Press Release
World Relief Triad Receives Grant From Kate B. Reynolds Charitable Trust for Community Health Empowerment Project
August 10, 2021
CONTACT:
Audrey Garden
audrey.garden@pinkston.co
(571) 405-1606
HIGHPOINT, N.C. – World Relief Triad is pleased to announce that it has received a grant from the Kate B. Reynolds Charitable Trust. With this grant, World Relief Triad will fund the Newcomer Collaborative Health Fellowship Project to create systemic change in healthcare in the Piedmont Triad area of North Carolina.
“The goal of World Relief Triad’s Newcomer Collaborative Health Fellowship Project is to improve community health by working with both current refugee communities and existing healthcare provider networks to address the barriers and challenges newcomers may experience while navigating the healthcare system,” said Jarrell Johnson, World Relief Triad Health and Wellness Community Empowerment Coordinator.
The Newcomer Collaborative Health Fellowship Project will work to elevate and empower refugee and immigrant voices throughout the project. The project will hire five ambassadors to represent their respective communities and build relationships with World Relief Triad’s current network of providers. The ambassadors will also disseminate surveys to the refugee community, conduct interviews, and create material for education on topics like sensitivity training and how to navigate cultural, religious and linguistic barriers in the healthcare system.
Eight percent of North Carolina residents are immigrants, while another seven percent are native-born U.S. citizens with at least one immigrant parent. Refugees and other immigrants endure profound physical and psychological trauma after leaving home to flee violence and persecution. The World Relief Triad Health and Wellness staff and volunteers help refugee clients navigate the often difficult and confusing medical system as well as work to empower clients to become self-sufficient in managing their own health care.
Research shows that ​immigrant families often fear interactions with public agencies and go without needed health care and social services. The Newcomer Collaborative Health Fellowship Program will improve the health outcomes of local refugees by equipping healthcare providers to better engage refugees and by guiding refugees to better interact with healthcare providers.
“The Newcomer Collaborative Health Fellowship Project will establish an important bridge between medical and insurance providers and the refugee community, making sure that our systems are responsive to their needs and that refugees don’t fall through the cracks. Our community health ambassadors will help uplift and amplify the voices of leaders from within refugee communities to begin to address health disparities,” said Rob Cassell, World Relief Triad Executive Director.
For more information, please contact Jarrell Johnson at jjohnson@wr.org or visit https://worldrelief.org/triad/our-work/health-wellness/.
To download a PDF version of this press release, click here.
About World Relief
World Relief is a global Christian humanitarian organization that brings sustainable solutions to the world’s greatest problems – disasters, extreme poverty, violence, oppression, and mass displacement. For over 75 years, World Relief has partnered with churches and community leaders in the U.S. and abroad to bring hope, healing, and transformation to the most vulnerable. For 30 years, World Relief has welcomed refugees and immigrants to the Triad, starting in High Point and later expanding work into Winston-Salem.
About Kate B. Reynolds Charitable Trust
The Kate B. Reynolds Charitable Trust was established in 1947 and is now one of the largest private trusts in North Carolina. Our mission is to improve the health and quality of life of financially-disadvantaged residents in North Carolina. The Health Improvement in North Carolina program area supports community-wide health solutions across the state. The Local Impact in Forsyth County programs area fosters equitable and sustainable solutions to improve the quality of life in Forsyth County. Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., serves as a sole trustee.
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World Relief Announces New Office in Western New York, Expands Services Available to Refugees in Region
July 27, 2021
CONTACT:
Lauren Carl
lauren.carl@pinkston.co
(703) 388-6734
ROCHESTER, N.Y. – Today, World Relief announces a new office in Rochester, New York. The new office, named World Relief Western New York, will advance World Relief’s presence in the western New York region to best serve the refugee community.
World Relief Western New York is a continuation of the good work started by Refuge Rochester, a nonprofit launched in 2018 by Ken Pitcher to bridge the gap between Christians and their refugee neighbors. Refuge Rochester also acted as a platform for Christians participating in refugee ministry to connect with one another.
World Relief Western New York currently has two professional staff members: Ken Pitcher, Office Director, and Tiffany Wood, Program Director. The focus at present is on renovating the new office and developing programming for the fall, which will include World Relief Good Neighbor Teams and will likely have a focus on mental health and financial literacy courses. World Relief Western New York hopes to continue to expand its services in the years to come.
