Church World Service

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