Beyond Borders: Miguel’s Journey for Survival and Family

News & Updates | Posted Friday, December 1, 2023

Story by: Jose Ruiz Caseworker Tania Landi and Community Engagement Specialist Jose Ruiz recently traveled from New York City to meet with a client, referred to in this story by the pseudonym Miguel, to safeguard his privacy. Miguel’s story is a narrative emblematic of countless others navigating the web of migration’s challenges. In a mountain-filled U.S. city, we met with …

Finding Comfort in the Wake of Hurricane

News & Updates | Posted Tuesday, November 21, 2023

When Hurricane Idalia threatened communities in Florida this past summer, the vast ocean surrounding Plymouth Harbor Retirement Home transformed from a source of peace to one of danger. In less than four hours, staff had to evacuate more than 250 seniors, who average about 85 years of age, to safety. Many residents left with very limited belongings and strong winds …

Church World Service Celebrates Bethlehem United Church of Christ for its Lasting Commitment to Humanitarian Efforts

News & Updates | Posted Friday, November 3, 2023

Ann Arbor, MI—Earlier this month, Church World Service as part of its effort to celebrate legacy congregations across the nation for their commitment to humanitarian causes, honored Bethlehem United Church of Christ in Ann Arbor. For nearly fifty years, Bethlehem UCC and its congregants have dedicated themselves to aiding CWS in providing sustainable responses to poverty and life-saving disaster response …

Emergency Response Fund

CWS Emergency Response Fund In an instant, families can lose everything. That is why when disaster strikes, CWS supports the most vulnerable communities in their time of greatest need. You can remind our neighbors on their journey from response to recovery, that they are never alone. (Photo: Associated Press, Anusak Laowilas/NurPhoto)CWS Emergency Response Fund  CWS supports the most vulnerable communities …

Annual Report 2023

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 …

Community-Driven Transformation: A Theological Perspective

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 …

Bridging the Gap in Disaster Response

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 …

Replacing Fear with Hope in Merced County

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 …

Making Changes Beyond Walls

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 fund

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 …