“The mission of educating the American church on the plight of refugees and on the Biblical mandate to welcome the stranger is close to our heart at World Relief Western New York,” said Pitcher. “We want to bring attention to the refugees in the western New York region and encourage the community to come alongside them as they navigate transitioning into a new country.”
Rochester, where the new office is located, first designated itself as a sanctuary city in 1986 and is still designated as such today. For decades, Rochester has resettled one percent of the refugees who enter the U.S. each year. Today, there still remains a significant need for services for immigrants from all walks of life. In the last 10 years, most refugees have come from Bhutan, Cuba, Burma, Somalia, Iraq, Afghanistan, Ukraine and Congo.
“Over 10,000 refugees have been resettled in Rochester since 2000 from over 35 different countries. World Relief Western New York’s mission is to empower the church to embrace local refugees as a way of welcoming Jesus,” said Tim Breene, CEO of World Relief. “Our staff and volunteers aim to cultivate meaningful and mutually transformative relationships between Americans and refugees in the community.”
Refuge Rochester’s transition into World Relief Western New York will broaden the structure of work previously being done by the organization and increase its capacity to serve the refugee community and educate the American church.
“World Relief Western New York welcomes the opportunity to grow and expand our capacity to reach and assist the most vulnerable members of our region,” said Wood.
World Relief Western New York hosted a virtual town hall on June 16 for churches, partners and interested volunteers to receive information about the transition and get to know the new staff. An in-person gala fundraiser is scheduled for September 30, 2021, which will be an evening filled with multicultural food and music, as well as stories from both refugees and American community members who have been impacted by their relationships with refugees.
“We’re looking forward to collaborating and enhancing the great work already being done in the resettlement community in Rochester and the broader Western New York region. We want to work together to help refugees,” said Wood.
To learn more about World Relief’s work in Western New York, visit worldrelief.org/western-ny.
To download a PDF version of this press release, click here.
About World Relief
World Relief is a global Christian humanitarian organization that brings sustainable solutions to the world’s greatest problems – disasters, extreme poverty, violence, oppression, and mass displacement. For over 75 years, we’ve partnered with churches and community leaders in the U.S. and abroad to bring hope, healing and transformation to the most vulnerable.
Learn more at worldrelief.org.
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World Relief Announces New President and CEO Myal Greene
July 20, 2021
CONTACT:
Lauren Carl
lauren.carl@pinkston.co
(703) 388-6734
BALTIMORE — World Relief, one of the world’s leading global Christian humanitarian organizations, announced today that its board of directors has approved the appointment of Myal Greene as the organization’s new president and CEO, effective August 16, 2021.
He will succeed World Relief’s retiring CEO Tim Breene and President Scott Arbeiter, building on the solid foundation they set in the last five years of their leadership to continue World Relief’s mission of serving the most vulnerable around the world.
“During my fourteen years with World Relief, I have seen God at work in our organization in countless ways,” said Myal. “I am grateful for the extraordinary leadership of Tim and Scott, and I am continuously inspired by our more than 1,500 staff in the U.S. and around the world. I believe God has used all of my experiences to equip me for this new role and to help me magnify the life-changing work our team is doing.”
Steve Moore, chair of World Relief’s board of directors, said, “Nearly two years ago, the Governance Committee refined our succession planning process, and the search team implemented that game plan with excellence. Out of an impressive, diverse group of exceptional candidates, Myal Greene emerged as the clear choice to lead World Relief in this exciting season. I’ve been energized by my interactions with Myal and look forward to collaborating in pursuit of the mission of World Relief in this next chapter.”
Steve continued, “Scott Arbeiter and Tim Breene, our outgoing president and CEO, have served World Relief with excellence and positioned us well for this transition moment. Jointly, they have enthusiastically affirmed the selection of Myal.”
Myal steps into his role with vast experience both overseas and in the United States, most recently as World Relief’s senior vice president of International Programs. Myal began his work with World Relief in Rwanda in 2007, where he led the development of a new church-based programming model, known as Church Empowerment Zones (CEZ). Under Myal’s leadership, the CEZ model has grown from a small pilot project with 150 churches in Rwanda to a global model that has reached over 5,000 churches across nine countries. In 2010, he became the World Relief Rwanda country director, tripling the office’s size over three years, and then transitioned to Africa regional director, followed by World Relief’s Developing Countries unit director.
