Stories of Change

Halyna O. (right )  and Viktoriia K. (left)

Supporting Refugees with Safe Housing: A CWS Success Story

In collaboration with Saint Mary’s Residency—which provides affordable housing, meals, and communal living services for women—and the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace, CWS offers free housing to single working women like Larysa, Viktoriia, and Halyna. By working closely with clients and partner organizations, CWS ensures a smooth transition and a supportive environment.

CWS Housing takes pride in preventing families from becoming unhoused and empowering individuals. We’re thrilled for Larysa, Viktoriia, and Halyna as they join their new communities and build their futures in the United States.

Larysa, Halyna, and Viktoriia, Ukrainian refugees fleeing the Russian invasion, sought refuge in the United States.

In 2022, Larysa fled Kyiv for the U.S. during dangerous times in her homeland. She found support from friends who became sponsors through the United for Ukraine program. Hearing about the commendable services provided by CWS, Larysa began working as a home attendant and took specialized classes facilitated by CWS. These classes, which would have been financially challenging for a newcomer like her, were made accessible through CWS’ assistance. Battling the language barrier, Larysa diligently attended English classes and made significant progress while familiarizing herself with the country’s culture. Her hard work paid off when she qualified for residency at Saint Mary’s after a thorough interview process with the CWS Housing department.

After leaving her hometown of Kherson in late 2022, Viktoriia reunited with her family in the U.S. Despite language barriers, she successfully found employment as a home attendant and babysitter. Learning about the housing opportunity at Saint Mary’s through her affiliation with CWS, Viktoriia obtained a referral and successfully qualified for free housing after an interview with Saint Mary’s, accompanied by a CWS Housing specialist.

In 2023, Halyna made the difficult decision to leave her home country and immigrate to the U.S. to seek safety. Upon arrival, she faced the challenge of adapting to a new language and culture. Despite these obstacles, she secured employment as a line cook and began saving for her own housing. Learning of the opportunity at Saint Mary’s, Halyna reached out to CWS’ Housing department, completed the necessary applications, and received a referral. After a successful interview and meeting all requirements, she was accepted into the program and moved into her new residence.

The Church World Service (CWS) Housing Department has demonstrated a significant impact in supporting refugees and newcomers in their journey to find safe, affordable housing in the United States. Through strategic partnerships and diverse programs, CWS has addressed critical housing needs for vulnerable populations, ensuring their successful integration into new communities.

To learn more about how CWS walks alongside our new neighbors as they arrive in the United States, click here. To learn more about the work of CWS Jersey City, click here.

Stories of Change

CWS Indianapolis Team at a community soccer game where HSPRS families were invited to attend

Supported For and By Community

The CWS Indianapolis office, which opened in 2023, is a small but mighty team of ten staff members dedicated to making a meaningful difference in their community. The office’s primary focus is on the Home Study and Post Release Services program, which supports unaccompanied children as they settle into their new homes. While the team is packed with talented staff members, they always welcome extra support to amplify their impact. 

That’s why the CWS CROP Hunger Walk chose the Indianapolis office as a recipient of a portion of its funds. Katherine Yajure is CWS Indianapolis’ Community Engagement Associate and attended the Greater Indianapolis CROP Hunger Walk, which has been around for 45 years, for the first time last fall. She remembers that it was a beautiful day full of sunshine and about 60-70 energized CROP Hunger Walk participants showed up that day to rally for good. By participating in the Walk, volunteers raised money to support CWS’ life-changing programs and support efforts in their local community, including those of the Indianapolis office. 

With the funding they receive, CWS Indianapolis will be able to provide extra support to help families meet their most basic needs. Katherine shared, “Sometimes as caseworkers do their visits, here in Indianapolis and when they travel too, they have found that a lot of families are struggling to make ends meet and often struggle to have food at home. This can really help us support a family in those spaces, whether it’s food, rent assistance or getting them a bed.”

