In 2013, Venezuela’s economic downturn hit Evany hard. Prices had inflated and she couldn’t even buy milk. Life had previously been good in Venezuela. She was a university student pursuing Industrial Relations and expecting her first daughter, Vida – meaning life.

Ensaf was taken aback when she learned about refugee resettlement. Is there a place that helps people settle in and find stability here? A spark ignited within her. “Wow! I need to help people with an organization like World Relief.”

This week, we’re sharing stories from our staff – the real, raw, and beautiful stories – of how lives were changed, and hope was rekindled; how our refugee neighbors found a sense of belonging because of the people who welcomed them – especially volunteers. These stories remind us why we do what we do.

Nothing could have prepared Jana and Roger Dorway when they encountered a weary African family draped over the chairs at the Salt Lake City Airport. The father carried a UNHCR bag, a sure sign they were refugees.