Building Welcoming Communities
5 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 MoreHow to Sustain Your Compassion When Headlines Fade
Can I create change that lasts even when I’m exhausted? How can I sustain my compassion when headlines fade but problems persist? We live in an interconnected world. Sometimes, that thought can feel warm and fuzzy, conjuring up images of unity and togetherness. But today, it can also feel overwhelming. The world’s challenges are complex…
Read MoreBuilding Community One Race at a Time
As many of our families’ children return to school, we wanted to highlight the community members who strove to make their first summer in the U.S. memorable. Running is Joe Moreno’s passion, and it’s inspired him to give back. Returning the Favor Joe Moreno has been heavily involved in the Quad City community for 50…
Read MoreFollowing in World Relief’s Footsteps
As many of our families’ children return to school, we wanted to highlight the community members who strove to make their first summer in the U.S. memorable. Former refugee Kokazi Elangi is doing for others what World Relief did for him. A Simple Mission Kokazi Elangi came to the United States from the Democratic Republic…
Read MoreJust Be a Friend
As many of our families’ children return to school, we wanted to highlight the community members who strove to make their first summer in the U.S. memorable. Alma Gaul became a friendship partner after hearing about the Afghanistan crisis. A Call to Action It’s important to highlight the successes of volunteers because they do so…
Read MorePart of the Journey: Interning at WRQC
Many local college graduates get their start by interning at World Relief Quad Cities. Sloane is excited to follow in the footsteps of Augie alumni and make a difference in her community. Why I Chose World Relief Quad Cities When looking for internship opportunities, I wanted to find something that would be challenging and rewarding.…
Read MoreA Look Into Casework: Marci Arreguin
Many local college graduates get their start by interning at World Relief Quad Cities. After her internship, Marci stayed on the team to become a caseworker. Intern to Caseworker Marci Arreguin is a caseworker at World Relief in the Quad Cities. Just recently, she graduated from Augustana College and majored in Public Health and minored…
Read MoreWhy We Welcome: Faith-Based Refugee Resettlement
What motivates us to welcome the stranger? Not all Americans support welcoming refugees to the US, but research in the Quad Cities tells a different story.
Read MoreBuilding a Community of Safety and Belonging
A reflection from World Relief Chicagoland Executive Director Susan Sperry. June is World Refugee Awareness Month. And on June 20th, we celebrate World Refugee Day. This year, the theme of World Refugee Day is focused on the human right to seek safety. Whoever they are, people forced to flee should be treated with dignity. Anyone can…
Read MoreAli’s Story: A Refugee Pharmacist Using His Career to Give Back to Others
In 2010, a man named Ali AlQaisi arrived to the U.S. as a refugee from Iraq. At home in Baghdad, he had worked as a pharmacist. But when he and his family arrived to the United States, he faced the challenge of starting over entirely. He had to rebuild his life. He had to restart…
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