Press Statement
World Relief Expands and Rebrands Texas Locations in Response to Growing Displacement Crisis
July 18, 2023
CONTACT:
Pinkston Team
wr@pinkston.co
DALLAS, TX — World Relief announced this week a rebrand for its office locations in Fort Worth and Dallas to World Relief Texas. With an expansion to Dallas County earlier this year and the addition of an Austin location next month, the faith-based refugee resettlement and immigrant services agency updated its name to better reflect its regional impact.
“We have been diligently working towards this milestone,” said Aerlande Wontamo, Senior Vice President of U.S. Programs at World Relief. “This development opens up exciting possibilities for serving the community and making a lasting difference in the region.”
World Relief has worked in Texas since 1980 in response to the needs of refugees fleeing wars in Southeast Asia. World Relief Texas is part of a national network of offices through which over 400,000 refugees and other immigrants have been welcomed into the community through church centered, holistic and sustainable solutions.
“Creating a deep-rooted sense of belonging for every person lies at the very heart of our mission,” said World Relief Texas Regional Director Garrett Pearson. “We see the immense crisis in mass displacement that grips our world, and communities across the state of Texas have enthusiastically stepped forward to embrace these families within their own communities. Particularly in Austin, churches have fervently prayed for an opportunity to extend a warm welcome, reignite hope, and rebuild futures alongside World Relief for the countless women, men, and children seeking stability.”
To learn more about World Relief Texas, as well its new branding efforts and logo, please visit worldrelief.org/texas.
To download a PDF version of this press release, click here.
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About World Relief
World Relief is a global Christian humanitarian organization whose mission is to empower the local church to serve the most vulnerable. The organization was founded in the aftermath of World War II to respond to the urgent humanitarian needs of war-torn Europe. Since then, for over 75 years, across 100 countries, World Relief has partnered with local churches and communities to develop sustainable, locally-driven solutions to some of the world’s greatest problems. To learn more, visit worldrelief.org
World Relief Praises the Re-Introduction of the Bipartisan Afghan Adjustment Act and Urges Swift Passage
July 14, 2023
CONTACT:
Pinkston Team
wr@pinkston.co
BALTIMORE, MD — Today, World Relief praises the bipartisan re-introduction of an Afghan Adjustment Act in both the U.S. Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives and urges swift Congressional passage of the bill.
This important bill acknowledges the plight of Afghan nationals who faced an urgent threat of persecution under the Taliban, including many who have worked tirelessly alongside the United States military, diplomatic missions, and non-governmental organizations, risking their lives to support the cause of peace and stability. These individuals have been our allies and partners in promoting shared values such as freedom, justice, and human dignity. We are grateful that they have found refuge in the United States – but they still have only temporary legal protections in the U.S. that bear expiration dates.
“In the nearly two years that have passed since Afghanistan fell to the Taliban, World Relief has partnered with churches and communities to serve more than 6,000 Afghans who fled persecution,” said Myal Greene, president and CEO of World Relief. “Americans of all backgrounds have eagerly welcomed Afghan neighbors. The Afghan Adjustment Act is an opportunity for Congress to convey the American public’s commitment to Afghan parolees by allowing them to apply for permanent legal status, relieving them of the fear and stress associated with living in legal limbo.”
Over 70,000 Afghans were evacuated to the U.S. in the weeks following the fall of Kabul nearly two years ago. The need to support their full integration continues, as many Afghans remain in legal limbo, with their parole and work authorization bearing expiration dates. The Afghan Adjustment Act would allow Afghans with parole to apply for Lawful Permanent Resident status without needing to rely upon woefully backlogged legal processes for asylum or Special Immigrant Visas. The bill also appropriately subjects Afghans to additional vetting and screening before they would be granted permanent legal status.
“We are grateful for the strong bipartisan leadership in the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives, demonstrating that Congress works together on common sense policy solutions,” said Matthew Soerens, Vice President of Advocacy & Policy for World Relief. “We urge Congress to act immediately to pass it into law, heeding the voices of Afghan allies and of the many people who have helped to welcome new Afghan neighbors, including thousands of local churches that have stepped up to build communities of love and welcome to receive them.”
World Relief invites all who care about the wellbeing of Afghans to urge their Members of Congress to support the Afghan Adjustment Act. An online tool to do so is available at https://worldrelief.org/advocate/support-the-afghan-adjustment-act/.
To download a PDF version of this release, click here.
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About World Relief
World Relief is a global Christian humanitarian organization whose mission is to empower the local church to serve the most vulnerable. The organization was founded in the aftermath of World War II to respond to the urgent humanitarian needs of war-torn Europe. Since then, for over 75 years, across 100 countries, World Relief has partnered with local churches and communities to develop sustainable, locally-driven solutions to some of the world’s greatest problems. To learn more, visit worldrelief.org.
