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Stories of Strength: Women Rebuilding Their Lives in Chicagoland

This International Women’s Month, we celebrate the resilience, courage, and determination of women who have rebuilt their lives after displacement. Meet Lilly, Kateryna, and Noor—three women whose journeys remind us how strength, opportunity, and community support can help families flourish.

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Trauma Revisited: Refugee Detentions Stoke Fear

“Being a refugee is not a privilege … Nobody wants to be a refugee,” says Edward Mosantu.  He speaks from experience. In 1997, Edward fled violence and instability in DR Congo, seeking safety and stability as a refugee in South Africa before moving to the U.S. on the Diversity Immigrant Visa (DV) Program. Today, he works as…

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Planting Faith, Sharing Hope: From New Beginnings to Global Impact

One day in 2007, shortly after arriving in Aurora as refugees from Burma, Pastor Manar Chai found his wife standing in the doorway, crying. Though grateful to be in the U.S., the early months were marked by isolation, bitter cold, and long walks to the grocery store without a car or community. “Sometimes it was so hard,” he recalls, “we thought, ‘Just send me back to Burma.’”

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The Joy We Seek

A woman smiles at the camera with a thumbs up

From late-night shifts to early-morning classes, my students show what hope in action looks like. Their stories of courage and perseverance remind me that restoration is possible — even in the most unexpected places.

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The Hope We Have

As families seek refuge from danger and uncertainty, we have the opportunity to embody Christ’s call to welcome the stranger. Your support sustains this work of hope, healing, and hospitality. Together, we can be the light that guides families forward.

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February 24, 2022 — The Day the Ukraine War Reached Home 

On February 24, 2022, at 5:00 in the morning, Iryna woke up to the words that would divide her life into “before” and “after.”  The television had stayed on through the night, and Putin’s voice filled the room. Russia had begun what he called a “special operation.” At first, her mind refused to accept it. Wars, earthquakes,…

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More 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…

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