Church World Service

Upon taking office on January 20, President Trump signed a sweeping series of executive actions that reversed decades of precedent for welcome, going much further than he did in his first term to target programs supporting refugees and others who are fleeing persecution and violence. In the days since, many of these actions have been operationalized and are causing significant ... Read More

Washington, D.C.—CWS today expressed alarm and disappointment in response to the abrupt and sweeping freeze of funding for U.S. foreign assistance, which will cause immediate harm to millions of people who are served by these vital programs around the world. This includes funding for critical services provided to refugees resettled to the United States, as well as humanitarian assistance for ... Read More

Trigger Warning: This story mentions depictions of violence and sexual abuse. The following story is about Pilar* and her daughter, Silvia, who fled Guatemala after being targeted by a violent gang, leaving behind their community and the church that had once been their refuge. Upon reaching the U.S., they endured the trauma of being separated under the Trump administration’s Zero ... Read More

The Manuel family arrived in the United States seeking a better future and, with the support of the CWS Jersey City team, transitioned from a temporary shelter to a stable home. Through hard work and personalized assistance, they have built a fulfilling life, turning their dreams into reality.  The Manuel family landed in the United States on November 20, 2024, ... Read More

In the first days of the Trump-Vance administration, Donald Trump signed a number of Executive Orders that eliminate legal pathways for those seeking safety, including banning access to asylum and other legal protections at the U.S.-Mexico border, suspending humanitarian parole programs and canceling scheduled appointments for nearly 30,000 migrants and indefinitely suspending the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program. As these pathways ... Read More

Washington, D.C.—Church World Service today expressed deep concern over a number of new executive orders from the Trump Administration reversing decades of precedent for welcoming those fleeing violence and persecution. This includes an executive order indefinitely suspending the United States Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP), as well as multiple actions that will limit access to asylum protection for people seeking safety. ... Read More

Washington, D.C.—Church World Service today marked the inauguration of Donald J. Trump as the new President of the United States. The organization also honored the peaceful transfer of power that is a hallmark of our democracy. CWS calls on the new administration, as well as Congressional, state and local leaders to honor our nation’s legacy of standing alongside refugee and ... Read More

Martin Luther King Jr. Day holds profound significance for Black immigrants, serving as both a reflection on justice and a call to action. Inspired by Dr. King’s legacy, immigrants can honor his dream by advocating for equality, engaging in service, sharing their stories and standing in solidarity to create a more just and inclusive future. Martin Luther King Jr. Day ... Read More

Kevin McCoy, Community Engagement Specialist for Fundraising at CWS, has dedicated 25 years to serving others. Through his work with CWS, Kevin has led and attended 300 CROP Hunger Walks, aligning his faith and values with a commitment to walk in solidarity with communities worldwide striving for basic necessities and a better future. Discovering a Calling to Serve  Kevin McCoy, ... Read More

As we prepare for President-elect Donald Trump to take office in January, it is more important than ever for all of our elected officials to hear that their communities welcome refugees. Refugee resettlement saves lives, encourages other countries to keep their doors open to people needing protection, and promotes regional stability and global security. We cannot turn our backs on the refugees ... Read More

Washington, D.C.—Church World Service today commends the Biden administration’s decision  to extend Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for people from El Salvador, Venezuela, Ukraine, and Sudan. Secretary Mayorkas of the Department of Homeland Security announced an eighteen month extension for individuals in the U.S. from all four countries, potentially impacting over 900,000 people.CWS has long supported TPS designations for countries facing ... Read More

A Rich History of Community For nearly 160 years, the Saint James AME Church in Live Oak, Florida, has been a fundamental haven in the community. Before African Americans were allowed to go to school or worship freely, they gathered in this sacred space. Today, the church continues to serve as both a place of worship and a source of ... Read More

Sonya Funna Evelyn, Sam Worthington Join CWS Board of Directors New York City – Church World Service today announced that it has welcomed two new members to its Board of Directors, Sonya Funna Evelyn and Sam Worthington. Each of these leaders brings decades of experience related to CWS’ mission of building a world where everyone has food, voice and a ... Read More

CWS Blanket and Kit donations have provided warmth and essential support to Ohio communities facing record cold and power outages. The generosity of donors, local shelters and events like Bethlehem on Broad Street have offered comfort, hope and vital supplies to those in need during winter’s harshest challenges. During the harsh winter days, the generosity of CWS Blanket and Kit ... Read More

Updated: January 21, 2025 Appeal Code: 6291 Situation: Wildfires across Los Angeles County have surged overnight, prompting mandatory evacuation orders for over 150,000 residents with more than 700 people taking refuge in nine shelters, as powerful Santa Ana winds exacerbate the crisis. California Governor Gavin Newsom has declared a state of emergency and LA County has declared a public health ... Read More

This staff spotlight story features Andrea Flores, a caseworker in our Houston office for our Home Study and Post Release Services program. Andrea talks about her responsibilities in her role as well as her personal connection and passion for her work.  The gentle warmth of CWS HSPRS Caseworker, Andrea Flores, is often the first sign of welcome a recently arrived ... Read More

Víctor Díaz, a Cuban pianist and opera singer, arrived in the U.S. as a refugee in June 2023. With support from Church World Service (CWS), he received resources like cash assistance, healthcare, and a space to teach music. Now, he’s rebuilding his life and mentoring others, including Ukrainian refugee Emilia Liubarska. Their story highlights the power of community, and art’s ... Read More

Washington, D.C.—In response to the passing of Jimmy Carter, the 39th President of the United States, peanut farmer, Navy veteran, and devout man of faith, Rick Santos, President and CEO of Church World Service, issued the following statement: President Carter was a man of faith, country, and compassion. His century as an American encapsulated much of our collective history. He ... Read More

Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin proposed to force localities in Virginia to cooperate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The proposal would mandate local law enforcement to honor ICE detainer requests, even without judicial warrants, and penalize localities that adopt sanctuary policies by withholding critical state funding. Such provisions make communities less safe by undermining trust between immigrant communities and local ... Read More

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