World Relief Quad Cities Awarded $150,000 Grant to Break Down Barriers to Economic Advancement for Immigrants & Refugees in Rural Communities
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Pinkston Team
wr@pinkston.co
QUAD CITIES (March 22, 2023) — World Relief Quad Cities is the recipient of a $150,000 grant by Jobs For the Future (JFF), Ascendium, and World Education Services (WES) Mariam Assefa Fund, a group of funding organizations working together to advance economic inclusion for immigrants, refugees, and migrant workers in rural areas. World Relief Quad Cities is one of 10 newly-selected members of the Rural Immigrant Success Exchange (RISE), an ambitious two-year initiative that will convene a cohort of organizations working across the country to break down barriers to education, training, and employment for immigrant and refugee workers residing in rural communities.
Across the country, immigrants play a key role in rural communities facing economic decline, an aging workforce, and youth migration away from these geographies. Yet current research shows a too often unstable and unsafe entry point for immigrants, refugees, and migrants in rural areas, making access to quality jobs and economic advancement a significant challenge.
Refugees and immigrants are a vital part of the QC area’s workforce. Not only do they increase retention rates and help diversify the workplace, but with upskilling and/or re-skilling services, they also fill talent gaps in career fields such as interpretation and translation, security, logistics and driving, construction, engineering, sewing, or business and entrepreneurship. However, limited experience and low English proficiency often prevents employment in fields outside of labor-intensive, low-paying manufacturing positions. When refugee or other immigrant employees miss out on valuable opportunities to showcase their skills, so do local employers.
World Relief Quad Cities launched a Refugee Career Pathways program for Afghan entrants in 2022. With funding from JFF, World Relief Quad Cities has expanded the program to include all populations of refugees and other immigrants, with a focus on rural populations. The Refugee Career Pathways program provides career education and casework to equip participants with the skills they need to re-enter their career field, find and choose between career or education opportunities, and/or advance into highly-skilled fields.
“We are honored to be one of the organizations providing education and employment services to rural immigrants across the U.S. Through JFF’s RISE network, we can provide education and tools to improve economic well-being for clients choosing specific career paths to work toward during the program period. This funding is critical, and we are beyond excited to expand our Refugee Career Pathways programming to non-Afghan immigrants and refugees in the QC area,” said Grace Fitzpatrick, Director of Empowerment Programs.
RISE will support 10 organizations as they innovate and scale best-in-class workforce development, education, and training services for rural refugee and immigrant populations over the next two years. Through the network, RISE hopes to catalyze these best practices and lean into peer learning that will inform future work and funding opportunities in the field.
The 10 RISE finalists were selected through a highly competitive and comprehensive application process, yielding more than 100 initial applications. The competitive nature of the process demonstrates the growing need to support immigrants, refugees, and migrants living in rural communities and working in low-income jobs.
Read more about the 10 organizations that make up RISE.
WRQC will host a Refugee Workforce Job Fair with IowaWORKS, the Iowa Bureau of Refugee Services, and the QC Chamber of Commerce for employers to connect directly with refugees and other immigrants on both sides of the river. May 18, 2023, 11:00AM – 1:00PM, located at Scott Community College, 101 West Third St. Davenport, IA 52801, in the Community Room. Contact Grace at gfitzpatrick@wr.org to register.
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.
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World Relief Announces Opening of New Location in Western Washington to Welcome Refugees to Thurston County
March 08, 2023
CONTACT:
Pinkston Team
wr@pinkston.co
Olympia, WA – World Relief is opening a new office location in Western Washington to provide refugee resettlement services to those in Thurston County. The grand opening of the Thurston County location will occur Friday, March 10 at the New Bridge Community Church from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., with the official ribbon-cutting ceremony set to occur at 10:30 am.
“We are thrilled to open this new office as an expansion of Western Washington’s efforts to welcome refugees and demonstrate God’s heart for displaced people,” said Medard Ngueita, Executive Director of World Relief Western Washington. “At World Relief, we walk alongside refugees and immigrants in the beginning stages of their move to Washington to help them rebuild a sense of home.”
World Relief’s Thurston County office will provide resettlement support for refugees entering the community by helping them secure safe housing and providing services such as cultural orientation and assistance in enrolling children in local schools. This new location anticipates welcoming at least 50 refugees in its first year of operation. As in all World Relief locations, the new Thurston County office will work closely with local churches and volunteers to facilitate the integration process. To welcome refugees as they first arrive in Western Washington, the office is seeking host home volunteers and cultural companions, along with community assistance in creating welcome kits that meet refugees’ most immediate needs.
