From Sea to Shore: Olena’s Journey
Olena, from Ukraine, says that becoming a refugee is like being thrown into the ocean. Keep reading to hear more of her story and how a local church joined our staff to welcome her and her son. Flight I’m here because a war started in my country and I had to leave as soon…
Read MoreHome Was No Longer a Safe Haven
by Jose Serrano and our Partners in Tijuana // Carlos is a veteran of the Colombian armed forces. According to him, guerillas have begun to regain control throughout Colombia in the past few years. ‘Because of my previous work with the military, I am no longer safe in Colombia,’ says Carlos. Most recently, he, his wife,…
Read MoreChange That Lasts Through Mutual Transformation
by Judy and Mike Palm // At World Relief SoCal, we often talk about mutual transformation as a central goal for relationships within our community: among churches, between volunteers and newcomers, between staff and neighbors. But what does it take to build the kind of authentic friendships that would lead to mutual transformation? We interviewed…
Read MoreFrequently Asked Questions: Refugee Resettlement in the Chippewa Valley
Who are refugees? Under U.S. and international law, refugees are individuals who are outside of their country of origin who have a well-founded fear of persecution on account of their race, religion, political opinion, national origin or particular social group. Globally, there an estimated 35.3 million refugees who meet this definition. Back in 1980, the…
Read MoreFrom Refugee to Creating Lasting Change
Oksana’s Story Oksana Verovaya and her husband embarked on a daunting journey, fleeing Ukraine with their two small children, and seeking refuge in the U.S. Their escape was driven by the persecution they faced as Christians, which compelled them to seek safety and freedom in a foreign land. First fleeing to Moscow, they had to…
Read MoreRefugee Stories: Meet Malian
There’s someone we’d like you to meet. At just 16, Malian was forced to flee his home in Burma. For the next 15 years, he and his young family waited for a place where they could rebuild their lives. This is his refugee story. Every June, we invite people like you to celebrate World Refugee…
Read More“World Relief Cup” Raises Support for Refugee Resettlement Services
In recognition of World Refugee month in June, World Relief Western Washington is hosting the inaugural World Relief Cup soccer tournament to celebrate the resilience and contributions of local refugees. The tournament begins at 9 a.m. and the championship games occur at 6:00 p.m. The final awards ceremony and celebration will take place at 7:30…
Read MoreThurston County Hosts “From Home to Home” Refugee Resettlement Simulation Event
From Home to Home is an experiential exhibit that builds understanding around the crisis of forced displacement. Refugees and asylees face many challenges and difficult decisions along their journey to resettlement. From Home to Home simulates these decision points and common difficulties in a walk-through exhibit. Our staff will guide you through the exhibit, help debrief the experience, and facilitate a debrief time over snacks and hot drinks.
Read MorePrayer for Syria and Turkey After Devastating Earthquakes
Join World Relief Western Washington in lifting up a prayer for Syria and Turkey. On February 6, 2023, two earthquakes caused enormous destruction. Currently, thousands of people have died and many thousands more are injured or missing. The process of rebuilding homes, businesses, and lives will take many years. Within our community at World Relief…
Read MorePrayer for Syria and Turkey After Devastating Earthquakes
Join World Relief Chicagoland in lifting up a prayer for Syria and Turkey. On February 6, 2023, two earthquakes caused enormous destruction. Currently, thousands of people have died and many thousands more are injured or missing. The process of rebuilding homes, businesses, and lives will take many years. Within our community at World Relief Chicagoland,…
Read MoreResiliency & Hope in the Midst of Persecution
Fleeing Persecution in Cambodia When Sithy and his wife, Saobot, arrived in the United States in March of 2022, he was not sure what his life would look like. He had been rejected, persecuted, and imprisoned for his political affiliation in Cambodia. Both Sithy and Saobot’s siblings and other family members remain in Cambodia. While…
Read MoreI Was No Longer Safe in My Country: Yomardy’s Story of Seeking Asylum
Yomardy never imagined what would happen to her during a trip to the U.S. as a Fulbright Scholar from Venezuela – particularly a situation that would force her to seek asylum.
