), Blake, Anisha, Sonia, and William
Front row from left: Patrique, Unisha, and Josée
It’s the most wonderful time of the (Mission Adelante) year—our summer interns are here! Each year, we welcome a few eager teen leaders to join our team, and this year may just be our best group yet. Last week, Josée, Sonia, William, Anisha, Blake, and Unisha came through our doors, excited to grow in their faith, deepen their friendships, and develop as leaders.
One of Mission Adelante’s core values is developing leaders. We are committed to equipping and empowering emerging leaders from our community through hands-on ministry experience and mentorship. This summer, our interns will be leading classes and activities for kids and youth, participating in exposure trips, serving the community, and engaging in a variety of training workshops.
Here’s a look at what we’ve been up to so far!
Connecting with Past Interns
We kicked off the summer with a special breakfast reunion with past summer interns, bringing together participants throughout the years. It was eye-opening to hear their reflections—favorite memories, biggest challenges, and how their summer internship experience shaped their lives. Though the structure of the program has evolved over the years (no more 7am exercise), many of the key learnings have remained strikingly similar. What a gift to witness the legacy of this program in action!
Visit to Epic Arts
As part of our exposure trips, we love introducing interns to other organizations doing meaningful work in the neighborhood. Our visit to Epic Arts stood out! Epic is a local clay studio on 6th Street that offers affordable pottery classes to the community. On our visit, the interns not only learned about the organization’s mission, but also had the chance to try their hand at pottery. For several of them, it was their first time on the wheel—and let’s just say the final pieces were beautiful, a few more abstract than others!
Retreat in Manhattan
Next, we hit the road for our much-anticipated opening retreat in Manhattan, KS. I’m always amazed at how quickly and deeply relationships form during retreats. We cooked meals, worshiped, explored the city, and of course, played a lot together. A favorite moment? When the gentlemen took charge of breakfast duty! The ladies (from just outside the kitchen) couldn’t help but offer a little guidance. It was a beautiful lesson in trust for the ladies and a crash course in teamwork for the guys.
The Summer Internship is intense, but our interns are already stepping up in big ways. Please join us in praying for stamina, wisdom, and continued growth for this group. Thank you to everyone who has supported this flagship program over the years. Because of you, we continue to raise young leaders who will shape the future of our neighborhood.
Be part of our programs!
Summer is here! We’d love to include you in some of the excitement during our summer trimester!
Come and See Nights: July 14, 15, 16, 17
Visit one of our programs and get a first-hand look at how you could make an impact as a volunteer. Learn more at missionadelante.org/serve
Summer Arts Camp: July 21-24
Contact Erick Flores about volunteer opportunities at Summer Arts Camp: erickf@missionadelante.org
Shine!
Calling All sponsors for the “Shine” 20-year Celebration!
by Jarrett Meek, Founder/Pastor/Executive Director
Twenty years of work in one community, the perseverance, the fruit, the hardships, and the grace of God; all of it together is worthy of a celebration! And celebrate we will! On September 18th, we’ll host our first ever gala event at Children’s Mercy Park to commemorate 20 years of loving people from all places. We are currently seeking sponsors for the event, both individuals and businesses, who would like to help us celebrate well. By sponsoring this landmark event, you will help propel Mission Adelante into the coming years as a ministry that is loving individuals and families from places all over the world. In its first 20 years, Mission Adelante has grown into a vital part of the Kansas City community. God’s favor has been plentiful. Yet, there is so much more to be done. We invite you to be a significant part of celebrating our past and igniting our future!
We have designed several different sponsorship levels, each with its own set of included benefits. Whether you’re a business seeking to invest in the community or an individual who loves what Mission Adelante stands for, there is a spot for you! We invite you to learn more at www.shinegala.com!
Let me close by telling you why I’m so excited about this event!
Who? We’ll include EVERYONE! Donors, volunteers, partners, ministry participants. This party is for people from all places!
Where? The venue is AMAZING! We’ve reserved the two best event spaces at Sporting KC’s Stadium. One walks has access to player locker rooms, media room and walks out to the pitch!
Who (again)? We’ll have some very special guests at the event. Dan Deeble, who is a long-time friend of Mission Adelante and a dynamic speaker will serve as our Emcee. Brad Gregory and his jazz group will be playing for us. And, Daniel Salloi, starting forward and Team Captain for Sporting KC will be there to share his own immigration story and mingle with guests.
Why? Because God is faithful! There are times to put our heads down and work, and then there are times to stop, reflect, and celebrate what God has done. Twenty years is one of those times!
Tell Us Your Story!
As we prepared to commemorate two decades of service with Mission Adelante, we want to highlight our incredible community of partners who make our work possible. To help us do that, we’ve developed a handful of prompts below that we’d love for you to reply to. You can pick-and-choose what questions are most relevant to respond to, or feel free to share your own impact story in the final comment box. We appreciate your time and look forward to shining a light on Mission Adelante’s impact, together!
