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General
We extend the welcome of Jesus through programs that overcome language barriers and honor cultural diversity. That means that we mobilize people through prayer and equip the community—especially the Church—on cultural topics. We also offer opportunities for cross-cultural relational connections. We even help to run a community center called The PLACE.
What most people know us for is our English language classes and translation services, and we use those programs as doorways into deeper connections in refugee communities. We also try our best to honor the cultures and experiences of refugees through programs such as our Storybook Project. Learn more about how our vision and mission directly connect to our programs here.
The best way is to sign up to receive our newsletters. We send out an e-newsletter every month with stories of our impact, along with opportunities for volunteer involvement. We also send out a biannual printed newsletter.
You're welcome to follow us on social media as well. Our Instagram and Facebook pages share tons of exciting pictures and stories that never make it into our newsletters. If you're not on social media (more power to you!), then just jump onto the home page of our website once in awhile. At the bottom of the page, you'll see our Instagram feed with all of our most recent pictures.
ESL stands for "English as a Second Language". In this context, it refers to English instruction for those who have a first language other than English. There are many acronyms that are used in overlapping ways, including ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages). English learners are often called ELLs ("English Language Learners").
Our specific focus is on functional English education, equipping our students to solve real day-to-day problems with language. We've designed our own curriculum for our English classes, but it's also designed to be used in 1-on-1 tutoring.
One more thing… Though we are a faith-based organization, we do not use our English classes to teach about Christianity. It is our hope that our authentic faith will be observed as we seek to love those God brings us to serve. This means that students of all faith backgrounds will always feel comfortable attending our programs.
Yes, we have a volunteer guide with current information about how you can get involved, including through participating in social events, prayer, or supporting us through monthly donations.
Yes, we seek to mimic the life of Jesus by showing hospitality to the strangers among us (Matt. 25:35). We are motivated by our Christian faith. Our board and staff are committed to our mission, vision and values, and must discuss their alignment with these statements during the onboarding process.
However, we do not use our official events and programs to teach prosyletize or teach religious material. We serve people of all faith backgrounds, and we invite volunteer participation from people of all faith backgrounds.
Learn more about how our Christian faith is expressed by reading about our Values.
Absolutely! We would love an opportunity to share about our project with your group. Not only do we need community support, but we believe the community needs to know what we're doing. You can serve as the bridge that connects our exciting work with your own community.
Please send us an email to schedule something soon.
Yes, we seek to welcome everyone who walks through our doors. This includes refugees, as well as many other categories of immigrants. Learn more about the nationalities and ethnic groups represented in Amarillo here.
No. RLP just serves the displaced people who end up in Amarillo, whether they come on their own or they are resettled here by Catholic Charities of the Texas Panhandle. Learn about the refugees in Amarillo here.
We do offer childcare during our English classes, but our programs are focused on adults at this point. However, our community center hosts an after school program Monday–Thursday.
Yes, we require background checks for all staff and contractors, as well as for many of our volunteers. The cost is $10, and we encourage interested volunteers to make a donation to offset this cost.
Donations
Yes! We invite you to make a tax-deductible donation. We are also eligible for local, state, and federal grants.
You should receive a receipt by email within 24 hours of your donation, as well as a year-end statement by postal mail. If you have not received this, or you need a specific type of receipt, please just contact us.
Yes, every January we send out year-end giving statements by mail. In the meantime, you'll also receive a receipt by email every time you make a donation. If you need additional reports, or for some reason you don't receive your statement, please just let us know.
In 2024, 23% of our revenue came from donations, 15% from fundraisers, 48% from local community grants, and 13% from program-related services (primarily our interpreting program).
In 2024, 38% of our expenses went to administrative overhead expenses such as management, office expenses, and fundraising. The remaining 62% of our expenses were dedicated to programs.
Learn more about our financials by viewing our recent IRS Form 990 filings on our giving page.
