*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 …
Stories of Change
Irina (left) with a Speranta Terrei staff member
Irina’s Journey of Resilience and Recovery
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 behind everything she loved.
Irina arrived in Balti, Moldova, in the early days of the conflict, filled with anxiety and uncertainty. She found herself alone, without family or friends, which added to her sense of loneliness. During her first weeks in the new city, she tried to settle in, but the stress and fear took a toll on her health. Soon, Irina began to experience constant fatigue, headaches and joint pain. Not knowing where to turn for help, she learned about one of the Refugee Assistance Centers in the city, CWS’ local partner, Speranta Terrei. With hope and excitement, Irina visited the Center and was greeted with warmth and understanding. The doctor conducted a consultation and suggested that she undergo a comprehensive examination.
After consulting with a therapist, Irina was referred to an external medical center for a more detailed examination and consultations with specialists. She completed the necessary tests and examinations there, which helped identify problems caused by stress and lack of self-care.
The employees of Speranta Terrei provided Irina with medical care and psychological support. Irina felt that she had not been forgotten and that there were people ready to help in difficult times. The Center’s employees told her about the possibility of meeting people like her in partner organization, Zdorovii Gorod. She began attending support groups where she met other women who had gone through similar experiences.
“The program not only helped me get my medication, but also provided counseling that helped me understand how to take better care of myself. Now I am actively working on my mental health and feel like I can handle anything that comes my way,” said Irina.
Irina’s story is one of fortitude and the importance of seeking help in difficult times. With this newfound support, she is now on the path to a full recovery.
CWS’ local partners Speranta Terrei (Hope of the Earth) provides Ukrainian refugees with food, medical and psychological assistance and 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.
This story is possible thanks to the generosity of UMCOR. To learn more and support CWS’ work with Ukrainian refugees in Moldova, click here.
Stories of Change
Disclaimer: for the safety and protection of the family in this story, a stock image has been used
Overcoming Obstacles on the Path to Safety
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 besides his own two feet, Mihail walked towards the border, where he would seek safety in the neighboring country of Moldova. “I walked for a long time and even swam across the river to be safe,” he shared. “In fact, there was no choice. I went where it was possible to cross the border. Moldova is on the way. It was close enough for me to get there. It was all about getting out and saving my life.”
On the first day after arrival, he found a job, where he met a man who knew an employee of CWS’ local partner in Moldova, the Union for Justice and Health.
“It was probably a big coincidence, which I perceive as real luck. The Union immediately responded and helped.” The Union provided Mihail with temporary housing for three weeks, food vouchers and also moral support, advice and documents, which were especially valuable at that moment. With this support, Mihail was able to overcome the first difficulties and begin to build a new life.
At the time of his stay in Moldova, Mihail was struggling with addiction and continued treatment. He shared, “I had been battling addiction even before the war and continued to treat with methadone therapy whenever possible. In Ukraine, such drugs could be obtained relatively easily, although more often for money. In Moldova, the situation turned out to be different. Everything passed through official channels and was controlled by special structures, the partner of which was the Union for Justice and Health. With their help, I was able to continue the treatment, and this greatly facilitated adaptation.”
But there were many other challenges. Applying for temporary asylum turned out to be a long and difficult process. Finding a job was complicated by lack of knowledge about local laws and of the language. Mihail praised the contribution of the Union and its staff, which helped him slowly settle down and feel more confident, providing him with the stability he needed to continue his journey and build a safe, new life in Germany.
*The name has been changed to protect his identity.
The Union for Equity and Health (Uniunea pentru Echitate si Sanatate) provides psychological, social, and medical assistance to people in Moldova. They offer support groups, educational resources, and health services to promote safety and well-being among these program participants.
This story is possible thanks to the generosity of UMCOR. To learn more and support CWS’ work with Ukrainian refugees in Moldova, click here.
Stories of Change
Disclaimer: for the safety and protection of the family in this story, a stock image has been used
“Every Day We Cling to Hope”
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 up in Moldova, hoping to find refuge and peace there, but their ordeal was only just beginning.
When they arrived, everything seemed temporary. “We just have to wait it out,” Valentina reassured herself. But as the days and weeks passed, the situation only worsened. It was difficult to find housing and work, and when Valentina fell ill, things got even worse. She experienced depression and nearly stopped eating, causing her weight to drop rapidly. Alina, her 19-year-old daughter, felt the full weight of responsibility for their future. She got a job in a small flower shop, where, despite the modest earnings, she hoped to somehow support her mother.
Alina did not earn enough money to cover a medical examination for her mother, and Valentina was getting weaker every day. Without a clear way to help, Alina felt like time was slipping through her fingers until one of the employees of the flower shop told her about Speranța Terrei (Hope of the Earth), CWS’ local partner in Moldova. The team at Speranța Terrei organized a full medical examination for Valentina and found that she was positive for lung cancer. The diagnosis was a terrible blow, but they finally had the answers they needed and support from Speranța Terrei in the recovery ahead and throughout her chemotherapy treatments.
For Alina, this time was a test of strength, but she did not feel alone in the fight. Alina was offered a job at the Refugee Assistance Center, so she was able to be with her mother and get paid to assist the people who work at the center.
“The program helped me understand that my daughter and I are not alone. We met people at the Center who had experienced similar diagnoses, and this gave me strength. Every day we cling to hope—hope that the treatment will work, hope that the disease will recede and hope that my daughter and I can start a new chapter in our lives. We are surrounded by people who believe in the best, and this belief gives us strength,” said Valentina.