During his two years as senior vice president of International Programs, Myal led the organization in scaling major grant-funded programs and launching a significant gender equity initiative.
Of the challenges ahead, Myal commented: “Nearly 80 years ago, World Relief was founded in response to the world’s greatest humanitarian crisis. Today, we face the most significant crisis of our lives. Much of the world is still facing rising COVID-19 cases, and hundreds of millions of people have fallen deeper into poverty due to the pandemic. Domestically, our work to serve refugees and immigrants is more relevant than ever. World Relief, in partnership with churches across the globe, has a critical role to play in the lives of millions of people around the world.”
World Relief’s reach internationally has more than doubled in the last two years, and Myal looks to continue to scale the organization’s impact. As COVID-19 continues to ravage lives and livelihoods around the world, there have been widespread repercussions like increasing fatality rates, worsening maternal-fetal health, and a decrease of social protection for children. Domestically, World Relief seeks to continue to promote the protection of vulnerable migrants, including refugees and asylum-seekers, while expanding services to them through our 17 U.S. offices.
Myal holds a B.S. in finance from Lehigh University and an M.A. from Fuller Theological Seminary in global leadership, and he is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in organizational leadership from Eastern University. He and his wife, Sharon, have three children. They were members of Trinity Life Church in Lutherville, Maryland, for five years before relocating to Chesapeake, Virginia, where they attend New Life Church.
Scott Arbeiter and Tim Breene, outgoing World Relief president and CEO, respectively, offered the endorsement: “It has been our privilege to witness Myal’s growth as a leader over the past five years. He has substantially increased the depth, breadth and impact of our international work while simultaneously growing in his understanding and commitment to our U.S.-based work among refugee and immigrant populations. Myal has a unique set of gifts, passions and experiences that make him an outstanding choice to lead World Relief into the future. He has our full and enthusiastic support!”
World Relief has a rich history of serving the most vulnerable through its programming, empowering the local church and speaking truth to power in its spheres of influence. Throughout its 75+ year history, World Relief has stood firm in the knowledge that the work and organization have always belonged to God, and they are confident that the work that God has started He will continue.
To download a PDF version of this press release, click here.
About World Relief
World Relief is a global Christian humanitarian organization that brings sustainable solutions to the world’s greatest problems – disasters, extreme poverty, violence, oppression, and mass displacement. For over 75 years, we’ve partnered with churches and community leaders in the U.S. and abroad to bring hope, healing and transformation to the most vulnerable.
Learn more at worldrelief.org.
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World Relief Laments Impact of Court Decision Regarding DACA, Urges Congress to Act
July 16, 2021
CONTACT:
Lauren Carl
lauren.carl@pinkston.co
(703) 388-6734
BALTIMORE — Today, a federal judge in Texas issued a decision that puts the future of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program in jeopardy. While Judge Andrew Hanen’s order will not immediately impact individuals who presently rely upon DACA, it does require the federal government to halt the approval of new DACA requests.
World Relief laments the immediate effects of this order on young people with pending new applications and those preparing to apply for DACA for the first time, as well as for the hundreds of thousands who, though not immediately impacted by the ruling, once again are facing an uncertain future. World Relief is reiterating its call upon Congress to finally pass legislation that would allow Dreamers — individuals who came to the U.S. as children and have no path to permanent legal status — the opportunity to apply for U.S. citizenship.
“Many Dreamers have lived under a cloud of uncertainty for most of their lives,” said World Relief President Scott Arbeiter. “This new decision is devastating for these resilient young people, and for their families, churches, communities and employers. Congress should not wait for further court decisions: they must act immediately to finally pass legislation that the significant majority of Americans. Including the majority of evangelical Christians, say they support.”
World Relief has been advocating for a permanent solution for Dreamers for many years. In 2018, the organization published a full-page ad in the Washington Post that highlighted the concerns of many of the nation’s most prominent evangelical leaders. Through immigration legal services programs in locations throughout the country, World Relief has filed more than 4,300 DACA applications.
