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 is home to BeKinder Coffee, a nonprofit coffee shop founded by Jane Gow, a former refugee from Vietnam, who recently celebrated the café’s first anniversary. The establishment aims to support refugees and asylum-seekers in their journey to build new lives in the United States. Located on Greenville Avenue in Dallas, BeKinder Coffee operates entirely through volunteer efforts, with all generated proceeds directed back into programs that aid refugees.

The anniversary celebration featured a community event that offered coffee and snacks for attendees. During the celebration, Gow highlighted the contribution refugees make to society, emphasizing their resilience, skills, and hope. She shared the transformative power BeKinder Coffee has had not only on its employees but also on the local community.

Among the staff, Ahmed Hias, a 21-year-old refugee from Iraq who fled his home due to persecution for being gay, serves as a barista and team lead. He started his role at BeKinder Coffee in March, shortly after arriving in the United States. Hias expressed sincere gratitude for Gow’s guidance, which he said helped him find acceptance and security in his new environment.

Another employee, Sima Tahaan, a 26-year-old from Afghanistan, works as a baker at BeKinder Coffee while attending English classes to further her education. This opportunity not only allows her to earn a livelihood but also to enhance her language skills essential for thriving in the U.S.

In fiscal year 2023, approximately 60,000 refugees came to the United States, with Texas being the state that received the highest number—approximately 5,000. The Democratic Republic of the Congo and Syria were the leading countries of origin for these refugees, followed closely by individuals from Afghanistan and Iraq. BeKinder Coffee partners with various organizations, such as Catholic Charities and the International Rescue Committee, to create job opportunities for these individuals.

Looking to the future, Gow has announced plans for expansion, including the potential acquisition of warehouse space and the possibility of opening a second location. This development aims to increase the café’s capacity to support more refugees and enhance its offerings. The coffee shop also serves as a community hub where people can come together, share stories, and build connections over a shared love for coffee.

Furthermore, the impact of BeKinder Coffee extends to the academic world, as evidenced by the summer internship of Harvard sophomore Chloe Harmon. Harmon worked at the café to provide support to the refugee community while advocating for ongoing assistance for those navigating resettlement challenges.

Gow’s personal journey in the U.S. began when she arrived alone at the age of 13 during the fall of Saigon, marking a significant chapter in her life. After living in various states, she has established herself in Dallas, where her mission focuses on empowering women through employment and educational opportunities. Gow noted the remarkable transformations she has witnessed among women in her employ, many of whom have transitioned from feelings of fear to thriving in their new environments.

The challenges facing refugee resettlement programs are underscored by ongoing uncertainties surrounding federal funding and political factors that affect the capacity to support refugees effectively. Despite these challenges, BeKinder Coffee remains committed to fulfilling its mission of helping refugees and asylum-seekers in their quest for a better life.

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Author: STAFF HERE GEORGETOWN

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