Church World Service

Claude and the CWS Plant Nursery he manages *Warning: this story mentions violent incidents which may be difficult to read.* Over two decades ago, CWS program participant Claude came face-to-face with death. Like many of his fellow Congolese, this close encounter was unexpected and came as a result of the civil war that erupted in the Democratic Republic of Congo ... Read More

Janet’s journey to the United States began with the Diversity Visa Program, a congressionally approved initiative offering immigrants the chance to relocate and work in the U.S. Open to applicants worldwide, the program selects recipients annually on May 4th, requiring a high school diploma or two years of credible work, along with stringent screenings including in-person interviews, health check-ups, and ... Read More

Join us during Refugee Council USA’s 2024 Refugee Advocacy Days the week of May 6th, when hundreds of advocates are traveling to Washington, D.C. to meet with their elected officials to urge them to support people who have been forcibly displaced from their homes. Advocacy Days represent an opportunity for community members across the country to join the call for ... Read More

Since Israel began its bombardment of Gaza in October and as of May 3, more than 34,622 Gazan Palestinians have been killed – nearly half of whom were children – and all 2.23 million people in Gaza are facing acute food insecurity. According to the UN Special Rapporteur on the Right to Food, “Israel has mounted a starvation campaign against ... Read More

Situation:  Over the weekend, extreme widespread storms, including more than 100 tornadoes, were reported across multiple states, including Nebraska, Oklahoma and Iowa.  The storms caused widespread damage and power outages, and initial estimates indicate over 200 homes have been destroyed across these three states, with an additional 180 homes sustaining damage. Dozens of injuries and several deaths have also been ... Read More

On April 14th, 2024, CWS Harrisburg and Messiah University joined forces for a vibrant Family Field Day, showcasing the beauty of collaboration and cultural diversity.  With 320 CWS Harrisburg clients, 28 volunteers, 15 staff members and 50 Messiah University participants in attendance, the event was a vibrant celebration filled with engaging games, mouthwatering food and heartwarming gestures.  Messiah University’s warm ... Read More

Children thrive when they feel safe, secure and have the chance to learn. That’s why, in partnership with Sesame Street in Communities, CWS offices across the country are building Comfy-Cozy Corners—dedicated spaces where refugee children can engage in play, learning and fun activities alongside beloved Sesame Street characters. In April 2024, CWS Harrisburg launched its own Comfy-Cozy Corner, a Sesame ... Read More

Claudia Cardona, changemaker and women’s advocate, has turned her life story into a platform for the voices of many incarcerated and formerly incarcerated women. Through her work and devotion, she has earned a place in national and regional debates, hearings and meetings on the subject. Behind Claudia’s work is a difficult past that has left her with many valuable lessons. ... Read More

In the digital age, access to technology has become an essential component of modern life. From accessing essential services to seeking employment opportunities, the internet has become the gateway to a world of resources. However, for many migrant communities, this digital realm remains elusive, exacerbating the challenges they face in securing adequate housing and other vital necessities. The digital divide ... Read More

Arriving at the Charlotte Douglas International Airport on an early Monday morning in April 2024, I found myself facing a familiar scene: long lines of people waiting at the security checkpoint. Having traveled by air many times before, I knew exactly where to go. Following the signs, I made my way directly to gate C10, bound for Pennsylvania to visit ... Read More

Navigating the complex world of housing is a daunting task for many, but for newly arrived communities, it can be an overwhelming challenge. Church World Service (CWS) in Jersey City witnesses these struggles firsthand. “Housing is really difficult; we have many cases and not enough houses,” remarks Susy, a case manager at CWS Jersey City. Despite the challenges, CWS is ... Read More

Encouraging and selfless are a couple of the words used to describe Matumaini Narcecine, a lead farmer at Nyarugusu refugee camp in Tanzania. Since joining the CWS-supported vegetable farming program two years ago, she has become a leader—passionate about uplifting others, especially women, in her community. As a Burundian refugee, Matumaini has experienced gender inequality. “In our traditions, women they ... Read More

What does it mean to have the right to care for and be cared for? What are countries doing or failing to do to protect this fundamental right of individuals? These were some of the main points addressed by members of the International Network of Women Family Members of Persons Deprived of Liberty, known as RIMUF, along with allied organizations ... Read More

In a small village in Kupang, West Timor  lives Mama Orpa, who spends her days in the hot sun weeding grass on her plot of land. Mama Orpa works alongside other farmers who work together to grow corn. One thing about Mama Orpa that has been consistent for many years is her resilience. At the same time, however, a new ... Read More

Church World Service is excited to announce collaborative efforts between the Haitian Bridge Alliance, Woori Juntos and Aaliah Higareda, a Goshen College graphic design student, to develop multilingual signage for use by border shelters. The signage, which can be understood by literate guests in multiple languages, employs graphics for non-literate guests’ comprehension, and is available free to interested shelters and ... Read More

Late on March 22 – nearly halfway into this fiscal year – Congress finally passed an FY 2024 appropriations bill that will keep the government funded through September 30. The bill covered a number of key refugee accounts and policies, including the account that supports services for unaccompanied children under the Refugee and Entrant Assistance Account (REA), administered by the ... Read More

For as long as she can remember, Delice Y. Lynch’s life in the Bahamas has been marked by her passion for helping vulnerable populations. She shared, “Before my transformative experience with the Bahamas Psychological Association…, my efforts were focused on distributing food to those in need, especially during the challenging times of the Covid-19 lockdown.” n the summer of 2023, ... Read More

Before Hurricane Dorian, Dr. Gregory Swann’s life as a police and public safety psychologist on Grand Bahama Island revolved around collaboration with government agencies, including the Royal Bahamas Police Force. However, the emergencies caused by Hurricane Dorian led him on a transformative journey, expanding his role and perspective. The Bahamas Psychological Association’s (BPA) Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) project ... Read More

Scroll through images above to see photos of Tonda’s recent visit to Kakuma Kakuma, in Swahili, means “nowhere.” But for over 250,000 refugees, this place is not just a spot on the map of Kenya; it is a sanctuary, it’s a temporary home. My journey to Kakuma Refugee Camp unfolded stories that were as heart-wrenching as they were inspiring. Today, ... Read More

In the heart of McPherson, Kansas, a community of just over 14,000 residents, a dedicated group of individuals has come together with a singular mission: to sponsor and support Ukrainian families seeking refuge and opportunity in their town. Nancy Magnall and Tina Burkholder, two remarkable members of the McPherson Welcomers, spoke to Church World Service about their sponsorship experiences through ... Read More