August 25, 2025

BeKinder Coffee Celebrates One Year of Community Support

News Summary

BeKinder Coffee, a nonprofit coffee shop in Dallas, marks its first anniversary, providing hope and new beginnings for refugees and asylum-seekers. Founded by a former refugee from Vietnam, the shop thrives on volunteer support and aims to empower individuals through community engagement and collaboration with other organizations. With ambitious plans for expansion, BeKinder Coffee continues to create opportunities for refugees while fostering an atmosphere of love and acceptance.

Texas Celebrates One Year of BeKinder Coffee, Supporting Refugees

Texas is marking a significant milestone with the one-year anniversary of BeKinder Coffee, a nonprofit coffee shop in Dallas that aims to assist refugees and asylum-seekers in rebuilding their lives in the United States. Founded by Jane Gow, a former refugee herself, the establishment operates entirely on volunteer support, with all proceeds directly benefiting operations that provide essential services for refugees.

The anniversary celebration, held on Greenville Avenue, brought together community members for a day filled with coffee, snacks, and uplifting stories from refugees who have found a safe and supportive environment at BeKinder Coffee. Gow’s mission underscores the belief that refugees embody resilience, skills, and hope, all vital characteristics that contribute positively to the community.

Supporting Refugee Lives

Among those who have benefited from the initiatives at BeKinder is Ahmed Hias, a 21-year-old refugee from Iraq. After fleeing his country due to persecution for his sexual orientation, Hias began working at BeKinder Coffee shortly after arriving in the U.S. He has taken on the role of barista and team lead, voicing appreciation for the supportive environment created by Gow, which has afforded him both job security and a sense of belonging.

Additionally, Sima Tahaan, a 26-year-old refugee from Afghanistan, works at BeKinder Coffee as a baker and is actively participating in English classes provided by the organization. These educational offerings are part of BeKinder’s broader program to empower refugees and facilitate their integration into society.

Texas Refugee Statistics

In the fiscal year 2023, it is estimated that around 60,000 refugees arrived in the United States, with Texas receiving the highest number of approximately 5,000. The primary countries of origin for these refugees include the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Syria, followed closely by Afghanistan and Iraq. The increase in refugee arrivals presents ongoing challenges as local organizations and resettlement programs strive to provide necessary resources and support.

Collaborative Efforts

BeKinder Coffee partners with various organizations, including Catholic Charities and the International Rescue Committee, to expand job opportunities for refugees in the Dallas area. These collaborations not only help secure jobs but also facilitate training and education, allowing refugees to thrive in their new homes.

Future Expansion Plans

Looking ahead, Gow has unveiled plans for possible expansion. This includes seeking warehouse space and exploring the potential of opening a second location to serve a greater number of individuals in need. The community’s positive response over the past year has provided the foundation for these aspirations.

Internship and Community Engagement

Additionally, BeKinder has engaged young advocates, such as Harvard sophomore Chloe Harmon, who interned at the coffee shop during her summer break. Harmon worked on initiatives aimed at supporting the refugee community and raising awareness for ongoing assistance efforts.

Jane Gow’s Journey

Gow’s background as a former refugee highlights the importance of her mission. Fleeing Vietnam at the age of 13 during the fall of Saigon, she has lived in multiple states before establishing herself in Dallas. Her vision for BeKinder Coffee is influenced by her passion for coffee and her desire to create a welcoming space where communities can share their stories. Under her leadership, many women have transformed from feeling fear to becoming confident and capable individuals in their new environments.

Despite the successes at BeKinder Coffee, challenges persist in the refugee resettlement landscape. Numerous organizations face hurdles related to federal funding uncertainties and shifting political climates, which alter their capacities to assist incoming refugees effectively.

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Author: STAFF HERE COLLEGE WRITER

The COLLEGE STATION STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECollegeStation.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in College Station, Brazos County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Brazos Valley Fair & Rodeo, Chilifest, and Aggie Muster. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bryan-College Station Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Brazos Valley, plus leading businesses in education, biotechnology, and retail that power the local economy such as Texas A&M University, Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies, and H-E-B. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HEREDallas.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.

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