“This decision is heartbreaking, but it could also create the pressure to finally persuade Congress that they need to act,” noted World Relief Senior Vice President for Policy and Advocacy Jenny Yang. “The House of Representatives has already passed a bipartisan bill that would resolve this situation once and for all, and I pray that the Senate will quickly debate and pass legislation in the coming days that can ultimately be sent to the president’s desk to be signed into law.”
To download a PDF version of this press release, click here.
About World Relief
World Relief is a global Christian humanitarian organization that brings sustainable solutions to the world’s greatest problems – disasters, extreme poverty, violence, oppression, and mass displacement. For over 75 years, we’ve partnered with churches and community leaders in the U.S. and abroad to bring hope, healing and transformation to the most vulnerable.
Learn more at worldrelief.org.
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World Relief Celebrates South Sudan’s Ten Year Anniversary of Independence
July 9, 2021
CONTACT:
Lauren Carl
lauren.carl@pinkston.co
(703) 388-6734
BALTIMORE – Today, World Relief celebrates the 10th anniversary of South Sudan’s independence. Throughout its first decade of freedom, South Sudan has been on a journey towards unity and prosperity while facing the challenges of civil war, famine, natural disaster and disease. Churches throughout South Sudan have come together to respond to the humanitarian challenges, and progress has been made to feed and educate the children of South Sudan in particular. World Relief is proud to have partnered with local church communities and USAID, UNOCHA, WFP, UNDP, FAO and UNICEF and other partners in accompanying the people of South Sudan throughout these and many other humanitarian challenges on the road to independence.
“Although South Sudan has been beset by many difficulties over the years, we at World Relief feel called to honor the progress that has been made,” said World Relief president Scott Arbeiter. “Our goal in South Sudan has always been the stability, security and prosperity of the country and its people. We remain committed to working alongside both local communities and other humanitarian organizations in the years to come as we pursue this goal.”
World Relief has operated in the region of South Sudan since 1998, 13 years before South Sudan gained its independence in 2011. World Relief has built its operations with an eye to integrating with and raising up the next generation of South Sudanese community leaders; 97% of World Relief staff are South Sudanese.
World Relief has long provided South Sudan with humanitarian support in the form of disaster response programming, including numerous “Disaster Risk Reduction” activities. World Relief’s COVID-19 response program has reached over 342,000 persons since last year. And In 2020, World Relief welcomed its first female country director to the South Sudan office.
“Today, World Relief is working in the sectors of clinical health, water, sanitation & hygiene (WASH), nutrition, agriculture & food security, community capacity building, child & maternal health, economic development, disaster risk response, peace building & reconciliation and education,” said World Relief South Sudan country director Abiyot Mulugeta. “On the 10 year anniversary of South Sudanese independence, we invite the international World Relief family to pray for continued stabilization, peace and prosperity throughout South Sudan.”
Despite years of progress, 4.5 million children in South Sudan remain in desperate need of assistance, and 8.3 million people need humanitarian support. World Relief has operations and an ongoing humanitarian presence in 3 states: Unity State, Jonglei State, Western Equatoria State, including the Bentiu IDP site that houses roughly 100,000 residents.
“World Relief will continue peacebuilding efforts in South Sudan. Upon this tenth anniversary, World Relief celebrates the progress made on the journey to independence and prays for peace and healing over the nation,” says World Relief president Scott Arbeiter.
To download a PDF version of this press release, click here.
About World Relief
World Relief is a global Christian humanitarian organization that brings sustainable solutions to the world’s greatest problems – disasters, extreme poverty, violence, oppression, and mass displacement. For over 75 years, we’ve partnered with churches and community leaders in the U.S. and abroad to bring hope, healing and transformation to the most vulnerable.
Learn more at worldrelief.org.
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World Relief Commemorates World Refugee Day 2021
World Relief kicks off a series of week-long initiatives to recognize and support refugees at national and local levels to recognize World Refugee Day on June 20
June 18, 2021
CONTACT:
Lauren Carl
lauren.carl@pinkston.co
(703) 388-6734
BALTIMORE, MD — In honor of World Refugee Day 2021, World Relief is spearheading several initiatives such as educational webinars and engaging fundraising activities to celebrate and support refugees throughout the week. World Refugee Day is an international holiday that is annually commemorated on June 20 and recognizes individuals who have fled from their home countries due to violence and oppression.