Beyond meeting immediate needs, the funds will also support the creation of community-building events for clients. These gatherings aim to help families connect, combat isolation and foster a sense of belonging. Katherine highlighted the importance of these events, sharing, “A lot of the times you go to the clients’ homes and they just feel like they’re the only ones going through this or that they’re alone.” For families navigating unfamiliar systems and cultures, community not only helps clients feel seen and understood but gives them the chance to support one another with things like child care, sharing advice and connecting each other to helpful resources. 

Together as a community, the volunteers in CWS CROP Hunger Walks help provide the individuals and families we serve with the resources and connections they need to thrive in their new homes. They remind us of the amazing things that can happen when we all come together to care for each other. 

To learn more about how you can get involved in your local CROP Hunger Walk, click here. Learn more about the work of CWS Indianapolis here.

Stories of Change

Henao Cano Family at a local park near their new home

A New Beginning: The Story of Hope and Resilience of the Henao Cano Family 

We are a family of four—father, mother, and two children—from Colombia. We’ve lived in Aruba before we arrived in the United States in August 2024. As we boarded the plane, we were filled with hope and many questions: Where will we live? What will the place be like? Where will Emanuel, our youngest son, go to school? Where will we work? These were just some of the many uncertainties and fears we had as we began this new chapter of our lives. 

When the plane landed, we prayed and asked God to guide us, trusting that everything would unfold according to His will. We hoped someone would be waiting for us to take us to our new home, and when we met Nabil, our assigned case manager, at the airport, who welcomed us with kindness. He made every effort to ensure we felt comfortable and at ease. 

Nabil took us to our new home, and when we arrived, he had prepared a delicious dinner for us. It was a simple but deeply thoughtful gesture that made us feel cared for and supported. 

The next steps included exploring the area, attending medical appointments, opening bank accounts, and adjusting to our new surroundings. Day by day, we began to settle in. 

In the following weeks, we began our job search. We visited every business in our area and even traveled beyond our neighborhood, taking the bus to expand our search. We walked so much that Emanuel would ask, “When are we going to find a job?” 

Frustration set in, and we felt anxious and even depression at times. But we kept reminding ourselves that everything would be okay, that with God’s help, and with our strong family bond, we would find a way forward. We never lost faith. Our constant source of strength was the unwavering support from Church World Service. They provided housing, school enrollment, benefits, orientation, English classes, even gathering furniture for our new home 

CWS’s generosity and commitment were evident in every interaction. They not only guided us but also encouraged us and ensured we never felt alone on this journey. Above all, they insured we had a safe and welcoming home 

After many days of searching, job offers came through for my husband and son. We were overjoyed, and we even celebrated with a special dinner of beef roast, rice, kidney beans cooked with tomatoes and green onions, fried plantains. They began the process of medical exams and hiring, and soon they started working for their new companies. As they settled into their jobs, we began to feel a sense of calm and relief, knowing that things were moving in the right direction. 

 I want to thank God first and foremost, and CWS, for being there for us every step of the way. Their support, guidance, and encouragement have meant the world to us. I understand how overwhelming it can feel to migrate to a new country, but one thing I know for sure is that a positive attitude and openness are essential to this process. 

I just want to say from the bottom of my heart, thank you so much for all the support and for always keeping our well-being in mind. 

This story was written by the Henao Cano family, who arrived in the United States with support from CWS Jersey City.  

To learn more about the work of CWS Jersey City, click here. 

Stories of Change

Levitchi at the Diamant Day Center for Children

Becoming a Trailblazer

Life hasn’t always been easy for 16-year-old Levitchi Cornel, who grew up in a single-parent household with his mom and older brother in Ukraine. Since he was seven years old, however, Levitchi has found a safe space at the Diamant Day Center for Children in Telenești. Through his involvement at the Center, which is supported by Church World Service, Levitchi has gained skills that have shaped his journey, from making friends to building connections and actively participating in his community.

 By participating in the Center’s activities, Levitchi’s confidence has grown steadily, allowing him to realize his own worth and the value he brings to those around him. He began assisting younger children with their homework and helping with various activities at the Diamant Center. Gradually, he decided not only to be a program participant of the Center but also to become a volunteer there. His mother has continuously supported and encouraged him in his volunteer efforts.