“Refugees are a uniquely vulnerable group of people who need support when they first arrive in their new communities,” said Aerlande Wontamo, Senior Vice President of US Programs at World Relief. “World Relief aims to provide them with resources and support that empowers them to start their lives in the United States with confidence.”
This Thurston County office is the most recent addition to World Relief’s growing presence in Western Washington, as the new location joins offices in King County and Whatcom County.
To learn more about World’s Relief’s work in Washington and how to get involved, please visit worldrelief.org/western-wa/.
To download a PDF version of this press release, click here.
World Relief Announces Opening of New Location in North Texas in Response to Increased Refugee Needs
March 1, 2023
CONTACT:
Pinkston Team
wr@pinkston.co
Dallas, TX – In response to an increased number of refugees arriving in Northern Texas, today World Relief is opening a new office in Dallas County to meet the community needs for refugee resettlement services. World Relief North Texas Dallas County office services are now being made available to provide support to refugees in the initial stages of rebuilding their lives in Texas.
“As refugees continue to enter our communities, we are grateful to provide them with a warm welcome by expanding World Relief’s refugee resettlement resources in our state,” said Garrett Pearson, Office Director of World Relief North Texas. “With over forty years of serving the refugee community in Texas, we have experienced first hand how our state is made stronger by their presence and contributions, and we’re grateful for the opportunity to play a role in helping them rebuild their lives in their new home.”
World Relief’s Dallas County office will build upon the resettlement services provided by its longstanding Fort Worth location, helping newly arrived refugees and other vulnerable immigrants in the process of securing housing, finding employment, adjusting to a new culture and integrating into the Dallas community. The new location anticipates welcoming at least 80 refugees in its first year of operation. As in all World Relief locations, the new Dallas County office will work closely with local churches and volunteers to facilitate the integration process.
“Refugees are a uniquely vulnerable group of people who need support when they first arrive in their new communities,” said Aerlande Wontamo, Senior Vice President of US Programs at World Relief. “At World Relief, we aim to provide them with resources and support that empowers them to start their lives in the United States with confidence.”
To learn more about World Relief’s refugee resettlement work in Texas and how to get involved, please visit worldrelief.org/texas.
To download a PDF version of this press release, click here.
World Relief Mobilizes to Provide Immediate Support to Devastated Communities in Wake of Turkey and Syria Earthquake
February 7, 2023
CONTACT:
Pinkston Team
wr@pinkston.co
Baltimore, Md. – In the wake of a devastating earthquake that hit Turkey and Syria, World Relief has mobilized resources on the ground to provide immediate assistance and long term support for search and recovery efforts.
“We join with our international partners in grieving the significant loss of life from the earthquakes and extend our prayers to the impacted communities,” said Myal Greene, president and CEO of World Relief. “At World Relief, we desire to see a world free from suffering, and when disaster strikes, our faith compels us to respond. By providing immediate emergency aid, World Relief is committed to delivering hope to impacted communities and assistance in rebuilding from this disaster both in the short term and in the years to come.”
World Relief is partnering with local partners and churches on the ground in Turkey and Syria to provide support and resources to impacted communities including food and clean water, emergency medical assistance, safe shelter, sanitation and hygiene, and psychosocial support.
World Relief is committed to extending the love and compassion of Christ to suffering and grieving communities in Turkey and Syria by joining with its international partners to provide immediate support and build resilience.
To download a PDF version of this press release, click here.
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World Relief Chicagoland staff are praying for the people impacted by earthquakes in Turkey and Syria.
World Relief Urges Congress to Reject H.R. 29, Warns It Will Hinder Fight Against Human
Trafficking and Harm Vulnerable Children
January 31, 2022
CONTACT:
Pinkston Team
wr@pinkston.co
Baltimore, Md., January 31, 2022 – World Relief joined with other like-minded organizations to
send a letter today to members of Congress urging them to vote against H.R. 29, a bill recently
introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives. If signed into law in its current form, H.R. 29
would leave many vulnerable people fleeing persecution and violence shut out from protections
offered under current law, including unaccompanied children who are among the most
vulnerable to becoming victims of human trafficking.
“[H.R. 29] would effectively nullify several important provisions of the William Wilberforce
Trafficking Protection Reauthorization Act (TVPRA) of 2008 governing the treatment of certain
unaccompanied children. This bill, which was passed with broad bipartisan support and signed
into law by President George W. Bush, has been a vital tool in protecting children and others who
are uniquely vulnerable to human trafficking,” says the letter, which was signed by World Relief.