“World Refugee Day marks a time to celebrate the brave women, men and children who have risen to meet the many challenges presented by discrimination, violence and oppression, often exacerbated by extreme poverty, natural disasters and, now, COVID-19. They are an example of resilience, courage and fortitude,” said Scott Arbeiter, president of World Relief. “As we focus global attention on the plight of those fleeing conflict or persecution, World Relief’s community is committed to helping those striving to rebuild their lives and make America their home.”
To celebrate this year’s World Refugee Day, World Relief Durham co-hosted a webinar focused on practical ways to get involved with serving refugees in the Triad, North Carolina area with Love Out Loud, the National Immigration Forum, and the Evangelical Immigration Table. World Relief Fox Valley is hosting a prayer walk in downtown Appleton, Wisconsin. World Relief Spokane is celebrating by partnering with immigrant artist Jiemei Lin to create limited edition art t-shirts to support refugee resettlement in the Spokane area. In the Seattle, Spokane and Tri-Cities area of Washington, World Relief also organized the Century Challenge to raise funds that are helping newly-arrived refugee and asylee families as they bravely start a new life and integrate into the community in the Pacific Northwest.
After the drastic reduction in refugee admissions over the last four years, World Relief looks forward to partnering with the Biden administration to welcome more refugees this year under the recently increased refugee ceiling of 62,500. Now, as World Relief urges the administration to honor their original commitment of 125,000 in the year to come, we enter into a significant moment in America in which we invite local churches and other community partners to help rebuild our capacity to welcome, love and support these brave families. World Relief is eager and ready to welcome more refugees in 2021 and invites volunteers, businesses and churches to join us in welcoming these newcomers and celebrating their unique and vibrant cultures. Every action counts in the effort to build safe and welcoming communities of love.
“As refugees begin to rebuild their homes and lives, World Relief invites the local church and volunteers to partner with us in helping families find housing, learn English, pursue employment, build friendships and create long-term support systems,” said Tim Breene, CEO of World Relief. “As a nation, we can continue to be a beacon of light and hope for those fleeing persecution in this world and offer the love of Christ to the most vulnerable among us.”
Since 1979, World Relief has played a crucial role in helping to resettle nearly 300,000 refugees in America and served roughly 125,000 other immigrants. This past year, despite the challenges presented by COVID-19 and many field locations transitioning to remote services, our offices remained committed to helping new immigrants thrive by providing vital services and building communities of love and welcome. World Relief resettled more than 1,400 refugees in 2020 and also came alongside asylum seekers and other immigrants in the transition to life in the U.S., providing legal services, language aid and help finding employment and housing.
Download a PDF version of this press release, click here.
About World Relief
World Relief is a global Christian humanitarian organization that brings sustainable solutions to the world’s greatest problems – disasters, extreme poverty, violence, oppression, and mass displacement. For over 75 years, we’ve partnered with churches and community leaders in the U.S. and abroad to bring hope, healing and transformation to the most vulnerable.
Learn more at worldrelief.org.
World Relief Upstate South Carolina Announces New Office Director, Brandon Baughn
June 17, 2021
CONTACT:
Lauren Carl
lauren.carl@pinkston.co
(703) 388-6734
GREENVILLE, S.C. — Today, Brandon Baughn was announced as the new office director of World Relief Upstate South Carolina (SC). Before joining World Relief Upstate SC, Brandon worked in community and educational development in Pakistan and Indonesia for nearly 15 years. In Pakistan, Brandon managed a mobile literacy school program for nomadic groups in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. For the past four years, he has been working as the program director for Yayasan Internasional Cahaya Fajar’s refugee education program, Roshan, in Jakarta, Indonesia. In this role, Brandon supported a national and refugee team in providing safe learning spaces for children, youth and adults from Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq and Somalia.
World Relief Upstate SC’s dedicated staff and volunteers assist newly-arriving refugees with initial resettlement, employment and job training opportunities, English speaking skills, and school registration and placement. These services help move refugees from stability to integration.
“While complex, I believe the global refugee crisis is one of the most pressing issues facing us today and feel privileged to be able to join World Relief’s work in welcoming refugees to South Carolina,” said Brandon Baughn, World Relief Upstate South Carolina office director.
Originally from Ohio, Brandon holds a master’s degree in International Education Development from Columbia University’s Teachers College in NY, New York.
