Church World Service

Thank you to everyone who joined our panel discussion : "Investing In Refugee-Led Humanitarian Responses Case Study from Sudan Response" at Aidex Nairobi 2024. Special thanks to our wonderful panelists and the Aidex organizers: Moderator: Wycleff Ochieng CWS Africa, Acting County Representative for Kenya, and the Regional Director of PMEAL. The panelists in the picture from left to right: Hadiya Abdelrahman Community Outreach Department at StARS. Abubakarr Jalloh, Assistant Representative (Programme), UNHCR Representation Office, Khartoum, Sudan. Andhira Kara, Refugee advocate and researcher. Also thanks to Andreas Schonning and Iska Meyer-Wendecker for the invitation.

For most people, safety can be found in various spaces in our personal lives where we can be ourselves, free from fear or judgment. For countless LGBTQ+ refugees across the globe, however, such safe spaces are a rare and precious luxury. This #PrideMonth we celebrate our Safe Space Program which develops physical spaces for LGBTQ+ refugees and locals where they can find belonging and access additional care including shelter, psychosocial support, legal resources and healthcare. CWS Program Communications Specialist, Mariana Gama, reflects on her recent visit to Safe Space in Kenya: "It became intensely noticeable what this space truly meant for each participant. What it meant to be called 'brother or 'sister'; to be seen the way you see yourself and to laugh and speak without wondering if you have shown too much." At CWS we are proud to support the LGBTQ+ community and remind them, “you are safe here”. Read more: https://bit.ly/3XgMfkS

Join us for a special panel discussion on World Refugee Day as we celebrate the resilience and stories of newcomers in our community. Our panelists will share their journeys, experiences, and insights, shedding light on the challenges and triumphs of resettlement.

Join CWS on Wednesday, June 12 at 2 pm ET for the next Partner with Us Series session to learn how your congregation can partner with CWS through the CROP Hunger Walk to provide solutions for hunger and poverty alleviation in your community. The Partner with Us Series is held on the second Wednesday of every month to equip and empower faith communities, faith leaders, community members and leaders to take meaningful action within their communities. Learn more and register! https://lnkd.in/exb2kDbD

Happy World Environment Day! Today we celebrate our environment which sustains us and gives us life every day. Here at CWS, we are dedicated to protecting the environment and promoting environmental awareness throughout our programs around the world.

As we enter the hurricane season, it's a challenging time for many communities as they are often severely impacted by storms. CWS is committed to standing with these communities, providing support during and after the storms. Our hearts are with all the communities across the U.S. Take action today by donating kits, buckets, and blankets to help us be better prepared to step in during any upcoming disasters. Donate today: https://bit.ly/3RgTXHL

The recent move by the administration could almost entirely shut down legal asylum protections, contradicting both U.S. and international law. This political decision undermines America's historic role in protecting the vulnerable and goes against promises made to treat migrants with dignity. CWS urges the court system to overturn this unjust order and calls for compassionate asylum and immigration policies that uphold the U.S. legacy as a welcoming nation. #StandForAsylum #RefugeeRights #HumaneImmigration Learn more: https://bit.ly/3xdoBLj

🏳️🌈 Love is never wrong. 🏳️🌈 We are proud to work towards a world where all LGBTQ+ people can live in safety and dignity. We are so grateful to all the members of our own community who are walking alongside us this #PrideMonth and all year long. 💛

It's #ThankfulThursday! Today, we're highlighting Shrewsbury Community Church in Vermont. They are one of the many congregations and groups that assemble CWS Kits each year. Thanks to the generosity of our dedicated donors, CWS can distribute these kits to our neighbors in need when they need them most. Thank you!

On Tuesday evening, May 14th, CWS hosted an evening reception at the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America in Chicago, Il. During the event, CWS CEO, Rick S. and Board Chair, Rev David Vasquez-Levy presented the Faithful Partner Award to Presiding Bishop, Rev. Elizabeth A. Eaton. The event was well attended by the members of the CWS Board of Directors, CWS and ELCA Staff and leadership of the ELCA. Warm remarks were given, celebrating the long-term partnership and the impact CWS and the ELCA have achieved together.  CWS appreciates Bishop Eaton’s leadership and the generosity of ELCA members, and the many ways our partnership benefits the world.