***FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE***
March 29, 2019
CONTACT:
Lauren Carl
carl@pinkstongroup.com
703-388-6734
World Relief Akron
World Relief announced its decision to close its office in Akron, OH. The unfortunate reality of the environment at this time makes it necessary to close the office. As the U.S. government decreases the number of refugees admitted into the U.S. and has also signaled an intent to reduce the longstanding public/private partnership with refugee resettlement agencies, World Relief unfortunately needs to reduce its footprint nationally in places like Akron where additional support for refugees already remains strong. World Relief’s deep commitment to serving the vulnerable and empowering the local church, however, still stands.
In context of this greater trend to diminish America’s role in welcoming refugees, World Relief’s local offices around the country have increasingly turned to other sources of income. However, as a new establishment, the Akron office had not had sufficient time necessary to compensate for a dramatic loss of federal funding, even with generous volunteers and private donations. World Relief is incredibly grateful for the support and partnership we have enjoyed in the Akron community, and we prayerfully entrust the families and individuals within our care to the community.
Because of World Relief’s commitments to established programs and the families they serve, the closure of the office will take place over the course of a month, concluding on April 30th, to allow time for proper transfer of care for existing clients to new support systems in Akron. Please direct any questions during this time to the contact above.
Though World Relief office in Akron will be closing, World Relief as a whole will continue to welcome refugees in the U.S. and to serve the most vulnerable people around our world. World Relief seeks continued support in its work in 19 other U.S. cities, in Africa, Asia and the Middle East. More information about these ongoing ministries is available at www.worldrelief.org.
Download the PDF version of this press release.
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About World Relief:
World Relief is a global Christian humanitarian organization that seeks to overcome violence, poverty and injustice. Through love in action, we bring hope, healing and restoration to millions of the world’s most vulnerable women, men and children through vital and sustainable programs in disaster response, health and child development, economic development and peacebuilding, as well as refugee and immigration services in the U.S. For 75 years, we’ve partnered with churches and communities, currently across more than 20 countries, to provide relief from suffering and help people rebuild their lives.
Learn more at worldrelief.org.