“Brandon has extensive experience in creating safe learning spaces for urban refugees who were waiting indefinitely for resettlement, and we celebrate him in his newly-appointed role at World Relief Upstate,” said Misty Huey, World Relief Upstate South Carolina program manager. “Under his leadership, our team is working together to ensure that the families we resettle are warmly welcomed and generously served with the love and compassion of Jesus.”
World Relief Upstate South Carolina has worked to mobilize the local church and community to serve and resettle refugees in the Greenville and Spartanburg areas since its opening in 2015. Since then, the office has resettled 538 refugees.
“Over the past four years, Brandon led Roshan through an amazing period of growth and transformation into a thriving education program for refugee children, youth, and adults,” said Scott Arbeiter, president of World Relief. “Our team at World Relief Upstate, led by Brandon, envisions refugees being empowered to rebuild their homes and lives as we come alongside them to bring hope, healing and transformation.”
To learn more about World Relief Upstate South Carolina, visit https://worldreliefupstatesc.org/.
Download a PDF version of this press release, click here.
About World Relief Upstate South Carolina
World Relief Upstate South Carolina is a nonprofit evangelical organization that assists refugees as they transition to new lives in America. From housing and medical assistance to ESL classes and employment services, World Relief Upstate SC provides refugees with essential opportunities to move from becoming self-sufficient to integrated in our community.
World Relief Baltimore Unveils New Name and Status Change, Continues Commitment to Serving Immigrants in Maryland and Baltimore as a Field Office
June 3, 2021
CONTACT:
Lauren Carl
lauren.carl@pinkston.co
(703) 388-6734
BALTIMORE – Today, World Relief’s Baltimore Immigration Legal Clinic revealed its new name: World Relief Baltimore Immigrant Services Office. The Legal Clinic has had a presence in Maryland since 2004 as the service arm of the home office, offering immigration legal services, but by a change in office status to field office, the Baltimore location will be able to offer a broader range of services to immigrants in a wider variety of situations. In the short term, World Relief Baltimore will be able to expand the current services of advising and representing immigrants and their family members in immigration matters such as applying for permanent residence, family petitions, citizenship, work permits, TPS and DACA.
“World Relief Baltimore Immigrant Services Office’s transition to a field office will connect it more effectively with World Relief’s U.S. programs and expand its access to support for volunteer engagement, funding and resources that will assist with vision and mission for how we serve immigrants in the area,” said Jenn Foy, World Relief vice president of U.S. programs. “We want to address community needs by expanding the office’s capacity.”
Immigration legal services is a powerful and important program that World Relief Baltimore has been running for over fifteen years. Immigration legal services at World Relief field offices has three key components: legal advising, community education & outreach and direct legal representation. By becoming a field office, World Relief Baltimore’s change in status will enable the location to expand its offerings in all three categories as well as to respond to local needs. World Relief has not had a resettlement office in Maryland since its Anne Arundel County field office closed in 2017 after three years in operation.
“Building our capacity to serve immigrants is the most important thing. There’s such a need for legal service support to immigrants in our Baltimore City region and the state of Maryland, particularly in the realm of DACA and family petitions,” said World Relief Baltimore program director Laure Pepper Covert. “We’re now helping unite families and provide a wide range of legal representation that increases the stability of our clients. This shift will help us prioritize direct representation, which helps immigrants get the legal counsel and support they need to navigate the complex immigration legal system.”
Prior to COVID-19, World Relief’s Baltimore location served an average number of 500 immigrants per year: two-thirds consisted of legal advising, and one-third consisted of cases. The pandemic halted in-person legal advising, but with its upgraded status as a field office and a renovated office space in the building on May 15, 2021, World Relief Baltimore hopes to see clients soon in a socially distanced manner. The new space will increase efficiencies and conveniences for clients by allowing in-person communication.
In times like these, World Relief Baltimore’s commitment to serve and love the most vulnerable is deepened, and the need to continue this vital work is as important as ever. To learn more about World Relief’s work in Baltimore City and the state of Maryland visit https://worldrelief.org/baltimore.
To download a PDF version of this press release, click here.
About World Relief
World Relief is a global Christian humanitarian organization that brings sustainable solutions to the world’s greatest problems – disasters, extreme poverty, violence, oppression, and mass displacement. For over 75 years, we’ve partnered with churches and community leaders in the U.S. and abroad to bring hope, healing and transformation to the most vulnerable.