Read MoreNews from H.O.M.E.: Serving Asylum Seekers
Early in 2022, we featured a post by Hannah Thompson, World Relief Chicagoland’s Immigrant Family Services Volunteer Coordinator who works with the staff and community volunteers who serve asylum seekers through the H.O.M.E. Program. Now, Hannah is back, sharing what has changed since January. First, what is the H.O.M.E. Program? World Relief Chicagoland created the…
Read MoreThe Long Road to Citizenship: Prince’s Story
Reflecting on September as the time of year that we celebrate citizenship with #CitizenshipDay, a day inviting, “Americans to reflect on the rights and responsibilities of citizenship,” we invite you to continue reading to learn about one of our own’s story, Prince Mushunju and his wife, Laurette! Becoming a citizen affords a lot of privileges…
Read MoreSudanese Student Begins First Semester at Local University
Darelsalam Karama’s family arrived in the United States in 2018 when she was fourteen. In those four years, Darelsalam was placed in many different environments that brought about many challenges. “We started at Thomasville Middle School, and everything was so different from Sudan,” she says. “My native languages are Arabic and Zaghawa, so I went…
Read MoreAnswering Your Questions About Asylum Seekers
Last week, buses sent from Texas began arriving in Chicago carrying asylum seekers from the U.S. southern border. Since then, local government officials and organizations have been working quickly to ensure that the new arrivals have access to food, housing, and the other essentials every human needs to survive—while also creating longer-term solutions. With the…
Read MoreWorld Relief Memphis Stands Alongside Grieving Community In Wake of Tragic Loss
September 9, 2022 CONTACT:Audrey Gardenaudrey.garden@pinkston.co571-405-1606 MEMPHIS, Tenn., September 9, 2022 – World Relief Memphis is heartbroken over the loss of life and injuries inflicted as a result of the devastating shootings in Memphis that occurred on Wednesday. We also join Second Presbyterian Church and the broader community in mourning the loss of Eliza Fletcher. World…
Read MoreA Common Roadblock to Citizenship: Carlos’ Story
The day Carlos went into the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to renew his driver’s license nearly cost him everything he struggled for on his path to U.S. citizenship.
Read MoreWelcome Home, Rezvan!
“Our whole lives were like moving from city to city or from country to country.” – Rezvan
1 Year After Kabul…Farishta’s Story
Today marks one year since Kabul fell to the Taliban. Read Farishta’s captivating story as she fled Afghanistan with her family, and was resettled in North Texas by World Relief. By Kelsey Whaley
Read More5 Ways to Keep Welcoming Afghans
In August 2021, the U.S. military withdrew from Afghanistan, and Kabul fell to the Taliban. Many Afghans who had assisted the U.S. government were left at considerable risk. Since the withdrawal, an estimated 84,600 Afghans have been evacuated to the U.S. Over the last year, people like you have helped us welcome over 330 of…
Read MoreAnzhella’s Story: Do Unto Others
“My mom was so grateful. Even for the littlest things, she would say, ‘Thank you God!’ She would appreciate everything.” Anzhella (she goes by Angela here in the United States because people often have trouble pronouncing her given name correctly) came to the US when she was six years old. In addition to a twin…
Read MoreMeeting New Neighbors: First Impressions
Balinda. Anzhella. Rezvan. Ibadallah. Aziz. Ivan. Massuda. Elena. Haitham. Ivan. Abdul. Andrey. Morella. Halima. Viktorya. Just saying the names of a few of the people and new neighbors I have met in my first week of work at World Relief Spokane makes me smile. They come from the Ukraine, Congo, Afghanistan, Russia — places I…
Read More1 Year After Kabul…Farishta’s Story
Today marks one year since Kabul fell to the Taliban. Read Farishta’s captivating story as she fled Afghanistan with her family, and was resettled in North Texas by World Relief. By Kelsey Whaley
Read MoreWorld Relief Praises Bipartisan Introduction of the Afghan Adjustment Act in Congress, Urges Swift Congressional Passage and Support by the President
August 9, 2022 CONTACT:Audrey Gardenaudrey.garden@pinkston.co571-405-1606 BALTIMORE — Today, World Relief praises the bipartisan introduction of an Afghan Adjustment Act in both the U.S. Senate and the U.S. House and urges swift congressional passage of the bill. Over 70,000 Afghans were evacuated to the U.S. in the weeks following the fall of Kabul one year ago…
Read MoreWorld Relief Praises Bipartisan Introduction of the Afghan Adjustment Act in Congress, Urges Swift Congressional Passage and Support by the President
August 9, 2022 CONTACT:Audrey Gardenaudrey.garden@pinkston.co571-405-1606 BALTIMORE — Today, World Relief praises the bipartisan introduction of an Afghan Adjustment Act in both the U.S. Senate and the U.S. House and urges swift congressional passage of the bill. Over 70,000 Afghans were evacuated to the U.S. in the weeks following the fall of Kabul one year ago…
