For years, World Relief Sacramento faced an uphill battle in serving families waiting for reunification under the Lautenberg and RIF programs. Federal program obstacles and funding challenges left us unable to provide the support many applicants desperately needed. But all of that changed this year. With programs reopening and funding for a staff position, we were finally able to reignite the process of bringing families back together—and the results have been nothing short of inspiring.
It all began on May 13, 2024, when Eric Pristupa joined our team as our dedicated Resettlement Associate and took on the monumental task of reaching out to over 363 individuals who had been waiting, some for over two years, for updates on their Lautenberg and RIF applications. Eric’s mission was to break that silence and provide the long-awaited updates these families so desperately needed. Reflecting on this experience, Eric shared, “It’s hard to put a face to the word ‘refugee.’ But seeing these Lautenberg applicants and hearing their stories, you realize they’re more than just a name or a number; they are real-life human beings asking for help, reaching out for support.”
Eric started reaching out to clients in batches of twenty, offering guidance and answering questions, often learning on the go. It wasn’t easy, but Eric wasn’t alone in this journey. His supervisors, Andi and Vanessa, provided steady support and encouragement, while seasoned veterans in family reunification, like Alla, Evgeny, Ted, Yuliya, and Natalya, offered invaluable insights from their wealth of experience. Together, they formed a determined and passionate team.
Despite the challenges, Eric found profound purpose in his work. “The most exciting part? It’s simply the reunification of families. Seeing parents’ faces light up when they know they’ll see their daughter or son again—it’s that feeling of hope. I’m so happy we get to give hope to people, may God bless them all.”
As the weeks went on, the momentum picked up, especially with the arrival of our new intern, Gulzar. A bright international business student from Kyrgyzstan, Gulzar’s quick thinking, swift data entry skills, and fluency in Russian helped accelerate the process almost overnight. Her contributions nearly doubled the pace at which Eric was able to reach families. Eric praised his team, saying, “I’m so proud of our Resettlement Team. They’re doing more than just work; they’re finding purpose and meaning in helping others find freedom. Specifically for family reunification, Gulzar’s patience and perseverance were key in our success.”
However, the work came with frustrations too. “Logistics and support have been the biggest hurdles,” Eric admitted. “We could have helped so many more clients if we had the right infrastructure and resources.” Despite these challenges, his faith remains strong. “I pray for family reunifications to happen soon for the families we applied for this year. Some families wait three to seven years because of all the background checks and interviews. But I trust in God’s timing.”
In the end, the entire team’s effort led to a triumphant victory. By reaching out to every single one of the 363 individuals on the World Relief Sacramento waitlist, they provided the much-anticipated updates needed to complete their applications. For families who had been waiting for years, it was a moment of joy and hope, marking a significant milestone in our mission to reunite loved ones.
Eric’s message to readers is simple yet profound: “Get involved! I know stepping out of your comfort zone into a cross-cultural experience is challenging. But there is so much reward, so much grace, and so much love to be shared. Whether through volunteering, donating, or supporting resettlement via social media, you can make a difference.”
While we celebrate this victory, the work is far from over. There are still families who need our help, and our capacity to serve more people can grow with your support. By giving, you can help us expand our family reunification efforts through programs such as Lautenberg and RIF, ensuring that more families are brought back together after years of separation.
As Eric reminds us, “If we take a moment to sit down and truly look into the eyes of those we often overlook, we’ll discover they’re just like us. They long to see their families again, live safely, and pursue their dreams. Together, we can create a world that transforms our cities and influences our churches by reaching out to those we don’t yet know.”
Join us in this journey of hope—together, we can make a difference.
By Analise York
Analise is the Marketing & Events Coordinator at World Relief Sacramento.