Learn more at worldrelief.org.
World Relief Southern California Announces New Office Director, Heather Kwak
June 2, 2021
CONTACT:
Lauren Carl
lauren.carl@pinkston.co
(703) 388-6734
GARDEN GROVE, Calif. — Today, Heather Kwak was announced as the new office director of World Relief Southern California. Heather established her career with World Relief Southern California in 2012 as a volunteer resettling refugees. Four years later, she became the program manager for World Relief Southern California’s Department of Justice accredited Immigration Legal Services (ILS), which provides immigrant communities with the support and knowledge they need to obtain legal status in the U.S. Heather has seven years of experience in immigration legal representation. Some of her areas of focus include family reunification, DACA, citizenship and survivor-based relief.
“I am blessed to be able to serve and work alongside immigrants and refugees. My office team and I are committed to preserving the dignity and value of all the families we serve,” said Heather Kwak, World Relief Southern California office director.
Heather holds a master’s degree in international relations from Seton Hall University in New Jersey and a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of California, Irvine. As a daughter of Korean immigrants, Heather has dedicated her life to keeping families like hers together.
“Heather has spent her career welcoming immigrants and reuniting families. We celebrate her and all the Asian Americans who have enriched the community and the country we call home,” said Jane Register, World Relief San Diego church mobilizer.
World Relief SoCal has been a welcoming community for immigrants and refugees since its opening in 1979. Since then, the office has served thousands of immigrants.
“Our team, led by Heather, envisions refugees and other immigrants being welcomed by community, rooted in community, and empowered for community. It is our great privilege to welcome Heather as office director as we work together to invest in a welcoming community on behalf of those we serve,” said Tim Breene, CEO of World Relief.
To learn more about World Relief SoCal, visit https://worldreliefsocal.org/.
To download a PDF version of this press release, click here.
About World Relief
World Relief is a global Christian humanitarian organization that brings sustainable solutions to the world’s greatest problems – disasters, extreme poverty, violence, oppression, and mass displacement. For over 75 years, we’ve partnered with churches and community leaders in the U.S. and abroad to bring hope, healing and transformation to the most vulnerable.
Learn more at worldrelief.org.
World Relief Applauds Biden Administration’s Renewed Commitment to a Presidential Determination of 62,500 for Refugee Resettlement in FY2021
May 3, 2021
CONTACT:
Lauren Carl
lauren.carl@pinkston.co
(703) 388-6734
BALTIMORE – Today, President Biden raised the refugee ceiling for FY2021 to 62,500, following through on an earlier commitment to restore U.S. leadership on refugee protection and leaving behind discriminatory restrictions that effectively excluded many vulnerable refugees from being able to be resettled to the United States. This change comes after repeated calls from World Relief, volunteers and churches, the refugee advocacy community and refugees themselves, that urged the president to honor his previous commitments to refugees to raise the refugee ceiling.
“We are relieved and encouraged to see a renewed commitment to keep the United States a beacon of light for those fleeing persecution,” commented World Relief President Scott Arbeiter. “Without this key step, many refugee families would have continued to be kept apart and many vulnerable refugees unable to find protection here. We thank President Biden and encourage his ongoing support for refugees.”
In his first days in office, President Biden indicated that he would set the refugee admissions goal at 62,500 for the remainder of FY2021, paving the way for a goal of 125,000 for FY2022 – the number on which President Biden campaigned.
“At a time when the world is facing the most significant displacement crisis since WWII, the need for the U.S. to welcome and care for refugees has never been more urgent,” added Jenny Yang, senior vice president of advocacy and policy for World Relief. “This new Presidential Determination is a necessary first action, and many refugees’ lives will be changed as a result of the President’s actions today. There is much work still to be done to rebuild the resettlement infrastructure and restore refugee processing, but we look forward to partnering with the Biden-Harris administration on this important work.”
To download a PDF version of this press release, click here.
About World Relief
World Relief is a global Christian humanitarian organization that brings sustainable solutions to the world’s greatest problems – disasters, extreme poverty, violence, oppression, and mass displacement. For over 75 years, we’ve partnered with churches and community leaders in the U.S. and abroad to bring hope, healing and transformation to the most vulnerable.
Learn more at worldrelief.org.
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