Read MoreHow You Can Take Action for Refugees and Immigrants in Chicago
Though news channels and social media might fixate on issues on the national stage, one of the most important ways you can support your immigrant and refugee neighbors is by advocating for them on the local level. Advocating for action in your own community is one of the best ways to make a difference for…
Read More5 Times in U.S. History When Christians Advocated for Refugees and Immigrants
This year, the number of displaced people reached 100 million. That includes refugees, asylum seekers, and 53.2 million people displaced within their home country by conflict. And it’s a higher number than ever recorded in history. In light of this, World Relief and other organizations have called for action – by the U.S. Government, community…
Read MoreA Refugee Family’s Long Resettlement Journey
For refugees seeking to rebuild their lives, their journey to the United States can be long and fraught with challenges. While the average time it takes for a refugee to be vetted and screened to come to the U.S. is about two years, many people leave their homes long before. UNHCR reports that some refugees…
Read MoreAli’s Story: A Refugee Pharmacist Using His Career to Give Back to Others
In 2010, a man named Ali AlQaisi arrived to the U.S. as a refugee from Iraq. At home in Baghdad, he had worked as a pharmacist. But when he and his family arrived to the United States, he faced the challenge of starting over entirely. He had to rebuild his life. He had to restart…
Read MoreHow You Can Lead from Where You Are
Leadership reflection from World Relief Chicagoland Executive Director Susan Sperry. At World Relief, we regularly say that we want to create communities of love and welcome. I believe that this is an important vision. In fact, it’s a guiding idea that has motivated much of my own decision-making and sense of calling in my life…
Read MoreFrom Volunteers to Friends through Welcome
Volunteers Nancy Montgomery and Peter Jennings share their journeys as active World Relief Triad partners working to build relationships with Afghan immigrants through producing a message of holistic, sustainable change and welcome to their community. The Journey to Volunteering For Good Neighbor Team members Nancy Montgomery and Peter Jennings, they can trace their desire to…
Read MoreImpact Report: Key Metrics from the 2021 Year in Review
This year, the World Relief Chicagoland community continues walking alongside immigrants and refugees throughout Chicagoland by providing vital services through a community of staff, volunteers, church partners, grant funders, business leaders, and other individuals. In 2021, we remembered the African proverb: To go fast, go alone. To go far, go together. These words inspired the…
Read MorePhoto Essay: The Afghan Seamstress Sewing Beautiful Garments in Her New Community
Meet Samira On a cold day in the middle of Illinois winter, the home of Samira* and her family has vibrant colors. Though the family only arrived in the U.S. a few months before, they have been busy. And much of what Samira has done is create. This photo essay showcases the beautiful garments that…
Read MoreVideo: We Believe the Church Can Change the World
Watch a video with reasons why we at World Relief believe in the power of the Church to show the love of Jesus Christ to the world.
Read MoreCommunity Partner Highlight: How a High-Schooler Mobilized Her Church to Donate 1,600 Pounds of Food
When assigned a year-long research project for her senior year of high school, Kamree Anderson knew exactly what topic to choose. What she didn’t know is that she would use this project to inspire long-term change. Where It All Began Senior Kamree knew for the subject of her final, ~15-page paper, she would have to…
Read MoreLent Prayer Guide: A Call to Give
What is Lent? Lent is a time to reflect on the death and resurrection of Jesus. In this time of reflection, Lent is also a call to give up something for 40 days. We do this in order to not only become more aware of God’s presence in us, but to give in to who…
Read MoreA Model for Corporate Partnership: GForce Life Sciences
At World Relief Chicagoland, we love working with partners in a holistic way especially when we share the core value of serving people in vulnerable situations. A holistic partnership is about more than writing a check (though it is one way to make an impact). It involves mobilizing people in your company to engage in…
Read MoreCelebrating International Mother Language Day
Perhaps like me, you were surprised and intrigued to learn that International Mother Language Day (IMLD) is a global celebration. First proclaimed in 1999 by UNESCO, the goal of the day is “to promote linguistic and cultural diversity and multilingualism.” This year, the theme of IMLD is about the use of technology in language education. From…
Read MoreFinally, I’m Home: Raphael’s Story of 8 Years Waiting for Resettlement
Watch Raphael tell his story of waiting for resettlement and joyfully coming to the United States after eight years.