Be part of our programs!
Summer is here! We’d love to include you in some of the excitement during our summer trimester!
Come and See Nights: July 14, 15, 16, 17
Visit one of our programs and get a first-hand look at how you could make an impact as a volunteer. Learn more at missionadelante.org/serve
Summer Arts Camp: July 21-24
Contact Erick Flores about volunteer opportunities at Summer Arts Camp: erickf@missionadelante.org
Genuine Community
Genuine Community
by Kristen Maxwell, Associate Director
When I returned to Kansas City in 2010, I carried with me a desire to connect with the refugee community. During an internship at a church in Atlanta, I met families whose warmth and stories left a lasting impression on me, stirring in me a desire for meaningful relationships with people from other places.
Through a high school friend, I met David and was introduced to the early days of the Bhutanese Outreach at Mission Adelante. It was there that I found fertile ground to cultivate those connections. Together, we nurtured weekly programs that eventually engaged around 100 kids and teens, supported by more than 50 dedicated volunteers. One of my greatest joys during that time was weaving together the lives of children and volunteers, fostering a community where relationships could take root and flourish.
Just this past week, I had the privilege of attending the high school graduations of three young women I mentored in our Kids Club and Leaders in Training (LIT) programs from 2011–2017. The moment became even more beautiful as I had the chance to reconnect with two longtime Kids Club and LIT volunteers who had faithfully walked alongside these same girls over the years. To witness those relationships continuing years later, as these young women crossed the graduation stage, reminded me again of the beauty and strength of genuine community.
When Jarrett called to ask if I would consider returning to Mission Adelante to help launch a refugee resettlement program in partnership with World Relief, I was working as an ESL teacher in the KCK school system. While I enjoyed aspects of that role—supporting teachers, ensuring compliance, and facilitating communication—I found myself missing the relational side of the work. I jumped at the chance to dive back into deeper connections and to nurture partnerships within and beyond the church.
Though our time actively resettling refugees was brief—just 359 days, not even a full calendar year, we welcomed 47 families, 171 individuals—or as I like to say, 171 new friends. More than 150 volunteers came alongside us, offering their time and resources to set up apartments, teach English classes, collect hygiene kits, go to doctors' appointments, help learn how to pay bills, and greet families at the airport. New friendships were sprouting everywhere.
Though we are no longer in the active resettlement phase, I continue to pray that those relationships grow. That birthdays are celebrated, prayers are shared, and roots deepen. I’ve often heard people say that what sets Mission Adelante apart is its relationships, and that’s held true through our refugee resettlement work. The relationships have truly embodied love.
I’m reminded of 1 Thessalonians 2:8 (NIV):
"Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well."
That’s exactly what our volunteers do, every single day—they show up and share their lives.
I feel like in so much of my life, Proverbs 16:9(NIV) holds true:
“In their hearts, humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.”
When I left Mission Adelante in 2017, I never would have planned for the Lord would bring me back, but with his guidance, my steps brought me back to this place to lead for this season in a beautiful way. Just like coming back to Mission Adelante, only the Lord could have come up with the steps I will take next. At the beginning of June, I will be joining the Kansas City Christian School team as the Elementary Principal.
As I prepare to wrap up this second season at Mission Adelante, I am filled with gratitude for the stories I’ve heard, the relationships that have been built, and the beauty of what we’ve accomplished together. And I pray that when some of our smallest arrivals walk across their graduation stages years from now, the people who first welcomed them to their new home will be there, celebrating alongside them—because in the end, it all comes down to relationships.
Be part of our programs!
We are so excited for everything that is happening in our programs and we are grateful for all our volunteers who make everything possible. Would you consider partnering with us next trimester?
May 27th- First week of Summer Trimester Programs- Please make note that the summer trimester will start on Tuesday after Memorial Day.
July 14th - 17th - Come and See Nights - Come and see firsthand how our programs operate, and how you may be able to fit in.
Joy, Games, and Planning: What Happens Between Trimesters at Mission Adelante
Joy, Games, and Planning: What Happens Between Trimesters at Mission Adelante
by Erick Flores, Ministry Apprentice
Our programs are always bursting with joy, laughter, and energy, thanks to our amazing participants! From class time and activities to end-of-trimester parties, our building is constantly alive, often with plenty of messes left behind as proof. While our trimester breaks are more relaxed, they’re also an important time for us to prepare and reset for what’s next.
During the break, we take the opportunity to clean and reorganize our entire building. While our adult programs tend to leave things pretty tidy, our kids and youth programs definitely know how to use every square inch for fun, and the game closet is always the biggest challenge. Somehow, every trimester, it ends up in total disarray. I think the whole staff would agree it’s the hardest area to clean, but also one of the most important to keep ready for action.