The story of Valentina is a story of fortitude and of the importance of seeking help and support in difficult times. Thanks to the Speranța Terrei, she is in the process of recovering her health, with the hope of a complete recovery.
In Balti, CWS’ local partner Speranta Terrei (Hope of the Earth) provides Ukrainian refugees with food, medical and psychological assistance. The organization raises awareness around infectious disease, provides treatment support to tuberculosis patients and promotes their rights within local systems, advocating for greater patient support.
This story is possible thanks to the generosity of UMCOR. To learn more and support CWS’ work with Ukrainian refugees in Moldova, click here.
Stories of Change
Above: Sasha (right) stands next to the CWS Blankets that were distributed in November 2024. Below: CWS Blankets are prepared for distribution.
CWS Blankets Bring Thanksgiving Warmth in Washington State
Many of the clients at Concern for Neighbors Food Bank in Mountlake Terrace, Washington, had a little something extra to be grateful for this Thanksgiving: snuggly CWS Blankets! The food bank provides food and some household supplies to hundreds of people each Tuesday morning, and they added 100 CWS Blankets to their distribution during the week of Thanksgiving 2024. It was the fourth time in five years that CWS supplied blankets for the team at Concern for Neighbors to give out.
Concern for Neighbors begins their distribution at 9:30 a.m. and has been using a drive-through format since 2020. Clients line up in their cars and neighbors often carpool so that one car may represent a few families. The line of cars often snakes around the block.
On the Tuesday before Thanksgiving, Sasha got in line in her car at 5:30 in the morning, four hours before distribution began. It was a cold and cloudy day, typical of the Seattle area this time of year. “I’m not going to keep my car running that long. It’s a waste of gas,” she said. While she waited, Sasha curled up under a gray wool CWS Blanket that she had received during a previous year and napped. “It definitely comes in handy. Sometimes jackets aren’t enough, especially because you don’t want to keep your car running,” she said.
Sasha says that she keeps the gray blanket in her car all the time. “I actually go to work pretty early, so that way I get a good parking spot and don’t have to pay like $60 for parking,” she said. “I use the blanket to take naps in my car before work.”
Thankfully, Sasha has received both a gray wool blanket and a yellow fleece blanket during that earlier distribution. “The yellow one is for in my house when I’m cuddled up on the couch, because I don’t have heat in my house,” she said. “I haven’t had [the heat] on in five years, so it’s extra cold in the house and I need an extra blanket.”
“Thank you for the blanket and the thought of it,” Sasha says to the people who make the CWS Blankets program possible. “The material is the best part about it, just because a lot of wool things are hard to find or way more expensive.”
The clients at Concern for Neighbors will use their CWS Blankets to meet all sorts of needs. Some clients don’t have permanent housing and rely on the blankets for warmth in the cold Washington winters. Some, like Sasha, need that extra boost of warmth in chilly homes and cars. Others need the blankets for new babies or newly-arriving extended family. No matter how they put the blankets to use, all of these neighbors are wrapped up in love as a result of the CWS Blankets program.
To learn more about how you can get involved in the CWS Blankets program, click here.
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.
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Lena Asensio in her office
From Empowered to Empowering
In her day-to-day job on CWS’ Southwest Region team, Lena Asensio, Regional Deputy Director, works behind the scenes to ensure that all the necessary parts of the region’s programs are in place and working properly. She spends most of her time researching grant opportunities and “identifying gaps or areas where systems need to be better designed or structured.” Beyond the impressive skills she brings to the organization, Lena also brings something invaluable: a personal connection to our work.
Like many of the individuals we serve, Lena came to the U.S. as a Cuban Entrant in 2014. She explained that since she was a young girl, she knew she would one day leave Cuba to find the freedom to create the life she wanted for herself. It was clear to her that by staying in Cuba she would not reach her greatest potential, so she left, entering through the “Wet Foot, Dry Foot Policy,” which gave Cubans who made it to the U.S. a chance to apply for legal status. “For us, we feel like the US is the land of freedom,” Lena shared, “the land where you have the opportunity to pursue your dreams and your passions.”
In her new home city of Houston, Lena sought support to access benefits, which led her to connect with a local resettlement organization. She began volunteering there, sparking what would become a nearly ten-year career in the field. Lena’s natural talents did not go unnoticed, and she eventually landed her current role at CWS. A natural achiever, Lena went on to complete a second bachelor’s degree and is currently working on her Master’s degree.
As both an immigrant and a resettlement expert, Lena has a profound understanding of the resettlement system and the importance of legal pathways and asylum opportunities for newcomers. “Nobody wants to leave their country,” she stated. “That’s their life, that’s where their family is. So if they’re taking that step, it means that there are major reasons why, whether it’s safety, access to health, access to education, whatever it may be. And so I absolutely believe that those pathways are critical.”
Lena is an essential part of CWS, and it’s these very same programs she now supports that allowed her to reach this position and contribute in the way she has. She recalls that when she first arrived in the United States, she didn’t have an Employment Authorization Document, which made it practically impossible to get employment and be self-sufficient. She elaborates that the programs that support new arrivals help them “build a strong foundation to be able to integrate better, pursue their dreams and seek education and better job opportunities.”
Above all, Lena wants our American-born neighbors to realize how similar we all truly are. “We’re not aliens. Although that term has been used, we’re not aliens from another planet. We’re just as human and just as similar, and if you have the opportunity to connect with people who are not from the U.S., you’ll be able to confirm this very quickly.” Lena’s journey is proof that when newcomers are given the chance to thrive, they enrich not only their own lives but also the communities they become a part of.
Learn more about the work of CWS Houston here. To learn more about our work in resettlement, click here.
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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.