Read MoreCozy Recipes for Winter from 5 Different Cultures
It’s February, and for those of us in Chicago, that means frigid winter temperatures. Winter means brisk walks breathing in the cold winter air and snow days spent bundled up indoors. These cold, dark months feel like the perfect excuse to get cozy. And when I think of cozy, I think of hot drinks. I…
Read MoreWatch this Family Reunite After 9 Years Apart
Why Family Reunification is Needed Can you imagine fleeing your home? And not just leaving behind your community. Becoming separated from your family too. Sadly, the circumstances that push refugees from their homes often separate families. And this creates countless hardships. Sometimes there are tragic consequences. The loss has a lasting emotional impact that affects…
Read MoreThree Stories of Welcoming Refugees Across the U.S.
Did you know that World Relief Chicagoland is just one office location among 17 other U.S. offices of World Relief? As we welcome refugees and serve immigrants throughout the Chicago area, we know that across the country, other offices are doing their part to welcome new arrivals to their cities! Each shares a vision for…
Read MoreWhat Is It Like to Intern with World Relief?
Real Responsibilities, Meaningful Experience Are you looking for an internship where you can gain practical experience? Do you have a passion for justice or a desire to learn about issues faced by refugee and immigrants? From the start, as a World Relief Chicagoland intern, you have real responsibilities. With that comes the opportunity to engage…
Read More4 Resources From World Relief Staff That Have Shaped Their Journey: MLK Day
At World Relief, we are committed to welcoming refugees and immigrants as they rebuild their lives in the United States. Together, we’ve come alongside over 40,000 people seeking refuge in Chicagoland. Yet there still remains over 80 million people displaced from their homes around the world. This reminds us of Martin Luther King Jr. when…
Read MoreNew Opportunity in the U.S.: Jenny’s Story
Watch Jenny tell her story of being a refugee with big dreams who came to the U.S. and seized the opportunity of a brighter future.
Read MoreAn Update on How the H.O.M.E. Program Is Serving Asylum Seekers Throughout Chicagoland
The following update is from Hannah Thompson, World Relief Chicagoland’s Immigrant Family Services Volunteer Coordinator who works with staff and community volunteers in the H.O.M.E. program for asylum seekers. What is H.O.M.E.? World Relief Chicagoland created the H.O.M.E. program with the knowledge that asylum seekers are among the most vulnerable immigrants. Like refugees, asylum seekers…
Read MoreSomething New: A Devotional for 2022
by Gaby Keim, Changemaker Team Lead With a very unpredictable year behind us, we step forward into 2022. We may find ourselves yet again in the unpredictability, but we can have confidence that God is about to do something new just as he has done for generations before. What could that “something new” be for…
Read MoreReflections on 2021 from Executive Director Susan Sperry
The following letter is from Susan Sperry, World Relief Chicagoland’s Executive Director, who oversees World Relief’s work across three offices in Aurora, Chicago (Albany Park), and DuPage County (Carol Stream) and shared her leadership reflections at the close of 2021. Read more of Susan’s thoughts by following her on Twitter! To all of World Relief…
Read MoreHoliday Gift Guide 2021
Welcome to World Relief Chicagoland’s first annual holiday gift guide! We’ve created a holiday gift guide that creates change with every gift you buy. When you purchase a gift from the holiday gift guide, you’ll be a part of building welcoming communities for refugees and immigrants. So, what are you waiting for? This holiday season,…
Read MoreReceiving to Give: Agali’s Story
As a client of World Relief and recipient of locally raised funds, Agali realizes the impact that the community had in shaping his story. The Hopeful Journey Following his arrival to the United States on September 27th, Agali didn’t know when he would work again. Settling in the United States consumed the next month of his and…
Read MoreAdvent Prayer Guide: Taking Heart
We dwell in a world still racked with extreme poverty, violence, mass displacement, and suffering. Covid-19 continues to expose these realities of injustice in new and overwhelming ways, and it feels debilitating. Advent is a moment to enter in, hold these realities, bring the grief we carry, sit in the brokenness, and long together for…
Read More4-Week Advent Devotional: An Invitation to Welcome
This free Advent devotional will guide you and your loved ones through each week of Advent in light of Christ’s call to welcome the stranger.
Read MoreWhy World Relief Chicagoland Staff Are Thankful This Year
Read the testimonies of World Relief Chicagoland staff sharing why they are thankful, and then join us in giving thanks!
Read MoreThanksgiving: Inviting You to a Moment of Praise and Prayer
This Thanksgiving, here are some ways to praise God and to pray for how God is moving at World Relief Chicagoland.
