Church World Service Refugee Resettlement Program *
Who We Are
Church World Service (CWS) Virginia is a faith-based organization dedicated to helping refugees integrate and thrive and reach their full potential as contributing members of the community. Virginia is deeply enriched by the individuals who have worked hard to rebuild their lives and who have brought their resiliency, determination, and entrepreneurial grit to the Commonwealth. Our diverse, multilingual staff work with newly arrived refugees from day one to smooth their transition and aid them on their journey to self-sufficiency.
JMU is a member of the University Global Coalition with the United Nations and is committed to achieving a better and more sustainable future as defined by the Sustainable Development Goals. In alignment with the Church World Service Refugee Resettlement Program's mission and services, you can learn more about Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions HERE: https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/sustainable-development-goals/
What We Do
The Church World Service Harrisonburg Immigration and Refugee Program has resettled refugees since 1988 from Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bosnia, Burma, Colombia, Congo (DRC), Croatia, Cuba, El Salvador, Eritrea, Honduras, Iran, Iraq, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Pakistan, Russia, Rwanda, Serbia, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Syria, Sudan, Tajikistan, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan within a 100-mile radius of our office.
CWS Harrisonburg works closely with community partners to ensure a smooth transition for our new neighbors entering the Shenandoah Valley. During the first 90 days, we offer these core services:
- Safe, clean, and affordable housing
- Essential furnishings for their new home
- Food and food allowance
- Necessary clothing
- Assistance in health screening and appropriate health programs
- Assistance in applying for Social Security Cards
- Registering the children in school
- Employment training and employment services
- Cultural Orientation
- English language training or referral
Beyond the first 90 days, most clients begin working and become self-sufficient. CWS continues to support with career advancement, ESL, school and healthcare, and other needs for the first five years in the United States.
Get Involved
Volunteers can help support our new neighbors as they find and build their new lives in Harrisonburg. You can help us continue the over 30-year tradition of welcoming refugees to Virginia!