 In 2023, Cornel had an opportunity to attend a community development training at the Diamant Center, where he learned about using local resources to make meaningful improvements. Excited by the idea of making a difference, he invited a few of his classmates to join him and together they successfully built two new bike racks for their school. 

 Levitchi reflected on this project and shared, “This was an extraordinary experience for me. Together with my classmates, we contributed to improving the conditions at our school by setting up these bicycle racks and creating a safe place for our classmates to park their bikes. This will also encourage more students to use bicycles as a means of transport to school. I can’t wait to start working on new project ideas that benefit our community.”

 The success of this project has helped Cornel and his classmates gain greater confidence in their abilities. Not only did they achieve something useful for many of their peers, but they also set an example for others to follow. In recognition of these efforts, the school administration awarded Cornel a certificate of appreciation for his civic involvement.

 Through his example, Cornel has inspired several other young people to volunteer at the Diamant Day Center for Children. Now, Cornel has a team of volunteers who are involved not only in Center activities but also in the community. They currently have new plans and are working on community engagement projects, eagerly awaiting the opportunity to fulfill their goals.

You can learn more about our work in Ukraine by clicking here. 

Stories of Change

Maria at the Positive Women center

Maria Finds Her Inner Strength

In times of hardship, each of us faces unique trials that can feel overwhelming. Yet within each person lies a strength to grow and adjust. The story of Maria, a ten-year-old Ukrainian girl in Odesa, offers a glimpse of that resilience. 

Maria arrived at her first children’s group meeting in our safe space at CWS partner, Positive Women, with a psychologist, filled with fears and insecurities. Her anxiety and doubtfulness were palpable as she avoided eye contact and hardly spoke. She thought of herself as “strange” and believed she was someone who didn’t quite fit in. Being around other children felt like an insurmountable challenge, so she chose silence as her shield.

The psychologist understood how important it was to give Maria space for self-expression and began to gradually engage her in communication through small exercises and group support. At first, Maria was hesitant about these activities, but by the second meeting, the impact of the exercises and group support became visible. Slowly, Maria started to show interest in what was happening around her and began to respond, albeit cautiously, to the attention other children showed toward her creative skills, particularly her drawings. This was her first step toward opening up.

At the third meeting, Maria surprised everyone. The quiet girl who had once lingered on the sidelines began to initiate small conversations, sharing her feelings, showing interest in the stories of others and joining in group games. Maria began to realize that she could be accepted for who she was, and that her “differences” were simply traits that made her unique.

In just three meetings, Maria discovered the strength that had been within her all along. Each day, Maria comes out of her shell a bit more and is becoming more open and happy, eagerly awaiting the next group session.

This transformation was made possible through the “Support for Women and Children During the War in Ukraine” project, funded by Church World Service. You can learn more about our work in Ukraine by clicking here. 

Stories of Change

Nicolae at the Anastasis Center

An Empowered Student

When war intensified in Ukraine’s Kramatorsk region in 2022, 16-year-old Nicolae and his family were forced to flee to Bălți, Moldova, leaving behind their home and familiar life. Like many displaced students, Nicolae faced the daunting challenge of continuing his education in a foreign country while dealing with the trauma of conflict.

Determined to pursue his studies, Nicolae found hope at the Anastasis Educational Center. “At first, everything seemed impossible. I felt lost in a new country, but the support from the Center helped me adjust and move forward,” he shared. The Center provided not just educational opportunities, but a comprehensive support system that proved crucial for his adaptation and growth.

Despite the language barriers and cultural adjustments, Nicolae’s dedication to learning never wavered. Through the Center’s innovative online learning program, he successfully completed his 9th-grade studies. The Center’s holistic approach—combining academic support with psychological counseling and material support—created an environment where Nicolae could thrive both academically and personally.

Education became Nicolae’s gateway to community integration and personal development. Through the Center’s programs, he discovered the empowering world of volunteerism. “I felt strong and confident that I could contribute to change,” Nicolae reflected. “Through volunteering, I learned how important it is to support one another.” This experience empowered him to transfer the help and compassion he received to the other members of his community.

