Breaking the Cycle: Supporting Ukrainian Roma Communities


April 4, 2025

CWS is committed to breaking the cycle of discrimination and exclusion faced by Roma communities, particularly in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which displaced nearly 100,000 Roma Ukrainians. Through partnerships with organizations like the Roma National Center in Moldova, CWS provides essential aid to help Roma refugees and host communities achieve stability and inclusion. For centuries, the Roma …

Myanmar Earthquake: The Urgent Need for Aid and the Role of CWS


April 2, 2025

Following the devastating earthquakes in Myanmar and Thailand, which have left thousands dead and displaced millions, international aid has fallen short—especially as U.S. funding cuts hinder relief efforts. In response, CWS is working with local partners to provide emergency assistance, ensuring that affected communities receive critical aid despite global funding shortfalls. The Urgent Need for Humanitarian Aid in Myanmar On …

Faith in Action: How Religious Communities Have Historically United to Welcome Refugees


April 1, 2025

Throughout U.S. history, faith communities have been at the forefront of welcoming refugees. Across religious traditions, people of faith have worked together to respond to humanitarian crises, guided by shared values of compassion, justice and hospitality. Here are seven powerful examples of interfaith collaboration in welcoming refugees to the United States. Welcoming Refugees After World War II (1940s-1950s) In the …

Beyond the Welcome Mat: The Cost of Real Inclusion


Stacey Clack | March 28, 2025

I was out for a walk yesterday and passed a house with a large “Welcome” sign on the front porch. I stood still, asking myself: I wonder if that welcome is meant for everyone? Or just for some? In America, we love the idea of welcome. We brand it, display it and post it everywhere. But who do we really …

Eid al-Fitr 2025: A Time for Reflection, Community and Joy


March 26, 2025

Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan and is a time of celebration, worship and charity for Muslims worldwide. Observed with special prayers, gatherings and festive meals, this joyous occasion fosters a deep spiritual connection and community. As the month-long fasting period of Ramadan ends, Muslims around the world rejoice in the arrival of Eid al-Fitr, a time for celebration …

The Refugee Act of 1980: A Legacy at Risk


March 17, 2025

Today, March 17, 2025, marks the 45th anniversary of the Refugee Act of 1980, a landmark piece of legislation that solidified the United States’ leadership in refugee protection. For decades, this legislation has upheld our nation’s commitment to welcoming those in need, providing a vital pathway to safety for the world’s most vulnerable.  However, recent executive orders from the Trump …

Measuring Impact: How Disaster Prevention Projects Are Changing Afghan Communities


Murakami Kotomi | March 12, 2025

Murakami Kotomi, a CWS Japan intern, recently interviewed participants in the “Enhancing Resilience of Afghanistan through Integrated Risk Reduction” project. This blog features her interviews with local community members about the impacts that the project has had in supporting disaster risk reduction efforts in Afghanistan. Impacts of Disaster Risk Reduction Projects Disasters can upend lives in an instant, but proactive …

Bringing Cultures Together: A Hands-On Tunisian Cooking Experience in Okubo


Nozomi Igarashi |

In January, CWS Japan hosted a hands-on Tunisian chapati cooking class, bringing together newcomers and local residents for a shared cultural experience. Through events like these, the cafe fosters deeper connections, promotes cross-cultural understanding and creates a welcoming space where the community can engage and learn from one another. The new year has arrived, and a month has flown by …

One Year After the Noto Peninsula Earthquake: Supporting the Most Vulnerable in Disasters


Yukiko Maki |

One year after the Noto Peninsula earthquake, CWS Japan reflects on its efforts to support disaster-affected communities. By fostering local partnerships, CWS Japan continues to address the long-term challenges of disaster recovery while working to build a more resilient and inclusive emergency response system. The CWS Japan team spent the New Year praying that no large-scale disasters would occur—in fact, …

Learning, Playing and Growing Together: A Multicultural Exchange in Okubo


Nozomi Igarashi |

In November, CWS Japan hosted several events, including a disaster risk reduction walk to inform Japanese language school students about local disaster preparedness resources and storytelling sessions. Through events like these, the cafe fosters deeper connections, promotes cross-cultural understanding and creates a welcoming space where the community can engage and learn from one another. CWS Japan recently opened a café—the …