Spokane Blog
Serving 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
How To Be an Advocate: 10 Ways
Displaced families need your help. Here are 10 ways you can partner with World Relief to help displaced families flourish.
Read MoreMore Than a Race: BMX Camp Brings Joy and Growth to Refugee Teens
A Pause in Resettlement Sparks New Ideas Many people ask what World Relief Spokane has been doing since there have been no new resettlement cases since January. This lull in new arrivals has given our staff time to dream up new opportunities to serve existing clients. One such inspired dreamer is Robby Cannon, our Initial…
Read MoreA Young Asylum Seeker Finds Help and Hope
For young asylum seekers, the journey to safety can seem impossible. Learn how one welcoming community stood in the gap for Ibrah.
Read MoreWelcoming a refugee child: Sandy’s Scrapbook Story
For the more than 100,000 estimated refugee and displaced children in the nation, a new school year isn’t just the start of a new grade. It’s a chance to reclaim stability, rebuild routine and rediscover hope.
Read MoreYaneth and Manuel Live Out Perseverance and Hope Through Faith
Fleeing Uncertainty: A Journey Toward Hope Yaneth and Manuel landed in Spokane on January 16, 2025, just four days before President Trump signed the executive order suspending refugee resettlement. They had left Venezuela in search of safety and a secure future for their family of four. In Venezuela, there was never any certainty that their…
Read MoreSIV Program Offers Safe Haven for Spokane Refugee and His Family
When Kazim Abdullahi is asked where he is from, his reply is, “Rich culture and traditions, hospitality, beautiful landscapes, strong community and family bonds, unique cuisine, strong and hardworking people.” The poetic description of his country and community come before any geographical names. Kazim grew up during a peaceful time in Afghanistan, where he remembers…
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