Read MoreHow to “Drive” Change by Donating Your Car
Learn how donating your vehicle to World Relief Chicagoland removes the barrier of transportation and provides a life-changing gift.
Read MoreHow the Affordable Housing Crisis Is Impacting Refugee Families
We all want to build communities where refugees and immigrants are welcome. But how can we do that if they don’t even have a place to call home? The lack of affordable housing has created a challenge – but it’s one we can work together to tackle. The U.S. is in the middle of an…
Read MoreMaría’s Story: Letter from a New U.S. Citizen
Read how the life-changing help María received at World Relief helped her navigate the immigration legal process and become a US citizen.
Read More5 Impacts of Resettling Refugees
What happens when countries increase refugee resettlement? The current U.S. presidential administration recently announced that the refugee ceiling for the 2022 federal fiscal year (which began on October 1, 2021, and will continue through September 30, 2022) will be 125,000. Reaching this number will be difficult. Policy changes from the former presidential administration and the…
Read MoreSoulmates Wait to be Reunited
One of our clients shares his hopes of being finally reunited with his family.
Read MoreLoving Patient Care
December 16, 2020 Article by Robert Carroll In this month’s feature, read how an immigrant from Sierra Leone is now using her skill as a nurse, and her compassion for people in need, to help a refugee woman with her years-long health crisis. The name of the patient has been changed for privacy reasons. Life as…
Read MoreIt Takes a Village
It was 3 p.m. on a Tuesday afternoon when we got the call. A woman in the Congolese community had contracted COVID-19 — the first of what would turn out to be many cases for the Congolese living in the Quad Cities area. My mind raced with questions as we worked to determine the best…
Read MoreLIVE UPDATES: World Relief Responds to COVID-19
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to unfold, it’s effect on individuals and communities across the globe only grows. Though our world may be changing every day, our mission at World Relief remains unchanged.
Read MoreAn Invitation to Reflection
Last week, our U.S. staff gathered together for a time of prayer and lament for the life of George Floyd and the many others who have lost their lives due to systemic racism this year. World Relief’s Karen Gonzalez led our team through a devotional on the Emmaus Road and challenged us all to be…
Read MoreThe Villanueva Family: What’s It Like to Be a New Arrival?
It was a challenge from the beginning. Moving to a new country is never easy – much less so as a refugee family with only three bags of possessions and limited English. But the Villanueva family stayed open to the experience and embraced life in a new city.
Read More10 Bible Verses for When You Feel Overwhelmed
Where do you turn when you feel overwhelmed? Here are 10 Bible verses to lean on.
Read More[WEBINAR] Fall of Kabul: 3 Years Later
Three years after the fall of Kabul, Afghan immigrants and humanitarian workers share what’s happening and how to support Afghan communities.
Read MoreWRD’s Advocacy Coordinator, Jada Alicea-Rochelle, Nominated Leader in Diversity by Triangle Business Journal
Jada Alicea-Rochelle is our NC Advocacy Coordinator and was recently awarded the 2024 Leaders in Diversity from the Triangle Business Center! In her role she partners with churches and community members across North Carolina to advocate for just and compassionate approaches to immigration on a state and federal level. Jada took some time to expound…
Read More10 Bible Verses for When You Feel Overwhelmed
Where do you turn when you feel overwhelmed? Here are 10 Bible verses to lean on.
Read MoreThe Top 5 Immigration Myths Debunked
Immigration has always been a hot topic in our country’s political landscape — even more so during an election year.
Read MoreDisplaced in Ukraine: Fleeing with 5 children and 1 suitcase
A family fled their native city, taking just one bag of belongings. Displaced in Ukraine, they spent their last funds on rent in another city. Learn how they coped.
Read MoreAnnouncement: WRD’s Run for Refugees 5k
Join us for World Relief Durham’s first Run for Refugees 5k on October 26, 2024 on Duke University’s East Campus. Today, there are over 120 million people around the globe who have been forced to leave their homes. Threatened by extreme persecution, violence, and oppression, they left behind everything familiar to seek a life free from fear. For some, their…
Read MoreDisplaced in Ukraine: Fleeing with 5 children and 1 suitcase
A family fled their native city, taking just one bag of belongings. Displaced in Ukraine, they spent their last funds on rent in another city. Learn how they coped.
Read MoreThe Top 5 Immigration Myths Debunked
Immigration has always been a hot topic in our country’s political landscape — even more so during an election year.
Read More