World Relief Chicagoland

We are on a mission to ensure that every refugee household from the 400 people who arrived since October 1st are on a path to feeling like they belong and have strong community in Chicagoland. What are a few of your organizational goals this year?

Can private charity replace government aid to serve people in vulnerable areas of the world sufficiently? Our CEO Myal Greene recently spoke to that question in a NYT article. (Spoiler: We need generosity AND advocacy from churches and communities!) Article linked in comments. #worldrelief #worldreliefchicagoland

The journeys of those who begin their lives in the U.S. as refugees are nothing short of inspiring. Over time, they create new beginnings and become entrepreneurs, volunteers, advocates, and cherished members of their workplaces and communities. They raise children in a new culture and launch them to pursue their skills and passions. Here's a small glimpse into our co-worker Fikret's story! * * * * - 1996 - He and his family arrive to Chicago as refugees - 1996 to 1998 - Fikret does rehabilitation for a leg injury and begins English language classes - 1998 - He starts working at World Relief Chicago office as a case manager - 2000 - The family buys a home in the Chicago suburbs - 2008 - Their oldest son completes schooling - 2010 - Their second son finishes school - 2023 - Their daughter completes a master's degree

When a government stop-work order froze promised funds in January for vulnerable refugees who had JUST arrived in the U.S., community partners showed up for them! Initial Resettlement Manager Jen Hoffman shares a story about how the generosity of churches, donors, and foundations made a huge difference for one family facing intensive medical needs.

Heads of state are more than government leaders; they symbolize entire nations, histories, and the deep love of their people for their HOMELAND. How President Zelensky is spoken of by other world leaders matters, not just for politics and foreign policy, but because of the millions of families and individuals he represents to the world who love Ukraine and call it home. One of those people is Igor, a student in our English Language classes. We hope you'll read a small part of his story here! He was a mechanic, IT specialist, and eventually department director at a metallurgical plant in his city. But the war changed everything. Two and a half years ago, Igor and his wife arrived in the U.S., seeking safety and relief. Without strong English skills, daily life has been a challenge—from finding stable work to communicating with doctors. Thankfully, through free English classes hosted by a local church and supported by volunteers, Igor is gaining the language skills he needs to continue his life. He’s one of nearly 1,400 students who learned English with us in 2024! As government resources, policies, and attitudes affecting refugees and other immigrants like Igor continue to shift in challenging ways, we are so thankful for community vital partners who help people like Igor move from welcome toward long-term belonging.

Last month, Anabel Garza marks 6 years with World Relief Chicagoland. She studied business administration at Rafael Belloso Chacin University in Venezuela. She's also an artist who loves painting, drawing, and illustrating. Serving the immigrant community is so important to her because she is an immigrant herself. Q: Why did you want to join the work of World Relief? A: I worked in a church for over 10 years, and serving people has always been my greatest passion and motivation. I began on World Relief's Immigrant Legal Services team. When I got the chance to apply for a case manager position, I was so excited to continue serving people in a different capacity. Q: What makes you inspired to get up each day and go to work? A: Going to work and knowing that I have the privilege of guiding clients to self-sufficiency and independence is my humble way to serve the Lord and the community. It brings joy to my days. Q: What are some books, articles, or movies you would recommend? A: The Call by Os Guinness, and Cinema Paradiso - a movie that shows the resilience of a small town against adversity. Q: What’s your favorite spot to eat or grab a cup of coffee in Chicagoland? A: For Venezuelan food, I love Bien Me Sabe in Chicago.

Maryolga is one of nearly 400 people who arrived as refugees through our offices since October. Altogether during the last year and a half, we welcomed over 1,500 refugees in addition to serving hundreds of other immigrants. As the government policies and resources affecting these families continue to shift in challenging ways, so many community partners are stepping in. Families like Maryolga's are determined and adaptable. They will not be defined forever by their story of displacement. But at a critical time of transition, friendship and solidary is vital. Thank you!

Thank you for walking with our team and those we serve during challenging times! Executive Director Susan Sperry gives an update on how community partners, churches, and individuals are stepping in to stand in the gap for newly arrived refugees. Recently, 387 of them who arrived since October were affected by a sudden reduction in federal support. Learn more here: https://bit.ly/4hzr98p

The government left a critical funding gap on January 25th when it ended its commitment to provide essential needs and services for Mahasen and her kids during their first 90 days in the US. She is a Syrian single mother of 5. She arrived as a refugee days before the stop work order was given and funding for things like rent, household items, and initial food was frozen. On her 12th day in the US, she spoke with us and gave permission to share her voice and take these pictures of her and her one-year-old, Abdulbaset. The freeze on these funds remains in place. It affects 387 newly arrived refugees like Mahasen supported by our Chicagoland offices. $775,000 is needed now to support these families with the dignity and care they deserve as they begin to adapt and build their lives in the US. Powers and policies change, but YOU can stand in the gap. Donate today: https://bit.ly/42KUN6d #refugeeswelcome #refugees #choosewelcome #worldreliefchicago #worldrelief

Update from our Director of Strategic Engagement, Stephanie Clark: Because the generosity of so many community partners over the last 11 days, 387 refugees who arrived since October are not being left behind this month, in spite of the government ending its commitment to support them during their first 90 days here. Your continued gifts will ensure that 140 people from this group will be able to find their first job in the US. Every contribution counts and every dollar helps. THANK YOU for standing in the gap. Donate here: https://bit.ly/3Q4Tc3C