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.

A Celebration of Gratitude


November 27, 2024

  Thanksgiving has become a cherished tradition for me, one that intertwines the values of gratitude, togetherness and resilience. As a Somali immigrant and storyteller now living in Maine, my journey to embracing this quintessentially American holiday is a testament to the power of community and the beauty of shared traditions. When I first arrived in the United States, Thanksgiving …

Stories of Change

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. 

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.

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 …

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. 

TAKE ACTION NOW: Urge the North Carolina Legislature to VOTE NO on the Veto Override of HB 10 – Require ICE Cooperation & Budget Adjustments


November 18, 2024

A bill that would place undocumented North Carolinians at greater risk of surveillance, detention, and deportation will come to a vote before the North Carolina General Assembly on Tuesday, November 19th. The legislature’s effort to enact the bill comes as President-elect Donald Trump is preparing his administration to “carry out the largest deportation operation in history.” HB 10 – Require …

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.