In addition to cleaning, planning a new curriculum is a major part of our trimester break. We work hard to design educational, engaging, and meaningful programming that helps our participants grow each week. It always warms my heart to see them return week after week with smiles on their faces, a sign that they’re enjoying their time and learning something new. Of course, none of this would be possible without our dedicated volunteers, and we’re so thankful for the way they pour into our community.
On a personal note, I’m especially excited for the upcoming summer trimester, particularly our annual Arts Camp, which I’m planning with my sister and teammate, Carla. Arts Camp is one of our favorite events of the year. Over four days, kids and teens choose a class based on their interests, work on a hands-on project, and present their creations on the final day. We aim to welcome over 100 participants, and it’s always such a joy to see their creativity and confidence grow.
We couldn’t do it without our incredible volunteers. Whether it’s teaching a class or simply showing up to support, every hour makes a difference. If you have a heart for investing in the next generation, we’d love for you to hang out with us this summer. Join us at our Volunteer Orientation this Saturday, May 17th, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., to begin your volunteering journey!
Be part of our programs!
We are so excited for everything that is happening in our programs and we are grateful for all our volunteers who make everything possible. Would you consider partnering with us next trimester?
May 17th- New Volunteer Orientation- 9:00 am-12:30 pm- This is a time for new volunteers to find out more about Mission Adelante and how they can serve, share life, and share Jesus with people from other places. Please use this form to let us know you will be here, and which ministry areas you are most interested in. New Volunteer Orientation Sign Up
May 19th- All Volunteer Huddle and Dessert- 6:30-8:30 pm- Join volunteers from all ministry areas to pray and plan for the trimester ahead. Feel free to bring a dessert to share during our social time at the beginning. Please let the leader of your ministry area know if you cannot attend.
May 27th- First week of Summer Trimester Programs- Please make note that the summer trimester will start on Tuesday after Memorial Day.
Helping Our Neighbors: Filling the Hygiene Gap
Helping Our Neighbors: Filling the Hygiene Gap
by Kristen Maxwell, Associate Director
We all know how much our local food pantries do for our community. They're a lifeline for people struggling to put food on the table. But when people face tough times, their needs go beyond just food. Think about the everyday hygiene stuff we all need: soap, toothpaste, shampoo, and things like pads and tampons are essential. These aren't luxuries – they're basics that affect people's health, how they feel about themselves, and their overall well-being.
For many who are trying to make ends meet, it's a tough choice between buying food and buying these hygiene items. That's a hard spot to be in. What started as supplying hygiene supplies for newly arrived refugees has grown into a small ministry of its own. With your generous partnership, we’ve been able to designate a place in our building where people can get the hygiene products they need. It's about ensuring everyone can maintain their dignity and meet their basic needs with kindness . Seeing the relief on someone's face when they can pick up something as simple as a bar of soap or a new toothbrush is eye-opening. It reminds us that caring for our community means looking at all the fundamental things people need.
But the need is always there; we can't do this alone.
To keep this important resource going, we ask for your help keeping our shelves stocked. Right now, our needs are:
For healthy smiles: Toothpaste, toothbrushes
For clean hair: Shampoo, conditioner
For healthy skin: Bar soap, body wash, lotion
For feminine care: Pads, tampons
To feel fresh: Deodorant
Every donation, big or small, makes a real difference in someone's life. When you contribute these basic items, you're not just giving a product; you're helping someone maintain their dignity, stay healthy, and feel more like themselves.
If you would like to support our “Hygiene Corner,” please drop off any of the above items at our building during normal business hours (M-Th 10:00 am-4:00 pm) or program hours. Your kindness will help us continue bridging this hygiene gap in our community and ensure everyone has access to the basic necessities they deserve. Thank you for being part of the solution. We can build a stronger, healthier, and more caring community for everyone.
Questions? Email me at: kristenm@missionadelante.org
Be part of our programs!
We are so excited for everything that is happening in our programs and we are grateful for all our volunteers who make everything possible. Would you consider partnering with us next trimester?
May 17th- New Volunteer Orientation- 9:00 am-12:30 pm- This is a time for new volunteers to find out more about Mission Adelante and how they can serve, share life, and share Jesus with people from other places. Please use this form to let us know you will be here, and which ministry areas you are most interested in. New Volunteer Orientation Sign Up
May 19th- All Volunteer Huddle and Dessert- 6:30-8:30 pm- Join volunteers from all ministry areas to pray and plan for the trimester ahead. Feel free to bring a dessert to share during our social time at the beginning. Please let the leader of your ministry area know if you cannot attend.
May 27th- First week of Summer Trimester Programs- Please make note that the summer trimester will start on Tuesday after Memorial Day.