Church World Service

Maxim is 15 years old and tall with kind eyes that reflect his gentle spirit. He’s always the first to offer help when someone needs it. Growing up in a family that has faced financial difficulties, life hasn’t always been easy for Maxim. His journey through school has been particularly challenging because of his special educational needs, which at times ... Read More

It was the summer of 2022, and Victor, just five years old, faced a moment no child should ever experience. As war erupted in Ukraine, Victor had to say goodbye to his father who had to stay behind to fight for his country. He hugged him tightly, sensing that it might be a long time before they would see each ... Read More

For decades, Palestinians have lived under occupation, facing violence, human rights abuses, systematic violations of international humanitarian law, and denial of their right to self-determination. Now, in the aftermath of the horrendous October 7th Hamas attack against Israel, Gazans have been subjected to one of the most lethal conflicts in the 21st century. As of September 18th, 1.9 million people ... Read More

Kitui lies in the rolling hills of eastern Kenya, about three hours west of Nairobi. Highways lead to dirt roads, which lead to communities of people living in remote, difficult terrain. In the rainy season, the landscape comes alive with green grasses and flowing streams, but it is often dry with patches of red dirt and sparse vegetation. Growing crops ... Read More

This June, the Christian Church in Ohio (Disciples of Christ) assembled 100 CWS Period Packs during the annual Adult Conference in Columbus. With support from the generosity of many congregations, CWS was able to purchase supplies for these Kits, which are filled with essential items like tampons, soap and flushable wipes. “CWS is so blessed to have generous congregations and ... Read More

Francoise, a 44-year-old woman from Haiti, grew up in a crowded household with 12 children, where her father had two wives. Due to financial difficulties and physical insecurity in Haiti, Francoise left with her six-year-old daughter in 2017, embarking on a long and arduous journey. Their journey took them first to Chile, then to Brazil, where Francoise spent three years ... Read More

It is almost impossible to overstate the significance of humor to human development. While historians believe that the oldest recorded joke dates back to 1900 BC, I am personally convinced that humans have employed humor as long as we have possessed language. Our place in the world is defined in part by our ability to make and understand jokes, which ... Read More

My name is Madison Burke, and I serve as the Migrant Services Coordinator at Church World Service (CWS) Durham. I oversee the Immigrant Solidarity Fund, a grassroots community fund providing essential financial assistance to undocumented individuals facing emergencies such as natural disasters, eviction notices or wage theft. I’ve been in this role for over a year, and every day I ... Read More

According to the UN Refugee Agency, over 120 million individuals have been displaced from their homes around the world, more than at any other time in human history. An increasingly significant factor in the displacement of people around the world is the prevalence of climate disasters and ongoing environmental change. In 2022, there were 33 million displacements globally that were ... Read More

Washington, D.C.—In response to the vilification of Haitian newcomers over false reports of abuse of animals, Church World Service today called for a halt of demonization of new members of our community, and a repudiation of racist tropes that undermine not only those fleeing danger, but of our communities overall. “Haitian-Americans and newcomers should not be dehumanized nor ostracized. Our ... Read More

In April 2023, Sarada received her U.S. citizenship at the age of 45. “It was a monumental achievement. It marked the end of a long journey, from being a stateless refugee to finally having a place I could proudly call home,” Sarada said.  Sarada’s story began in Bhutan, where she was born and lived until the age of 11. Political ... Read More

Right now, members of Congress are negotiating the federal budget for the upcoming fiscal year (FY 2025), which begins October 1st. Without decisive action from Congress, key programs and services for displaced people the United States has promised to protect will face dramatic cuts. With the looming November elections creating uncertainty about the office of the president and the composition ... Read More

For as long as he can remember, 12-year-old Mateo’s family has been the grounding force in his life, always guiding him and providing unconditional love. In his home in Mexico, he was used to a full house, surrounded by his seven cousins, four younger siblings, mom, aunt, and uncle, which was especially important to him because his father has been ... Read More

Mariana Ayala is a mother, grandmother, organizer and leader of the women in her community, Sawhoyamaxa, home to Enxet people in the Gran Chaco region of Paraguay. She has attended all training and workshops organized by CWS’ local partner, Pastoral Social Diocesana Benjamin Aceval (PSDBA), in her community and today plays a key role in both, motivating women to attend ... Read More

My wedding dress and 300 DVDs. That is all I had when we evacuated our home. It’s what I had left of my belongings after our home and all of our possessions burned in the wildfire.   On the Saturday morning of September 12, 2015, I watered my garden full of amazing vegetables that were almost ripe enough to harvest, while ... Read More

Congregations and people of faith have an important role in advancing pro-immigrant, pro-refugee policies. Join us in taking action to urge your elected officials to pursue legislation and funding rooted in collective concern for people fleeing persecution and violence. Our diverse faith traditions compel us to love our neighbor, accompany the vulnerable, and welcome the sojourner—regardless of place of birth, ... Read More

Refugees, asylum seekers, immigrants, and other newcomers’ access to safe, stable, and affordable housing is essential to a foundation of healthy living.  But today’s housing market reveals tough-rooted inequities and a dearth of housing support, development and market availability, and affordability for renters and homeowners in communities all across the country. The United States faces a current shortage of 7.3 ... Read More

Being greeted by free-flowing song, contagious dance and exuberant joy upon arriving at the remote Mwanga Village in Tanzania set the tone for what this incredibly hard-working group of farmers have built together.    In partnership with the Church of the Latter-Day Saints, CWS’ Giving Machines Program has empowered several chicken farming groups in the Kasulu region of Tanzania for about ... Read More