Nicolae’s educational journey took an exciting turn in 2023 when he enrolled in vocational courses in auto mechanics. His commitment to learning caught the attention of a local auto service center during his internship, leading to a part-time job offer. “Work motivates me to exceed my limits and take care of myself and my family,” he said proudly.

Today, Nicolae exemplifies the resilient spirit of student activism and determination. He balances his morning studies with afternoon work at the auto service, supporting his family while building his future. His story showcases how access to education, combined with proper support systems, can help displaced students not just survive but thrive in challenging circumstances.

*The Anastasis Educational Center is run by our local partner, Diaconia, and aims to help Ukrainian refugees heal and rebuild their lives. At the Center, program participants can receive psychological support, attend vocational classes, partake in fun activities and access computers to attend online school.

This story is possible thanks to CWS’ membership in ACT Alliance, a global coalition of churches and agencies engaged in development, humanitarian assistance and advocacy. It is also supported by the generosity of UMCOR. You can learn more about the work we are doing in Moldova to support Ukrainian refugees by clicking here.

Stories of Change

image of Margaret Kitheka

“I remember that day, as if it was a dream”

“I remember that day, as if it was a dream… like a drama…” Margaret Kitheka states, as we begin a conversation about her unexpected ascension to the leadership position of her self-help group, where she now sits as the group secretary. The following text is Margaret’s retelling of her experience becoming a leader in this program:

With the CWS project this year, we underwent training on the production of crops on our individual farms and, during one of the follow-up meetings, one of the members proposed that I host the community demonstration plot on my farm. As a middle-aged woman whose husband has been imprisoned for several years and raising her children on my own, I was surprised that the community members would select my farm to host the demonstration. I wasn’t sure at first, but a firm reminder from our Crop Production Facilitator (CPF) of the progress I had made throughout the season made me accept, albeit half-heartedly. This decision changed my life, literally. 

As we dug the demonstration farm during our weekly visit with our CPF, I made sure that the CPF would spend a little extra time on my farm, and he helped me scout the common pests and identify the best place to set up terraces. Whenever I visited my neighbor’s farms, I would make the effort to help them to scout their land, encourage them to also dig their Mandala Gardens and to save up the leftovers for the compost heap. Although I wasn’t awarded, my name was mentioned as one of the best performers in our entire group, not once but twice! 

One day, CWS staff brought our area officer in charge of all women and self-help groups, Madam Rose. She spoke to us about the importance of strong leadership in making groups succeed. She reminded us that a good leader is one who starts by leading him or herself, by following the instructions of what we have learned and by always helping others with work, so we do not leave anyone behind. 

When Madam Rose looked at our records, I realized there was a lot that could be done to make our group strong and to reduce in-fighting. What I realized as she spoke, was that the idea of a leader I had in mind—someone bold, a good speaker, someone who can command people to listen to them, someone well-educated—was very different from what she was saying: someone humble, who is able to complete their work quickly and help others, someone who asks questions and shares information with members swiftly, someone who remembers and reminds others of what they had agreed to do. 

The more she spoke, the more I realized that the type of leader she was describing was me!  When she asked for volunteers to the executive committee to lead the group, I was not surprised when those who I expected to volunteer to lead, raised their hands for the position of chair and treasurer. But when it came to the secretary position, most of the members who were nominated to do so, chose not to. I don’t recall exactly why I raised my hand. For a few moments, even the other group members did not seem to notice that I had raised it.

Before I could change my mind, Madam Rose asked me to stand up and I was whisked away to a separate part of the house where I could not see what was happening. As I waited, the doubts came back; I am not well educated, I am not wealthy, I do not have a husband…it was too late. When I tried to change my mind by going back to the group proceedings, they asked me firmly to go back until I was called back. 

After what felt like an eternity, our teacher Mwikali came to collect me. I tried to read her face, but she was not smiling at all. When I got to the group, Madam Rose announced the new office holders, and I was selected as the secretary by the members. I heard a few of them say I do not see well, but I interjected that I had perfect eyesight. I decided to own up to the fact that I am not very well-read, but our teachers told us that they would train us and help us to adapt to the new position. 

