Building Welcoming Communities
Meet Nou: Fox Valley Site Director
At the end of 2023, Tami McLaughlin retired as Site Director for World Relief Wisconsin, after 10+ years of service and dedication to the community. In January, we welcomed Nou Huse (pronounced “New”) as the next Site Director for the Fox Valley office. Nou considers herself to be 1.5 generation Hmong-American. She was born in…
Read MoreFrom 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 MoreGod’s Provision from Mariupol to Chicago
Ludmila escaped Mariupol in Eastern Ukraine. She came to the U.S. in April 2023 and has received support from our staff in DuPage. Her words of faith in the midst of chaos — she was among 350,000 people who fled her city – are an inspiration. Like many immigrants, Ludmila brings vibrant Christian faith to…
Read MoreA Welcoming Community: Tara’s Volunteer Story
At World Relief we believe in the power of welcoming communities. Read how Tara participates in a welcoming community. When the Taliban took over Kabul Tara saw many news reports about Afghans fleeing the country. The stories of families needing new homes inspired her to want to make a difference in her own community and…
Read MoreRefugee Mental Health: Our Responsibility
October 10th is World Mental Health Day. Refugees are less likely to seek treatment than non-refugees, but you can help lessen the stigma. Pictured above: a Problem Management Plus (PM+) training. Generations of Stigma Mental health is just as important as physical health. Habie Timbo, Community Outreach Case Manager and Mental Health Caseworker, explains what mental…
Read MoreMore than a Job: How Liberty Packaging is Helping Refugees
Founded by Immigrants Jack Fiterman, founder of Liberty Diversified International (LDI), was an immigrant. He wanted to include “Liberty” in the name because it’s a founding principle of this country. Founded in 1918, LDI has been a family-owned company for almost four generations. Supporting immigrants and refugees is in their foundation. Part of LDI, Liberty Packaging is a corrugated box manufacturer with a…
Read MoreHow 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 MoreHelping Families Learn, Together: Family Literacy
School is in session and so are family literacy classes. Both the adults and children get to learn English and have fun with this program! Leah Hodge tells us all about it. Family Literacy and More Leah Hodge is the Education Manager at World Relief Quad Cities. Hodge is in charge of the Family Literacy…
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 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…
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