Building Resilience: Strengthening Disaster Risk Reduction in Afghanistan


Takeshi Komino | March 12, 2025

CWS Japan works alongside communities in Afghanistan who are most impacted and at risk for disasters. Below, Takeshi Komino, CWS Country Representative for Japan, shares information about the project and future efforts for the CWS Japan team. Afghanistan is a country that has been hit by disasters such as floods and earthquakes many times. As political instability continues, protecting lives …

From Arrival to Home: How Refugee Resettlement Works in the United States


March 7, 2025

For the millions of people around the world who have been forcibly displaced from their homes, resettlement to a new country is often the best hope for building safe, bright futures. Since CWS began its work responding to the devastation of World War II, we have helped refugee families rebuild their lives in the United States. According to the United …

Volunteer and Intern Opportunities: Help Refugee Newcomers Thrive


Last Updated: March 7, 2025 Since CWS began its work in response to the devastation of World War II, we have been dedicated to helping refugee families rebuild their lives in the United States. Through strong partnerships with local communities and congregations, we ensure every arriving family receives a warm welcome and the essential support they need to thrive as …

Shoulder to Shoulder: CWS and Churches Stand Together


February 27, 2025

For nearly 80 years, CWS has stood for welcome and for dignified, community-centered solutions to hunger, poverty, displacement and disaster. We’ve never stood alone. Churches and people of faith from across the United States and around the world stand shoulder to shoulder with us in vision and mission every day.   On Ash Wednesday, CWS launched The Ash Wednesday Ecumenical …

A Closer Look: The Economic Benefits of Welcoming Refugees


February 26, 2025

For decades, the United States has been a beacon of hope for those fleeing violence and persecution. Since 1975, more than 3.7 million refugees have found safety and a new home in America, where they have contributed to the nation’s culture, workforce and economy. Welcoming refugees is deeply rooted in U.S. values, and history shows that when refugees integrate and …

Rebuilding Hope: How CWS Blankets and Kits Are Transforming Lives at the Nehemiah Mission


Nick Gliha |

The Nehemiah Mission of Cleveland is dedicated to rebuilding hope and transforming communities by providing meals, temporary housing, and support for displaced families. During a visit, CWS’s Nick Gliha witnessed their powerful work firsthand—from serving warm meals to offering CWS Blankets and Kits to those in need. Below is his blog written about the recent experience. Providing Hope Through Meals …

Keeping the Doors Open: How CWS Continues to Support Refugee Newcomers


February 25, 2025

Despite the suspension of the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program, CWS remains committed to supporting refugee and immigrant families. Through essential services in CWS local offices—ranging from legal aid and housing assistance to medical support—CWS continues to provide a lifeline for newcomers in need. For more than 75 years, CWS has stood alongside refugees and newcomers, working in partnership with communities, …

Navigating Crisis: Supporting Refugees and Migrants in Serbia


February 21, 2025

As Serbia becomes an increasingly crucial waypoint for refugees and migrants—including those fleeing Ukraine—urgent challenges such as lack of shelter, healthcare, and legal protections continue to put thousands at risk. With limited institutional support and growing migration complexities, CWS and its partners are stepping in to provide emergency relief, legal aid, and long-term solutions to help displaced individuals find safety, …

The Cost of Conflict: A Ukrainian Mother’s Story of Survival


In 2024, CWS launched operations in Ukraine’s Odesa Oblast province to provide essential services such as food distribution, medical and psychosocial support and protection for vulnerable groups, in partnership with local organizations. As part of this work, CWS and local partners visited communities in January 2025 to assess winterization needs. The following blog is a testimony from one of the …

Empowering Migrant Youth: Perspectives from the Thai-Myanmar Border


February 14, 2025

For more than 20 years, hundreds of thousands of asylum seekers from Myanmar have lived inside Thailand along the Thai-Myanmar border—next to their country yet far from their homes. Below are first-hand testimonials of participants in our youth empowerment project along the border. Htet Lin Thu: Educating and Empowering Migrant Youth My name is Htet Lin Thu, and I am …