About

Get To Know The Organization That Helps
The Less-Fortunate

The City of Refuge International is committed to helping people in the Democratic Republic of Congo. We are a non-profit organization offering various sustainability programs that help provide for their short and long-term basic needs.

You can leave a lasting impression by giving hope to those in need today. Let us work together to change their lives.

Our Mission

The City of Refuge International’s primary purpose shall be to directly serve the people of the Democratic Republic of Congo (D.R.C) through the love of Christ by:

  • Caring for Orphans
  • Providing Microloans
  • Providing Crisis Relief
  • Funding Livestock Development
  • Feeding the Hungry
  • Supporting Agriculture
  • Offering Medical Services
  • Providing Humanitarian Aid
  • Promoting Sustainability
  • Providing Education & Training

Our Team

We are composed of many people working together and reaching out in practical ways to touch the lives of the Congolese people. Our current board and staff members are Richard Kitumba, Laurene Bates, Chelsa Hugo, Randy Stouts, Crissy Yarborough, and Heidi Gaines.

A man in a suit and blue shirt

Richard Banza Kitumba

President
Richard was born and raised in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. At the age of 21, he moved to North America. He attended the University of Oregon, where he earned a BA in Family and Human Services, a Master’s degree in Public Administration, and a Graduate Certificate in Non-profit Management.
With a passion to empower the people of the Democratic Republic of Congo, he founded The City of Refuge International, Inc. in 2007. Since then, the organization has helped thousands of people in the DRC. Richard has provided motivational speaking and Christian ministry in Europe, Africa, and North America. He also offers services to schools, businesses, and small groups. He currently lives in Springfield, Oregon with his three children.

A group of people posing for the camera in an open field.
A woman with short hair is smiling for the camera.

Crissy Yarborough

Chairman of the Board

Marketing/Fundraising Coordinator

Crissy is a registered nurse. She has worked at McKenzie Willamette Medical Center for more than 29 years. She grew up in Springfield, Oregon, and continues to live there with her husband and two sons. Her passion for social justice has led her to market and start a fundraiser for City of Refuge International (CORI). She is also passionate about child sponsorship, issues surrounding hunger, and women’s empowerment. Aside from that, Crissy developed Emilie’s Tea in honor of Emilie Kabamba Bulungo who, before her passing, was an integral part of CORI. Emilie was the mother of the founder of our organization. She worked tirelessly to help the people of the Democratic Republic of Congo. To honor her, women gather twice a year and raise money for CORI.

A woman with short hair wearing a black shirt.

Judy Borgstahl

Treasurer

Judy was raised in a rural area of South Springfield, Oregon. Currently, she resides in Creswell, Oregon, with her husband. In addition to having four children, she also has three grandchildren. She has worked for Lane County, Oregon, for 31 years and has now retired. After retiring, Judy enjoys traveling, camping, and fishing with her husband. Judy is passionate about advocating for the less fortunate and the suffering.

Get in Touch

Let us work together in helping people in DCR. Reach out to one of our members today to learn more.