2024 Impact Report
July 2023 - June 2024
Director's Note
Ellen Andrews
Durham Office Director
When CWS Durham opened with a tiny team of 4 in 2009, we never could have imagined a resettlement landscape with the complex array of diverse resources available to refugees in the Triangle today. July of 2024 marks the 15th anniversary of CWS Durham, and your steadfast commitment to welcoming new neighbors has transformed thousands of immigrants' lives and enriched our Durham community.
This past year we've significantly bolstered our housing team and forged new partnerships to secure accessible housing close to jobs and vital services within the Triangle. We’ve also hired a small team for our satellite office in Burlington, NC, expanding our reach in collaboration with local congregations, housing providers, and service agencies in Alamance County. This strategic move offers new opportunities for affordable housing outside the competitive Triangle market, while our commitment to refugees and immigrants in Durham and the greater Triangle remains steadfast. Finally, we’ve realized a pipe dream 15 years in the making with the launch of our in-house Refugee Wellness Program, providing free, professional mental health counseling, educational programs, targeted support groups and art therapy with seasonal art shows.
Even as we embark on exciting new ventures, our core mission remains the priority. We've expanded our team across nearly all departments to address the ongoing legal needs of unaccompanied immigrant children throughout our region, welcomed a rising number of refugees, integrated growing volunteer and partner networks, and continued supporting other immigrant populations including Ukrainians and Afghans, as well as newly arrived Cuban and Haitian entrants.
Through these changes and advancements, our incredible community has stood beside us. Your unwavering support – from generous donations of hygiene items to setting up homes for arriving families, providing grocery store orientations, and assisting with English language learning practice – has been instrumental in carrying out our mission. We are deeply grateful for your partnership, and we couldn’t have done any of this over the last decade and a half without you. Thank you, so much, for everything you do to welcome refugees and immigrants to Durham.
Don't lose hope, because there is always a light at the end of the tunnel.
Our New Neighbors
Immigration and Resettlement
A Dream Realized
Razia, a women's health doctor with 18 years of experience in her home country of Afghanistan, was determined to continue her medical career when she resettled in Durham. She knew that she faced challenges to bring her expertise to the US medical system. Still, she was persistent and sought a community to support to her.
That’s where CWS Durham’s CARE program came in.
While CWS provides support to refugees seeking to become economically self-sufficient, despite the best efforts of both parties, many refugees remain in low-paying jobs years after they arrive in the U.S. The Communities Acting for Refugee Empowerment (CARE) program is an initiative dedicated to closing the economic gap for established refugee individuals and families by connecting clients to community groups who commit to provide social and financial
support toward their educational and employment goals.
As a CARE program participant, Razia received the support and guidance needed to navigate the process of getting licensed to practice medicine in the U.S. The CWS team worked closely with her, providing both emotional and logistical support every step of the way, including paying for Razia’s Nurse Aide course and providing volunteer mentoring, interview practice, resume development, and job search assistance.
Ultimately, Razia was able to secure a job as a Clinical Support Tech at UNC Children’s Hospital. This work isn't just a job for Razia; it is a chance to fulfill her dream and make a real difference in the lives of others. Now, she says she feels like a productive member of the medical community once again, using her skills to help others.
"Don't lose hope, because there is always a light at the end of the tunnel. If you work hard and have the help from support of organizations like CWS who have this CARE program, then you will find a way!” she shared.
Razia’s greatest desire is to continue serving humanity throughout her life, and she's well on her way to achieving that dream.
Welcoming Refugees
CWS Durham welcomed 628 refugees from 24 countries into lives of freedom, hope, and opportunity in North Carolina.
Refugees welcomed
CountrIES
Economic Opportunity
Our Employments Specialists work with refugees and immigrants for up to five years after they arrive in the U.S. to support their personal career goals and their family's financial well-being.
Our services include federal and state funded programs that enable our team to support clients with a variety of employment related services, including English language classes, vocational training, budgeting, interview training, and application assistance.
Job Placements
Average Wage
If not us, who?
Our Community
Volunteers
Refugees often arrive with little to no English, limited familiarity with U.S. culture, and no financial resources. Their resettlement journey is long and full of challenges. Our volunteers make their journey easier. Over the past year, over 300 volunteers have helped our new neighbors practice their English over Zoom calls, supported our financial and digital literacy classes, and set up over 65 apartments!
Volunteers
Home Set-ups
Communities Acting for Refugee Empowerment (CARE)
An event where CWS staff and volunteers celebrated the accomplishments of some our first CARE clients.
Our Communities Acting for Refugee Empowerment (CARE) program launched in summer 2022. This innovative program, based on a reimagining of Community Sponsorship, matches established refugees in Durham with volunteers and funding to help them achieve their career goals and find economic upward mobility.
Volunteers
Direct cash assistance can be one of the most effective forms of support for a family in crisis, particularly for families who are excluded from traditional social safety nets due to their immigration status. I am grateful for the support of this community for our undocumented neighbors.
Our Work
NC-Immigrant Solidarity Fund
State-wide Funds Granted
Immigration Legal Services
Safely navigating the U.S. immigration legal system is fundamental for refugees and immigrants to rebuild their lives and regain a sense of belonging. However, they often face many complicated and expensive legal hurdles on their paths to citizenship and attempts to reunite with children, siblings, and other family still living abroad. Without access to professional legal services, they can face dire consequences. Our experienced team of immigration lawyers, counselors, paralegals, and support staff fill this gap by offering free or low-cost, high-quality legal services.
CLIENTS SERVED
immigration Applications
