Posts by chicagoland
Beyond the Camp: A Refugee Family’s Journey from Burma to the Chicago Suburbs
At their modest townhouse in the Chicago suburbs, Too Too and her husband Poe Wah look through pictures from over 25 years ago. These are not the kind of images that fill what many think of as a typical family album. One picture stands out. It shows two men sweeping an outdoor concrete patio. A…
Read MoreFrom Survival to Strength: Refugees Finding Their Place in the Workforce
This blog is a guest blog written by World Relief Chicagoland Employment Specialist, Barb Galli Watching a young Eritrean mother stride confidently into work three weeks after starting her first job reminded me why I do what I do at World Relief. It was her first day of work and I was dropping her off…
Read MoreMoved to Welcome: How Our Church Walked, Biked, and Ran for Refugees
This blog is a guest blog written by volunteer Heather Ipema A mom walks her children to school instead of driving. Two men embark on a 20-mile bike ride. A husband and wife go for a run together after work. What do all of these seemingly disconnected movements have in common? They were intentional and…
Read MoreBuilding a Future Through English: Igor’s Story
Igor and his wife arrived in the U.S. two years and five months ago, seeking safety and stability after fleeing the war in Ukraine. Back home, Igor had built a successful career—first as a mechanic, then as an IT specialist, and eventually as a department director at a metallurgical plant. Now, in the U.S., he…
Read MoreWelcoming Refugees Starts with You: Walk with someone like Khin Lay
Imagine spending over 15 years in a country that doesn’t legally recognize you. This is the reality for countless refugees around the world, including those in Malaysia, where Khin Lay fled to escape conflict in her home country of Myanmar. Now, after nearly a year in the US, she and her family are building their…
Read More5 Times the Church Advocated for Refugees and Immigrants in U.S. History
Throughout history, the church has consistently spoken up about the needs of those facing persecution and suffering. Here are five times in U.S. history when the church advocated for refugees and immigrants.
Read MoreMaryolga’s Journey: Seeking Stability in a New Land
In late December, Maryolga arrived in Chicagoland through the refugee program, seeking safety and a fresh start. She traveled with her 15-year-old daughter and elderly mother, reuniting with her 19-year-old son, who was already in the U.S. Their journey reflects a broader exodus; since 2014, over 7.7 million Venezuelans have fled their homeland due to…
Read MoreMahasen’s Story: A Refugee Perspective
The government left a critical funding gap on January 25th when it ended its commitment to provide essential needs and services for Mahasen and her kids during their first 90 days in the US. She is a Syrian single mother of five. She arrived as a refugee days before the stop work order was given…
Read MoreFlying to New Heights: Ihosef’s Story
When Ihosef was a boy, he dreamed of airplanes. His mother Yolette worked as a legal consultant at an airport, and on the days when he came to work with her, the planes amazed him. “I was always good at taking things apart and putting them back together,” says Ihosef. “Planes especially interested me. I…
Read More13 Years of Separation: Now Welcomed Home
After coming to the United States as a refugee, Hodan communicated with her family only through phone calls and WhatsApp for 13 years. Her mother, Safia, and her sisters, Seynab and Yagsir, were 8,000 miles away in eastern Ethiopia. In September 2024, their long separation finally ended. Thanks to your partnership with World Relief Chicagoland’s…
Read More