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 …
CWS Mourns the Passing of President Jimmy Carter, Honors his Commitment to the Displaced and to Humanitarian Causes Worldwide
December 30, 2024
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 …
CWS and Faith Communities Respond to Proposal to Eliminate Protection for Migrants in Churches, School and Hospitals
December 12, 2024
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, …
CWS Awarded Texas Bar Foundation Grant to Expand Digital Access for Newcomers
November 19, 2024
Houston, TX – Church World Service (CWS) is pleased to announce a new grant from the Texas Bar Foundation to improve access to legal information through education about rights and responsibilities of new Texas residents. CWS is grateful to be able to partner in this work and contribute its own decades of experience alongside the Foundation in supporting the urgent …
Following Election Results, CWS Reaffirms Commitment to Immigrant and Refugee Neighbors, Vulnerable Families Worldwide
November 6, 2024
Contact: media@cwsglobal.org Following Election Results, CWS Reaffirms Commitment to Immigrant and Refugee Neighbors, Vulnerable Families Worldwide Washington, D.C.– In response to the news that Donald Trump has been elected for another term to the office of President of the United States, Church World Service President and CEO Rick Santos issued the following statement: “As we prepare to usher in a …
Israel’s Banning of UNRWA is Not Productive, Could Devastate Humanitarian Needs
October 29, 2024
Washington, D.C.—In response to yesterday’s announcement by the Israeli government banning the nearly 8 decade old United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine (UNRWA), Church World Service reaffirms the critical importance of this vital program that assists Palestinian communities living across the Middle East, including in Gaza and the West Bank. The move from Israel’s parliamentary body, the Knesset, …
Church World Service Celebrates New Covenant Members
October 24, 2024
For Immediate Release: October 24, 2024 Church World Service Celebrates New Covenant Members 14 New Covenant Members Represent more than 9 Million People of Faith Across the U.S. and Canada New York City – Church World Service today announced that 14 leading U.S. churches and faith-based organizations have renewed their commitment to our joint work and mission by becoming Covenant …
CWS Launches new office in Ukraine, to Aid Internally Displaced and provide Life-Saving Services to the Elderly and the Impoverished
October 9, 2024
Odesa, Ukraine—Church World Service today proudly announced the launch of a new office in Odesa, Ukraine to aid in support of internally displaced Ukrainians, those returning back to their country, and the proud network of community support in the Odesa Oblast. The organization will operate under the name CWS Ukraine in tandem with its program and office in Moldova. As …
CWS Raises Deep Concern Over Failure to Extend Parole Protections
October 7, 2024
Washington, D.C.—Church World Service today expressed its deep concern about reports that the Biden administration does not have plans to establish a streamlined process to extend protections for humanitarian parolees from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela. The ‘CHNV’ (Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela) private sponsorship program—which launched for Venezuelans in October 2022 and for other populations in January 2023—grants individuals …
On October 7 CWS Renews Calls for Peace in Israel and Palestine
Washington, D.C.—Church World Service today honors and remembers the lives of nearly 1,200 people who were killed one year ago by Hamas militants in Israel. The organization also laments the more than 41,689 Palestinian civilians who have lost their lives at the hands of Israel in the violence that has followed. For decades, violence towards civilians in Israel and Palestine …