As we speak, I have been included as one of the bank signatories for our group account. I have read the minutes in my local language and work with my son to translate anything required in English. My new role did not stop me from working hard on my farm. As I listened to the December list of best performers, my name was called second, meaning that next time, if I work hard and continue to support my neighbors, I shall take up the first place! 

I thank CWS for the confidence they have given us, the knowledge to change our individual lives, to change our work as groups and to influence our neighbors so that we can all together fight this climate change. 

To learn more about CWS’ work in Kenya, click here. To learn more about how CWS works with communities around the world to adapt to climate change, click here.

 

Stories of Change

DREAM program participant making organic components

Mama Sardina Changes with the Environment

In the vibrant hills of West Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia, Mama Sardina tends to her crops with care and determination. Mama Sardina Malafu is a 40-year-old woman from Camplong, a dedicated farmer, and a member of the Ester Dinar women’s farming group. This group of 18 women is committed to their farming practices and to learning and adopting sustainable agricultural methods. For Mama Sardina, farming is not just a livelihood; it’s a way of life.

Recently, PMPB, CWS’s local partner in the region, visited the Ester Dinar farmer group at their communal house, just 100 meters from Mama Sardina’s garden. As she shared her story, Mama Sardina demonstrated the use of bokasi fertilizer, which the group produces using a special storage tank, locally known as “Ufo.” As she sprinkled fertilizer on the chili and tomato plants growing behind her house, she explained, “We store fertilizer in this Ufo, so it’s safe. If we want to plant, we just take it from here.”

The Ufo was provided by the local Animal Husbandry Service, and it has become a vital resource for the women. “After receiving training on bokasi fertilizer and vegetable pesticides from PMPB and CWS, we started producing it together. Relying solely on government-subsidized fertilizer is not enough, so this has been very helpful for us,” Mama Sardina added.

The Ester Dinar farmer group is one of many in Camplong II Village that benefits from government subsidies of two different kinds of fertilizers. In 2023, each member received one 40 kg sack of each type at a subsidized price. However, due to limitations, this year, the amount has been reduced to 30 kg per person. To manage this shortfall, the group decided to increase their production of bokasi fertilizer. “We plan to continue producing bokasi and even explore selling it abroad to improve our economy, both at home and as a group,” Mama Sardina shared, filling a spray bottle with vegetable pesticide she had prepared earlier.

Mama Sardina’s corn garden, also located near the group house, requires constant attention. “We learned how to make this pesticide through training with PMPB and CWS. When we notice damaged leaves or pests like caterpillars, we spray the plants to protect them,” she explained. The training also involved hands-on workshops where the women learned to produce pesticides themselves, equipping them with the tools they need to reduce crop failure risks.

Living in a high-altitude area means that Mama Sardina must monitor her crops closely, especially during periods of insufficient rainfall. “Caterpillars and other pests become more problematic when the rain is scarce, and some plants may fail. But with what we’ve learned, we try to minimize these risks. Even if the harvest isn’t large, at least we can reduce the chances of complete crop failure.”

As the environment changes, Mama Sardina and her fellow farmers are changing with it, ensuring their way of life remains sustainable and resilient. 

To learn more about how CWS works with communities around the world to adapt to climate change, click here.

Stories of Change

Disclaimer: for the safety and protection of the children in this story, a stock image has been used

A Family’s Courageous Journey

If your home was on fire and staying meant you would likely die, what would you do? If your children were there with you, would you keep them inside, or push them to leave? This hypothetical scenario is the reality for many families who have had to flee their country. It is also the reality for children like Isabella and Samantha whose parents, hoping to save them, sent them out of their home on their own. 

Isabella and Samantha were just 15 and 8 years old when they had to leave Guatemala. The events that led to this decision were many years in the making. Isabella and Samantha’s father, Ricardo, is from Nicaragua, but he had to flee when he was just 17 because of threats from gangs. In Guatemala, he met Lupita, and the couple gave birth to three children: Raul, Isabella and Samantha. Unfortunately, 16 years later, history repeated itself when Raul became a teenage boy and the gangs gave him only two options: join or be killed. Seeking a third option, the family decided that Raul would flee to the United States with his dad, where they would seek asylum. 