Other signatories include International Justice Mission U.S., World Vision U.S., the Ethics &
Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention, the National Association of
Evangelicals, the National Latino Evangelical Coalition, Bethany Christian Services and
Women of Welcome. “Our concerns are rooted in our Christian faith, believing that each person
is made in the image of God and is worthy of protection. In particular, a child unaccompanied by
his or her parent(s) is uniquely vulnerable.”
World Relief is deeply concerned that H.R. 29 would roll back significant anti-trafficking
protections by nullifying portions of the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act
(TVPRA), which stipulates proper treatment to protect unaccompanied children. The TVPRA
requires that unaccompanied children from non-contiguous countries who are encountered at
the U.S. border be cared for in secure, child-appropriate settings until the U.S. government can
determine their eligibility to remain lawfully in the United States.
“Unaccompanied children seeking asylum at our borders are uniquely vulnerable and worthy of
our protection. Thankfully, current U.S. law ensures that these children are protected and are
legally allowed to remain safely in the United States if they meet the necessary criteria,” said
Jenny Yang, Senior Vice President of Advocacy and Policy at World Relief. “But if H.R. 29 is
signed into law in its current form, many children will be turned away, forced to return to
countries where they face increased risk of violence or trafficking. This bill would fail to treat
unaccompanied children seeking protection in our country with the compassion and due process
they deserve.”
As an organization grounded in Christian principles, World Relief believes that each person is
made in the image of God and is precious in his sight. We urge Congress to continue protecting
“the least of these” by voting against the H.R. 29 bill in its current form, and we urge Christians to
voice their concerns with their lawmakers.
To download a PDF version of this press release, click here.
To learn more about World Relief, visit worldrelief.org.
World Relief Urges Congress to Reject H.R. 29, Warns It Will Hinder Fight Against HumanTrafficking and Harm Vulnerable Children
January 31, 2022
CONTACT:
Pinkston Team
wr@pinkston.co
Baltimore, Md., January 31, 2022 – World Relief joined with other like-minded organizations to
send a letter today to members of Congress urging them to vote against H.R. 29, a bill recently
introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives. If signed into law in its current form, H.R. 29
would leave many vulnerable people fleeing persecution and violence shut out from protections
offered under current law, including unaccompanied children who are among the most
vulnerable to becoming victims of human trafficking.
“[H.R. 29] would effectively nullify several important provisions of the William Wilberforce
Trafficking Protection Reauthorization Act (TVPRA) of 2008 governing the treatment of certain
unaccompanied children. This bill, which was passed with broad bipartisan support and signed
into law by President George W. Bush, has been a vital tool in protecting children and others who
are uniquely vulnerable to human trafficking,” says the letter, which was signed by World Relief.
Other signatories include International Justice Mission U.S., World Vision U.S., the Ethics &
Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention, the National Association of
Evangelicals, the National Latino Evangelical Coalition, Bethany Christian Services and
Women of Welcome. “Our concerns are rooted in our Christian faith, believing that each person
is made in the image of God and is worthy of protection. In particular, a child unaccompanied by
his or her parent(s) is uniquely vulnerable.”
World Relief is deeply concerned that H.R. 29 would roll back significant anti-trafficking
protections by nullifying portions of the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act
(TVPRA), which stipulates proper treatment to protect unaccompanied children. The TVPRA
requires that unaccompanied children from non-contiguous countries who are encountered at
the U.S. border be cared for in secure, child-appropriate settings until the U.S. government can
determine their eligibility to remain lawfully in the United States.
“Unaccompanied children seeking asylum at our borders are uniquely vulnerable and worthy of
our protection. Thankfully, current U.S. law ensures that these children are protected and are
legally allowed to remain safely in the United States if they meet the necessary criteria,” said
Jenny Yang, Senior Vice President of Advocacy and Policy at World Relief. “But if H.R. 29 is
signed into law in its current form, many children will be turned away, forced to return to
countries where they face increased risk of violence or trafficking. This bill would fail to treat
unaccompanied children seeking protection in our country with the compassion and due process
they deserve.”
As an organization grounded in Christian principles, World Relief believes that each person is
made in the image of God and is precious in his sight. We urge Congress to continue protecting
“the least of these” by voting against the H.R. 29 bill in its current form, and we urge Christians to
voice their concerns with their lawmakers.
To download a PDF version of this press release, click here.
To learn more about World Relief, visit worldrelief.org.
