Welcoming the Stranger Among Us

— By Elisabeth Stojkovic (Communications & Internships Manager, World Relief WNY)

In 2021, World Relief Western NY opened our doors and immediately welcomed Afghans who were evacuated from their homes. In the time since, we have embraced refugees from Ukraine, Sudan, Colombia, and a number of other locations around the world. We build relationships, inspire hope, and create change that lasts.

Rochester has a long history of refugee resettlement, becoming home to over 16,000 refugees since 2002. At World Relief Western NY, we provide newly arrived refugees and other immigrants with access to basic necessities and begin them on the journey to belonging. While we work to make sure our new neighbors are supported, it is the volunteers and church partners who are essential to creating a welcoming community. We equip churches and individuals with the information they need to educate, advocate, and take action on behalf of our immigrant neighbors. Our volunteers set-up apartments, welcome families at the airport, assist with transportation, and most importantly, create anenvironment where both new and long-term community members flourish and find a sense of unity and belonging.

As we serve refugees in Western NY, we rely on the help of our local community to successfully live out our mission. Since October 2023, we’ve resettled over 125 refugees to Rochester. The hospitality of our staff, our volunteers, and our community is needed now more than ever before. Will you join us? Together, we’re stepping up to do our part on this journey to lasting change!