(888) 900-2989 information@ccwva.org
WORLD REFUGEE DAY
June 20, 2020
Opening Prayer
Lord Jesus,
Your Word calmed the raging storm;
to touch the hem of your clothes brought healing.
We lift our faces to you.
Our world has been made small by a global pandemic.
We long for an end to the storm;
healing for those who are sick and vulnerable.
On this World Refugee Day
we are one people; all in this together
across desert and ocean; language and faith
In our times of need we shelter and rest in your mercy.
May we grow with hearts of generosity
so that we may provide shelter and rest to our brothers and sisters
We offer You our efforts to learn today
in the name of Jesus, who is with us in these trying times.
Amen
Refugee on WV’s COVID-19 Front Lines
Frank Kiiza came to WV as a refugee from Uganda. He quickly completed the requirements to become a Certified Nursing Assistant, and now is working to contain the spread of COVID-19 in the nursing facility where he works.
COVID-19 and the Global Refugee Population
The rights and health of refugees, migrants and stateless must be protected in COVID-19 response
Beware long-term damage to human rights and refugee rights from the coronavirus pandemic: UNHCR
UNHCR stepping up coronavirus prevention measures for displaced across East, Horn and Great Lakes region of Africa
Clouds Over Sidra VR Refugee Camp
Meet Sidra. This charming 12-year-old girl will guide you through her temporary home: The Zaatari Refugee Camp in Jordan. Zaatari is home to 130,000 Syrians fleeing violence and war, and children make up half the camp’s population. In this lyrical VR film, Sidra leads you through her daily life: Eating, sleeping, learning and playing in the vast desert city of tents.
Quick Facts about Refugee Resettlement Worldwide
A Refugee’s Journey to West Virginia
Charleston Catholic Students, Ben and Julia, sit down with Sirki Diabate to learn about his journey from Côte d’Ivoire to West Virginia.
Send a Postcard to a Refugee
Write a postcard to a child in a refugee camp!
Tips and Suggestions
- Keep your note simple. Sometimes the simplest messages convey the deepest sentiments of the heart.
- Recognize that refugees come from a variety of religious backgrounds. Verses from the Bible may not apply to their faith traditions.
- Avoid phrases like “Welcome to America.” The child receiving your card may not be placed in the United States.
- Feel free to bundle cards in a package. You do not need to pay for postage on every card
Send your postcard to:
Any Refugee
c/o Jesuit Refugee Service
1016 16th Street NW
Washington, DC 20036 USA
This project is a program of Any Refugee. Check out http://www.anyrefugee.org/ for more information
Afghan refugee finds peace in WV amid national immigration debate
Quick Facts About Refugee Resettlement in WV
How does a refugee come to WV?
- Migration and Refugee Services (MRS) began in 1978.
- MRS is a US Tie based site only. This means a refugee can only come to WV if they have a friend or family member already living in WV, and whose contact information they listed on their refugee application overseas, and wish to reunite with them.
- MRS’ focus is on reunification.
- Refugees and other eligible populations may remain in our resettlement program for up to 5 years. This ensures self- sufficiency and community integration.
What do we do for refugees?
Quick Facts About Refugee Resettlement in WV
Program Statistics
Ethnicity and location of currently enrolled eligible populations (refugees, asylees, foreign national survivors of human trafficking)
New Refugee Arrivals by Year:
FY2019- 3
FY2018-1
FY2017-13
FY2016- 31
Help us continue to serve migrants and refugees! Catholic Charities WV is the only resettlement agency actively resettling refugees in the state. We help people find safety and security by offering comprehensive case management and employment services. Without our services, refugee families would not be able to receive the support they need to reunify with loved ones and rebuild their lives.
Thank You to Our Sponsors!