For two years, Lupita and her two daughters remained in Guatemala, hopeful that the rest of the family could return when it was safe to do so. This home that they loved so much and that Lupita remarked as “a beautiful land,” however, only became more and more dangerous for the family. Isabella began to experience threats from adults who threatened to kill her. The threats quickly became very real when one of the adults broke into the school to try harming Isabella, and the next day, Isabella was nearly run over by a car, driven by these adults. As Ricardo explained, “In Guatemala, they’re not just threats, they go through with it,” adding that these same people had taken the lives of others before. 

“I knew that if we stayed, it would have been a matter of life and death,” said Lupita. Since the family had not originally planned to leave their home, they only had enough money to send two people to safety. Without thinking twice, Lupita and Ricardo agreed to send their daughters. 

The family knew the risks that existed on the journey to the United States, but the danger at home was far greater and Isabella couldn’t even go to school anymore. The young girls traveled in a group of other children who were also trying to reach the border and spent each harrowing day walking or on a packed bus. Their journey took a turn when Isabella got gravely ill and had to rely on the other strangers in her group to get her help. “Isabella says that thank God she’s alive because with how sick she got, she felt like she was dying,” explained Ricardo. 

Through her own strength and determination, Isabella got better and was able to continue forward until she and Samantha finally reached the border. Here, they were processed as unaccompanied children and were connected to their dad, who had been anxiously awaiting their arrival. “It was an unforgettable moment,” Ricardo told us, holding back tears as he recalled the moment he finally reunited with his daughters. “I had gone two years without seeing them. They were so big. I almost didn’t recognize Samantha because when I had left she was so small.” He added that the four of them spent the rest of the day as a family, sharing, “We did the many things I had dreamed of doing with them during the years we were apart.”

Shortly after, Lupita began her own journey to reunite with her husband and children, sharing that she often traveled 2-3 days with no access to food or a restroom and packed “like sardines.” She reflected, “The trip was a long process and is something I don’t wish on anyone,” and confessed that many times she wondered if they had done the right thing by sending Isabella and Samantha on the same journey. These doubts disappeared the moment she received news that her girls had made it. They were safe. 

In Pennsylvania, the family became whole again, feeling an overwhelming gratitude that they were all alive and well. When they found out they were eligible to receive services through CWS, they couldn’t believe it. “Believe me, I never believed I would receive so much support. I’m so thankful to God because, for us, you are all like angels who have given us a hand. I’ve always believed in God and I believe that God has placed people on earth who are angels to others. I pray that this organization is blessed,” said Lupita. 

In partnership with their case manager, the family of five has been able to get back on their feet and have been reminded that they are deserving of care. Lupita remembers when their case manager helped enroll them at a low-cost health clinic she told her case manager, “I don’t exist here,” reminding her that she still didn’t have proper documentation. Her case manager assured her that this didn’t matter and that the whole family had the right to health care. Lupita thought her case manager had made a mistake until she saw her name listed along with the rest of her family members and she said, “Thank you! I never imagined that I would have human rights here.”

The family’s case manager has also supported the family by helping to enroll the girls in school, something that Lupita is extra excited about, sharing that she didn’t have the chance to go to school as a child because she grew up as a street child and orphan. She added that she didn’t learn to read or write until she was 14 years old and stated, “My greatest dream is that my children become great people and accomplish what I couldn’t.” Isabella, determined to provide safety in a way that she was unable to receive back home, has decided that she wants to become a police officer. Similarly, Samantha wants to become a doctor so that she can take care of people. 

In their new life, the family enjoys fishing together and feels grateful that they no longer have to worry about not having enough food or experiencing dangers like the ones they faced in Guatemala. Ricardo and Lupita, despite having little, gave everything they had to do what any parent would do for their child in their situation. From the ashes, they are rebuilding a life that is not just safe, but full of hope and overwhelming love for one another. 

*Note: pseudonyms have been used to protect the identity of the individuals in this story

To learn more about our Children Services program, click here.