Church World Service

Through the hardships of war, the loss of loved ones and the challenges of resettling in a new country, the finds hope and healing through community support, resilience and love. My parents, may Allah have mercy on them, were the foundation of my strength and optimism. My father always encouraged us to help others, often saying: “Life is like a ... Read More

Martha Brito, a young leader from Aldea Xemamatze, Guatemala, has transformed her community through agricultural knowledge and workshops on women’s empowerment. Inspired by her grandmother and mother, Martha teaches sustainable farming practices and advocates for dignity and confidence among women. Food at home, without depending on market products, is a blessing. We only need to buy the basics; everything else ... Read More

Ines and Humberto fled Cuba seeking safety and stability, but challenges in the United States left them in need of urgent support. Thanks to the quick response and ongoing assistance from the CWS Fort Collins team, they now have secure housing, access to vital resources and a stable foundation to rebuild their lives in Denver. In August, Ines and Humberto ... Read More

Congressional State of Play and Appropriations Update The final session of the 118th Congress is in its final days, and members are eager to finish outstanding business and make it home before the holidays. Extra incentive is a federal funding deadline of Friday, December 20 – the House and Senate need to pass some sort of spending deal by then ... Read More

As the new administration prepares to take office, Congress has an important role to play in setting a clear vision and upholding the United States’ long legacy of welcoming refugee newcomers and others fleeing violence and persecution. The final work period of the 118th Congress, known as the “Lame Duck Session,” is the last opportunity for current leaders to pass ... Read More

Trigger warning: This article mentions instances of sexual and gender-based violence.  As our bus made its way deeper into the jungle, now seven hours from Panama City, I looked out the window to see an archway welcoming us to the Darién. It was November 12, 2024, just days after U.S. election results were announced. I was traveling with faith leaders ... Read More

When Jorge was just a child, he suffered an accident in the midst of a hurricane and lost his hearing. Over time, he adapted to his new life, and years later, formed a beautiful family. Unfortunately, in November 2020, Hurricanes Eta and Iota destroyed the house where he lived with his wife and two-year-old-baby in Honduras. His dreams seemed to ... Read More

*TRIGGER WARNING: This story mentions intense violence and threats to a child with a severe disability and may be difficult to read.* Scroll through the gallery above to see images of Yordy and Denia in their home and the support they’ve received through CWS “You have 24 hours to leave your home and if not, we will come here and ... Read More

Washington, DC—Church World Service today expressed its concern over reports that President-elect Trump plans to scrap “sensitive locations” in upcoming months, granting Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers more power to arrest undocumented people at churches, schools, hospitals, and other long-protected public spaces. CWS notes that rescinding such protections will prevent vulnerable neighbors from safely accessing aid from faith communities, ... Read More

The following blog was written by a program participant of CWS’ local Moldovan partner, Healthy City. Healthy City, also known as Zdorovii Gorod, supports Ukrainian refugees by providing comprehensive services including food and non-food items, social inclusion and psychosocial support.  We are a family of five—mom, dad and three children—from the beautiful Ukrainian city of Vinnytsia. Before the war, we ... Read More

The following blog was written by a program participant of CWS’ local Moldovan partner, Healthy City. Healthy City, also known as Zdorovii Gorod, supports Ukrainian refugees by providing comprehensive services including food and non-food items, social inclusion and psychosocial support.  My name is Ekaterina. I am 34 years old, and I am a mother of two children—a 13-year-old boy and ... Read More

Irina, a native of Odesa, had always been an energetic and cheerful woman. Working in the marketplace, she knew how to find a common language with people and make them smile. But when the war began, her life turned upside down. One troubling day, she decided that she could no longer stay in her hometown and packed her things, leaving ... Read More

Trigger Warning: This story mentions instances of substance abuse.  When war broke out in his home country of Ukraine, 26-year-old Mihail* was faced with an impossible choice. Though the decision was not easy, with the ongoing conflict and so much uncertainty ahead, Mihail was forced to leave his home behind in search of safety.  With no other way of traveling ... Read More

Florida has a long tradition of welcoming refugees and others fleeing violence and persecution, and is home to a growing number of newcomers – including many fleeing Cuba and Haiti – who are eligible to receive certain federally-funded services for newcomers that promote economic self-sufficiency and community flourishing. The Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR): The Office of Refugee Resettlement directly ... Read More

Valentina and her daughter Alina experienced the horrors of war that changed their lives forever. When shelling began in their hometown in eastern Ukraine, the house where they lived was destroyed. They had no choice but to flee. The memories of destroyed streets, the roar of explosions and farewells to their homeland are forever imprinted in their minds. They ended ... Read More

Many of the clients at Concern for Neighbors Food Bank in Mountlake Terrace, Washington, had a little something extra to be grateful for this Thanksgiving: snuggly CWS Blankets! The food bank provides food and some household supplies to hundreds of people each Tuesday morning, and they added 100 CWS Blankets to their distribution during the week of Thanksgiving 2024. It ... Read More

Halima Adams, Director of the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) program at Church World Service (CWS), exemplifies what it means to be a changemaker. With a community and family history deeply rooted in the values of justice, education and cultural pride, Halima has dedicated her life to fostering equity and creating inclusive spaces for all. Halima’s upbringing in Ohio, ... Read More

In collaboration with Saint Mary’s Residency—which provides affordable housing, meals, and communal living services for women—and the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace, CWS offers free housing to single working women like Larysa, Viktoriia, and Halyna. By working closely with clients and partner organizations, CWS ensures a smooth transition and a supportive environment. CWS Housing takes pride in preventing families ... Read More

Fallout from the 2024 Election Donald Trump won the 2024 presidential election and will be inaugurated for his second term in office on January 20. The Republican ticket took a trifecta, meaning it is set to control the executive branch and both chambers of Congress. Republicans will hold narrow margins in the House of Representatives (219 R to 213 D, ... Read More

  Thanksgiving has become a cherished tradition for me, one that intertwines the values of gratitude, togetherness and resilience. As a Somali immigrant and storyteller now living in Maine, my journey to embracing this quintessentially American holiday is a testament to the power of community and the beauty of shared traditions. When I first arrived in the United States, Thanksgiving ... Read More