Believe in More: From Strangers to Neighbors-World Relief Triad Celebrates Refugee Awareness Month
Each June, communities across the United States and around the world come together to recognize Refugee Awareness Day on June 20—a time to honor the courage, resilience and contributions of refugees and to reflect on our shared call to welcome those seeking safety.
At World Relief Triad, we believe this recognition requires more than just one day, which is why we have dedicated the whole month of June to this celebration. Throughout the month we will be shining a light on the lived experiences of our refugee neighbors through a series of micro-events out and around the Triad.
In this crucial moment in history more people than ever have been forced to flee their homes. It can be easy to believe the crisis is too big and the challenges too complex.
But we believe families displaced by crisis can rebuild their lives in safety and dignity. We believe they can move beyond survival toward stability, belonging and the chance to flourish. We believe that, together, we can play a role in making that vision a reality.
Moving Toward Flourishing
“This year has been challenging-no doubt about it-for our staff and for our refugee families. But it has also been a year of renewed energies and determination to make sure refugees in our communities believe that they belong here and more importantly are welcomed. We’ve seen this in some beautiful ways with our refugee brothers and sister leading the way and helping us identify solutions to some of the barriers they continue to face. At a time when it would be easy to feel overwhelmed and powerless by the uncertainty this past year has brought to their lives, they have believed in more and strived for more by becoming the agents of change in their communities.”
This is what it looks like to Believe in More—not just in theory, but in real lives being transformed. For example:
World Relief Triad recently connected with Women of Welcome’s Triad and Winston-Salem Chapters, a dedicated community of women with a heart for supporting and advocating on behalf of immigrants and refugees. Our team discussed the evolution of our programming that intentionally emphasizes resiliency and innovation to cope with recent funding challenges. We highlighted programs like our ESL curriculum with potential to host classes in local churches and community groups, workforce and economic empowerment, and youth mentorship. We also brainstormed creative ways to raise awareness, educate surrounding communities, and volunteering and giving opportunities to ensure newcomers feel welcomed and embraced. Our collaborative partnership with Women of Welcome is a pivotal step forward in fueling hope for our immigrant and refugee neighbors as they courageously build their lives within the Triad community.
While this is just one story, it reflects a larger transformation happening right here in Triad. This June, join us as we Believe in More.
Celebrating Hope and Belonging
During Refugee Awareness Month — and especially on World Refugee Day (June 20) — we’re inviting our community to come together through events and opportunities to learn, connect and act.
From Strangers to Neighbors: A Theological Conversation on Immigration
Featuring Jon Musser, Director of Development
Date: Tuesday, June 2, 2026, 7-8:30pm
Location: First Alliance Church, 1601 Pope Rd, Winston-Salem, NC 27127
What to Expect:
Our very own Jon will be walking us on journey through the scriptures reflecting on our mission as believers to love on the “stranger” within our communities.
The Stories We Bring: Voices Across Borders
Featuring Meg Khliefat, Office Director, and Stories from Refugee Friends
Date: Tuesday, June 9, 2026, 7-8:15pm
Location: Bookmarks, 634 W. 4 St #110, Winston-Salem NC 27101
What to Expect:
World Relief Triad’s Office Director, Meagan Khliefat, will facilitate a powerful discussion centering the voices of four clients from Afghanistan, Burma, DRC, and Guatemala. They will reflect on life before resettlement, hopes and dreams for the future, and what helps cultivate dignity for those rebuilding their lives in a new land.
From Strangers to Neighbors: A Theological Conversation on Immigration
Featuring Jon Musser, Director of Development
Date: Thursday, June 11, 2026, 7-8:30pm
Location: Emmaus Church, 2215 Rheims Dr, Greensboro, NC 27407
What to Expect:
Our very own Jon will be walking us on journey through the scriptures reflecting on our mission as believers to love on the “stranger” within our communities.
Welcoming the Stranger: Refugee & Immigration Policy Updates
Featuring Morgan Harvey, Immigration Legal Services Managing Attorney and Jon Musser, Director of Development Development
Date: Tuesday, June 16, 2026, 7-8:30pm
Location: Mansion on Main, 428 S. Main St. Winston-Salem, NC 27101
What to Expect:
Morgan Harvey, World Relief Triad’s Immigration Attorney and Immigration Legal Services Director will share critical updates on various policy changes that have affected our clients over the past year and the specific impact. Jon Musser, Director of Development, will emphasize our duty as Christians too advocate for our refugee and immigrant neighbors as well as introducing tangible ways to engage.
From Strangers to Neighbors: A Theological Conversation on Immigration
Featuring Jon Musser, Director of Development
Date: Thursday, June 18, 2026, 7-8:30pm
Location: Forest Hills Presbyterian Church, 836 W Lexington Ave, High Point, NC 27262
What to Expect:
Our very own Jon will be walking us on journey through the scriptures reflecting on our mission as believers to love on the “stranger” within our communities.
This month, you have an opportunity to be part of something meaningful.
Whether you attend an event, volunteer your time or give to support this work, you are helping create a community where refugees and immigrants can rebuild their lives and truly belong.
Join Us this Refugee Awareness Month — and Choose to Believe in More.