As I reflect on the past year, I am amazed by how much our team has grown, the many new programs to serve our neighbors, and, most importantly, all of the ways our community has continued to support our work to welcome refugees and immigrants.

The past year has brought many exciting new beginnings, including a new CWS Durham office in Burlington, NC. Our new relationships with local congregations, housing partners, and service providers in Alamance County offer further flexibility and opportunity outside the challenging Triangle housing market. However, our resettlement work in the Bull City remains a priority. We’ve expanded our housing team and have formed new partnerships to provide affordable housing with access to jobs and services in the Triangle. This past year also saw the beginning of our new in-house Refugee Wellness Program, offering free, professional one-on-one mental health counseling, educational programming, and Art Therapy with seasonal art shows.

Amid these new beginnings, our traditional work continues. We’ve added new positions to nearly every team as we rise to meet the continued legal needs of Afghan newcomers throughout the Triangle, resettle increasing numbers of refugees, engage growing numbers of volunteers and partners, and support new populations such as Ukrainians and a recent influx of Cuban and Haitian Humanitarian Parolees. Throughout these changes and growth, our community has continued to support and carry out our mission in tremendous ways - from donating household supplies and setting up homes for arriving families, to delivering food and practicing English. We are so incredibly grateful for you. Thank you!