#WorldRefugeeDay
Mother, Father, Neighbor, Business Owner, Teacher, Doctor, Community Leader, Friend.
From coast to coast--and around the world--refugee families add to fabric of our communities. As individuals forced to flee their home countries due to conflict, persecution, or violence, refugees bring with them resilience, diverse perspectives, and a deep appreciation for the opportunities provided by their new home. #RefugeesLead-- giving back economically, culturally, and socially-- showing all of us we are truly #StrongerTogether.
Who Are Refugees?
Did you know?
Refugees bring their talents, resilience and entrepreneurship to our cities and towns: starting businesses, creating jobs, paying taxes and driving local economies.
Refugees bring their food, music, art and customs, fostering more vibrant and diverse communities.
Refugees often fill critical front line jobs, including in healthcare, manufacturing, childcare and food services.
Refugees become U.S. citizens who vote, volunteer and frequently engage in community-building initiatives, fostering a sense of belonging and unity.
Americans who sponsor refugees or volunteer with local refugee service agencies will tell you time and again it is one of the most rewarding experiences of their lives.
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A Celebration of Resilience and New Beginnings
This Father’s Day, as we celebrate the dedication and love of fathers worldwide, let’s also take a moment to recognize the courage and perseverance of refugee fathers who have overcome immense challenges to build a better life for their families. This is not just a story about fatherhood; it is also a testament to the strength and resilience of refugee …
Persevering Through Passions: Jameela and Razaz
Beyond every refugee are stories, passions and hobbies that make them unique. Each newcomer brings to their host country new valuable skills that, when given the chance, can help make our lives a little brighter. This is true for Jameela and Razaz who live in our PURE* Group Home for Youth seeking asylum in Indonesia. On paper, one might assume …
One Man, 1,000 Trees
Claude and the CWS Plant Nursery he manages *Warning: this story mentions violent incidents which may be difficult to read.* Over two decades ago, CWS program participant Claude came face-to-face with death. Like many of his fellow Congolese, this close encounter was unexpected and came as a result of the civil war that erupted in the Democratic Republic of Congo …
Kakuma Camp: The Place Called Nowhere
Scroll through images above to see photos of Tonda’s recent visit to Kakuma Kakuma, in Swahili, means “nowhere.” But for over 250,000 refugees, this place is not just a spot on the map of Kenya; it is a sanctuary, it’s a temporary home. My journey to Kakuma Refugee Camp unfolded stories that were as heart-wrenching as they were inspiring. Today, …
Giving Back and Growing Hope on World Refugee Day: Javid’s Story
This past week ahead of World Refugee Day, I visited our local resettlement office in Harrisonburg, Virginia. While there I got the opportunity to meet with clients and volunteers and hear countless inspiring stories from our refugee clients like Javid from Afghanistan. Javid was born in Kabul, and completed his high school education before receiving a scholarship to study in …
Overcoming Obstacles, Finding Purpose
Samuel’s journey to Harrisonburg, Virginia on January 23, 2020, was anything but straightforward. Born in Eritrea, he later moved to Ethiopia at the age of 13 in 2015. After spending four years there, Samuel embarked on a new chapter when he left for the United States alongside his uncle. Neither of them spoke English upon arrival, which added to the …
Bahar’s Determination for Change
Ever since she was a young girl, Bahar was aware of the inequalities that existed in her life in Iran. The older she got, the more prevalent the discrepancies became between her and her male peers. Bahar, however, came from an open-minded family and was constantly encouraged by her mother to fight for her rights and never settle. She went …
From Dance Teacher to Caregiver: Oleg’s Journey to Help Ukrainian War Refugees
In December 2016, Oleg, a professional dancer, visited Greensboro, North Carolina, to teach dance at local schools. After five years of working in the U.S., Oleg built a new life here with kids and a wife. Then the devastating war broke out in Ukraine. Feeling the need to help his fellow citizens who were fleeing the conflict, Oleg left his …
A Safe Home and a Warm Hug
If you had just 20 minutes to pack a small bag and leave the rest behind, possibly for forever, what would you pack? For Natalia, who fled Ukraine earlier this year, the answer to this question was: documents, necessary items for her son, her son’s favorite toy, books and some snacks. The limited belongings Ukrainians like Natalia have fled with …
Fatima Discovers her Greatest Potential
Becoming a mother at a young age, by choice or by force, is challenging on its own. For refugee women, this challenge can feel extra difficult because they have to face it in a country that is not their own. Young and single refugee mothers face significant challenges: they are often ostracized by their own communities and struggle to find …