Posts by nnicholson
From Survival to Stability: Noelle’s Story
If you happen to stop into a local Panda Express around Spokane, you might be greeted by a kind man named Noelle behind the counter. Known for his bright smile, strong work ethic, and welcoming spirit, Noelle leaves a positive impression on just about everyone he meets. At first glance, your interaction with him might…
Read MoreNew Lifeway Research Survey Indicates Protestant Pastor Support for Global Humanitarian Needs, Objections to Funding Cuts
Survey sponsored by World Relief explores attitudes around global health
Read MoreVolunteer Appreciation Month: Because Hope Moves Through People
Measuring the contribution of volunteering to progress and well-being is vital, not to convince but to confirm how much volunteers contribute to peace and development, and to document not just economic but also social benefits to communities – Flavia Pansieri, former executive coordinator of the UN Volunteers During National Volunteer Appreciation Week, World Relief Spokane…
Read MoreIt Takes a Village: The Community Behind Every New Beginning
When Iryna arrived in Spokane on December 31, 2022 at 10 p.m., in the quiet hours of New Year’s Eve, she wasn’t celebrating the start of a new year. She was stepping into an entirely new life. Originally from Limon, Ukraine, Iryna had built an established career as an occupational engineer with a degree in…
Read MoreServing Hospital Food Changed this Refugee’s Future
The morning began like any other: waking up, eating breakfast, and getting ready for work. But at 6:00 a.m., Alena’s phone buzzed with a text from her boss: “Stay home. The war has started.” It was Thursday, February 24, 2022. Russia had just launched an attack on Ukraine. In an instant, everything changed. From that…
Read More2025 Through Our Eyes: Directors Team Reflections
World Relief Spokane has been welcoming refugees to the community for over 30 years, empowering refugees and other immigrants to find hope and rebuild their lives. In January 2025, an executive order suspended all refugee arrivals. This announcement changed our work overnight and brought new unknowns. Yet when the mission is to serve, the work is never over. Our staff, volunteers, and community partners…
Read MoreZiporah’s Story of Rediscovering World Relief, the Organization That Changed Her Life
Ziporah was wandering through the rows of booths at the local fair when a familiar logo suddenly caught her eye: World Relief. Immediately, memories rushed back to Kakuma Refugee Camp; home to more than 300,000 refugees. It was there that she grew up, and where Ziporah first discovered World Relief. Now, nearly two decades later,…
Read MoreLyn’s Story: A Volunteer’s Heart for Teaching and Community
Spokane Volunteer helping refugee families