Posts by chicagoland
How Refugee Children Reshape Resettlement for Their Families
It’s easy to overlook the unique role refugee children have in the resettlement process. Yet the part they play not only impacts how quickly their family can adapt to life in the U.S. It also can determine how successfully they fully integrate.
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 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 MoreEveryday Advocacy: Simple Actions That Lead to Justice
Many define advocacy as acting, speaking, or writing in support of something or someone; often with those in a position to make change – or as we shared in last week’s blog – advocacy is “putting love into action.” But beyond public advocacy, calling our political representatives, we can practice everyday advocacy: using our voices…
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 MoreBecoming a US Citizen Removes a Barrier to Justice.
Celebrating the 4th of July for a naturalized citizen can have a different flavor. It is an indescribable feeling of pride, freedom, and belonging. A naturalized citizen is a person with legal permanent resident status, who has made the choice to become a US citizen. Specifically, he or she has fulfilled the requirements established by…
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 More20 Ways to Learn More About Refugees
Around the world, 103 million people have been forcibly displaced from their homes — the highest number in recorded history. Of those, 32.5 million are considered refugees, having fled across an international border due to war, violence, conflict or persecution. That’s millions of mothers and fathers, daughters and sons, teachers, doctors and friends — each…
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 MoreA Reflection During Volunteer Appreciation Month
Along with the coming of spring and the celebration of Easter, April is when World Relief celebrates National Volunteer Appreciation week. A week when we recognize the profound impact of volunteers and the lasting change they bring to our communities.
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