ANNUAL REPORT 2023 MENUDear CWS friends, As a vital part of the CWS family, you know that together we speak up for our communities with everything we’ve got. One core value we champion is that everyone deserves a safe place to call home. This year, too many families have lost their safe homes. Inflation and rising food prices have made …
News & Updates | Posted Thursday, July 20, 2023
A Letter to the Church in America Dear American Church, I am writing to you today with deep concern for the vulnerable among us, drawing inspiration from the teachings of the Apostle Paul in his letters to the early Christian communities. As Paul exhorted the Roman Christians to live transformed lives in Christ, I want to urge the church in …
News & Updates | Posted Thursday, June 29, 2023
“Our lives have changed.” “This was traumatic.” “It’s going to take so many years to recover from this.” These are just some of the things that Liliana Zamora, program manager at Community Bridges, heard from residents of Pajaro, California following the intense flooding that occurred in March. Pajaro is a community in Monterey River County and is separated from the …
News & Updates | Posted Thursday, June 29, 2023
Imagine you’re asleep when you hear waves crashing onto a surface. For a second you wonder, “Am I dreaming?” until you feel the water creep onto your bed. You jump to your feet, making a splash, and your instincts kick in. Your home is no longer safe, you need to get out. This is what many families and individuals in …
News & Updates | Posted Thursday, June 8, 2023
In 2011, Joel Edwards left his home country of Jamaica to start a new life in Brooklyn, New York. Eventually, his passion for serving others led him to the non-profit, Beyond Walls, which supports underserved communities in the area. Today, Joel is Operations Director and continues to serve and advocate for these families and individuals. Through the years, Joel has …
Disaster Response FundNatural disasters can devastate entire communities in just seconds, leaving families and individuals struggling to survive. You can make a powerful impact in the wake of natural disasters by supporting CWS. CWS understands the urgent need to support the most vulnerable in times of crisis. That’s why, with your help, we provide critical supplies like hygiene kits, emergency …
News & Updates | Posted Wednesday, March 29, 2023
Situation Last Friday, a series of deadly tornadoes swept across Mississippi, killing 26 individuals and injuring dozens more. The tornadoes were especially devastating in Rolling Fork where much of the 2000-person town has been reduced to rubble. For many residents of Rolling Fork, which has a poverty rate of 21%, recovery will be a long and difficult uphill battle. President …
News & Updates | Posted Monday, March 6, 2023
Four years ago pastors Bruce and Carolyn Gillette arrived at First Presbyterian Union Church in Owego, New York. The first time they met the congregation, Bruce wore sneakers and Carolyn did a children’s sermon using a book called Most Ministers Wear Sneakers, which explains the many duties of a minister. After being selected as pastors by the congregation, Carolyn and …
News & Updates | Posted Tuesday, January 24, 2023
Situation Earlier this month, a powerful tornado tore through parts of Alabama, causing damage in 14 counties and killing at least seven people. Following the disaster, temperatures dropped to below freezing while 30,000 homes and businesses remained without power. The effects of the tornado were especially devastating in communities like Selma, where nearly a third of residents live in poverty. …
News & Updates | Posted Thursday, January 19, 2023
Situation Since late December, atmospheric rivers have slammed the state of California and led to severe flooding, power outages, landslides, washouts and levee breaches. The New York Times recently estimated that 19 people have lost their lives due to this horrific series of disasters. The Biden administration has approved Governor Gavin Newsom’s request for a disaster declaration and will provide …