Today marks World Refugee Day

Home is somewhere we all long for at the end of a long day—a place where we find our comfort, feel welcomed, and can truly be ourselves. It’s where our stories unfold, where love and memories are built, and where we find peace, safety, and belonging. But for refugees, home is often a memory of what was lost—a house left behind, a community torn apart, a life disrupted by conflict or persecution. For many, the journey to find a new home is long and uncertain. Yet, even in unfamiliar places, they carry the hope of rebuilding—of finding safety, dignity, and a sense of belonging once more.

Today marks World Refugee Day, an international day that we honor people who were forced to flee their home and their country to start again. This day gives global attention to something that we do every day—protect and improve the lives of refugees.

Daily, when I shake hands with someone who has newly arrived, I often find myself in awe of their courage. As a mother myself, I am especially moved by the strength of refugee mothers—navigating the already demanding years of raising children while leading their families through unimaginable transitions. They leave behind everything familiar, endure the uncertainty of refugee camps or life in a second country, and arrive in the U.S. to start over once again. These are individuals who embody resilience, perseverance, and incredible mental toughness. Despite all they’ve endured, they continue to show up—for their children, for their futures, and for the hope of something better. Their quiet strength humbles me every day.

Over the past year, we’ve had the privilege of walking alongside hundreds of individuals and families on their journey to rebuild home. In fact, this past year marked a historic milestone for our refugee resettlement program. By year’s end, we welcomed and resettled 655 individuals—the highest number in our organization's history. We were proud to rise to the occasion, expanding our capacity to serve many waiting to be resettled legally through the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program. Our other refugee service programs were equally as busy. Through our State Employment Program, we supported over 700 successful job placements, helping refugees gain stability and financial independence. Meanwhile, our Refugee Youth Program served more than 100 young people, expanding its age range to include middle schoolers for the first time in years—a much-needed step in supporting younger newcomers during critical developmental stages.

After the new fiscal year began on October 1st, we pushed ourselves to resettle as many refugees as possible ahead of the inauguration of the new presidential administration—knowing our programs would likely be affected. Between October 1st and January 16th, we resettled 203 individuals. Our dedicated staff worked tirelessly, even through the holiday season, to ensure each of them had the tools for success to start their new lives in the United States. Although the start of a new administration in the White House has posed challenges to our work, including some program closures, we continue to stay committed to serve in the ways that we are able to and hope for the best in these next coming years.

To our volunteers, donors, and staff, thank you for your unwavering commitment and tireless efforts to live out our mission of compassion each day. And to all those we’ve had the honor to serve over the past year, welcome home. May this new beginning be more than just a place to live—may it become a true home, where stories can unfold again, where peace replaces fear, and where each person feels safe, seen, and deeply welcomed.