Blog

July 3, 2024

Over the past few years, Haiti has been frequently described in challenging and negative ways. These words and images, however, do not capture the full picture of the place that, for millions of Haitians, is simply “home.” In recent years, Haiti has endured a devastating earthquake, hurricanes, and ongoing issues related to poverty, crime, and governance. In Port-au-Prince, where the …

June 20, 2024

My mom always said she would join me in Grand Rapids. After decades of waiting in the Nyarugusu refugee camp in Tanzania, she promised to join me and my siblings, our families, and the new home we built, here in Michigan.  We buried her last year. Not here, with our community, but in the camp. She never left Nyarugusu. Her …

Jovana Savic and Stevan Tatalovic | June 17, 2024

In all of CWS’ programs, there is an element that allows us to thrive: our partnerships. We recently took the time to appreciate one of these partnerships when our PCUSA friends and colleagues Ellen Smith, Regional Liaison for Central & Eastern Europe, and Luciano Kovacs, Middle East and Europe Area Coordinator, visited our programs in Bihac in Bosnia and Herzegovina …

Golnazsadat Golriz | June 10, 2024

As a housing coordinator, I find it fulfilling to assist others in obtaining what they want and need. It’s rewarding to be part of that process; to be there for those who need help, ensuring they find a safe and suitable home.  In May 2023, one of the CWS Jersey City case managers contacted the Housing team with a specific …

Susy Tejeda |

If there’s something I could do forever, it would be humanitarian work. I believe there is no greater satisfaction than providing support to those in need and witnessing the positive transformation it brings to their lives. As a Cuban and Haitian Gaps Case Manager with the CWS Jersey City Housing Team, I’ve had the opportunity to work with a vulnerable …