World Relief Applauds Creation of the Welcome Corps, A New Refugee Private Sponsorship Program
January 19, 2022
CONTACT:
Pinkston Team
wr@pinkston.co
BALTIMORE — Recently, the State Department launched the Welcome Corps, a new refugee private sponsorship program that will allow everyday Americans to privately sponsor refugees coming to the United States. This extraordinary new program will expand community support for refugees and also eventually allow private citizens to sponsor refugees they identify abroad to be resettled to the United States. World Relief applauds this effort and is eager to partner with the U.S. government and communities all across the United States to welcome refugees, both through our own refugee resettlement program as well as through the new private sponsorship program.
The Welcome Corps has a goal to mobilize at least 10,000 Americans to partner with members of their communities to help refugees secure initial housing in the U.S., greet them at the airport, enroll children in school, and help adults to find employment. World Relief is committed to assisting the Welcome Corps reach that goal.
“At a time of unprecedented displacement, innovative programs like the Welcome Corps are needed to expand U.S. resettlement to the persecuted abroad. For years, faith communities have desired to welcome refugees independently, utilizing their resources and connections to create a sense of belonging for new Americans,” said Myal Greene, president and CEO of World Relief. “Our hope is that this program expands public-private partnerships and also catalyzes a greater movement of Americans to welcome refugees into their communities.”
Over the past few years, Americans have been overwhelmingly supportive of welcoming refugees, including Afghans, Ukrainians, Venezuelans, Haitians, Cubans, and Nicaraguans. The launch of the Welcome Corps helps formally support these efforts and will hopefully lead to a greater number of refugees eventually being resettled to the United States.
“The introduction of the Welcome Corps program is a meaningful step in the right direction, empowering our communities to support vulnerable individuals who are seeking protection from persecution in their countries of origin,” said Jenny Yang, Senior Vice President of Advocacy and Policy at World Relief.
Through the Welcome Corps, groups of at least five individual American citizens or permanent resident adults are able to apply to privately sponsor refugees resettling to the United States. Private sponsors are responsible for independently raising funds to support refugees for their first 90 days in their new community, as well as helping refugees find housing, employment, and connecting them to community services.
For more information on the Welcome Corps or to become a private sponsor, visit the Welcome Corps website. Further information and education is also available on the World Relief website. We encourage churches, individuals, and other community organizations to explore these resources for more information and reach out with any questions or concerns.
To download a PDF version of this press release, click here.
World Relief Applauds Creation of the Welcome Corps, A New Refugee Private Sponsorship Program
January 19, 2022
CONTACT:
Pinkston Team
wr@pinkston.co
BALTIMORE — Today, the State Department launched the Welcome Corps, a new refugee private sponsorship program that will allow everyday Americans to privately sponsor refugees coming to the United States. This extraordinary new program will expand community support for refugees and also eventually allow private citizens to sponsor refugees they identify abroad to be resettled to the United States. World Relief applauds this effort and is eager to partner with the U.S. government and communities all across the United States to welcome refugees, both through our own refugee resettlement program as well as through the new private sponsorship program.
The Welcome Corps has a goal to mobilize at least 10,000 Americans to partner with members of their communities to help refugees secure initial housing in the U.S., greet them at the airport, enroll children in school, and help adults to find employment. World Relief is committed to assisting the Welcome Corps reach that goal.
“At a time of unprecedented displacement, innovative programs like the Welcome Corps are needed to expand U.S. resettlement to the persecuted abroad. For years, faith communities have desired to welcome refugees independently, utilizing their resources and connections to create a sense of belonging for new Americans,” said Myal Greene, president and CEO of World Relief. “Our hope is that this program expands public-private partnerships and also catalyzes a greater movement of Americans to welcome refugees into their communities.”
Over the past few years, Americans have been overwhelmingly supportive of welcoming refugees, including Afghans, Ukrainians, Venezuelans, Haitians, Cubans, and Nicaraguans. The launch of the Welcome Corps helps formally support these efforts and will hopefully lead to a greater number of refugees eventually being resettled to the United States.
“The introduction of the Welcome Corps program is a meaningful step in the right direction, empowering our communities to support vulnerable individuals who are seeking protection from persecution in their countries of origin,” said Jenny Yang, Senior Vice President of Advocacy and Policy at World Relief.
Through the Welcome Corps, groups of at least five individual American citizens or permanent resident adults are able to apply to privately sponsor refugees resettling to the United States. Private sponsors are responsible for independently raising funds to support refugees for their first 90 days in their new community, as well as helping refugees find housing, employment, and connecting them to community services.
For more information on the Welcome Corps or to become a private sponsor, visit the Welcome Corps website. Further information and education is also available on the World Relief website. We encourage churches, individuals, and other community organizations to explore these resources for more information and reach out with any questions or concerns.
To download a PDF version of this press release, click here.