As the world continues to grapple with a myriad of challenges, one issue stands as a constant reminder of the fragility and strength of the human spirit: the global refugee crisis.
On World Refugee Day, marked annually on June 20th, we pause to acknowledge the millions of individuals who have been forced to flee their homes due to conflict, persecution, or violence. It is a day that both commemorates the resilience of those who have sought refuge and encourages us to come together as a global community to address their plight.
In recent years, the world has witnessed an alarming increase in forced displacement, with the number of refugees reaching a staggering record of more than 82 million people by the end of 2020. This crisis knows no boundaries and affects every corner of the globe, demanding urgent attention and compassion from governments, organizations, and individuals alike.
However, amidst the enormity of the challenge, there is a silver lining: the countless acts of kindness, generosity, and solidarity that have emerged from communities around the world. World Refugee Day is an occasion to celebrate the inspiring resilience of refugees while acknowledging the collective efforts made to support and integrate them into new societies.
World Refugee Day calls upon us to break down barriers, challenge stereotypes, and build bridges of empathy and understanding. It prompts us to reflect on the shared values that connect us all as human beings and compels us to take action towards creating a world that offers safety, dignity, and opportunities for those in need.
Join us in this exploration of compassion, resilience, and the power of human connection as we come together to observe World Refugee Day and work towards a more inclusive and just world.
Check out these nonprofits at the forefront of helping refugees receive life-changing provisions and shelter.
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is a renowned global humanitarian organization dedicated to providing emergency aid, relief, and long-term support to individuals and communities affected by conflict, persecution, and natural disasters. Established in 1933 at the request of renowned physicist Albert Einstein, the IRC has been at the forefront of responding to humanitarian crises worldwide, helping millions of people rebuild their lives and regain their independence.
The IRC operates in over 40 countries, offering a wide range of services that address the immediate needs of affected populations while also focusing on sustainable solutions and empowerment.
The IRC's impact is felt across the globe, providing essential support to refugees, internally displaced persons, and host communities. By prioritizing collaboration, innovation, and long-term solutions, the IRC strives to create lasting change and enable individuals and communities to rebuild their lives and achieve self-sufficiency.
USAHello, formerly known as The Welcome to America Project, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting refugees, immigrants, and asylum seekers in the United States. Founded in 2001, USAHello provides online resources, education, and community support to help newcomers successfully integrate into American society and thrive.
The organization recognizes the unique challenges faced by refugees and immigrants as they navigate the complex process of resettlement and cultural adaptation. USAHello aims to bridge the gaps in knowledge, resources, and opportunities by offering a comprehensive range of multilingual and culturally sensitive services.
One of the primary offerings of USAHello is their online platform, which serves as a central hub for information and tools tailored to the needs of newcomers.
The USAHello platform provides a wealth of resources, including:
USAHello's educational initiatives play a crucial role in empowering refugees and immigrants to succeed in their new environment. They offer English language courses that cater to different proficiency levels, helping individuals improve their language skills and enhance their communication abilities. Additionally, USAHello provides comprehensive educational resources for children, adults, and educators, fostering learning opportunities and facilitating academic integration.
Recognizing the importance of community support, USAHello actively connects newcomers with local communities and volunteers through their online platform. They facilitate mentorship programs, cultural exchange events, and networking opportunities, promoting social connections and fostering a sense of belonging.
Save the Children is a renowned nonprofit organization that has been dedicated to improving the lives of children worldwide for over 100 years.
Founded in 1919, in the aftermath of World War I, Save the Children's mission is to ensure that every child has the opportunity to grow up healthy, educated, and safe.
The organization operates in over 100 countries, working tirelessly to address the unique needs and challenges faced by children living in poverty, conflict zones, and areas affected by natural disasters. Save the Children believes that every child deserves the right to survival, protection, development, and participation, and they strive to uphold these rights in all their programs and advocacy efforts.
The organization's work is guided by the principles of accountability, transparency, and efficiency, ensuring that resources are utilized effectively to maximize impact. Save the Children also actively collaborates with local partners and communities, recognizing the importance of local knowledge and ownership in creating sustainable change.
Save the Children's commitment to the world's most vulnerable children continues to drive their efforts to build a better future. By advocating for children's rights, providing vital services, and empowering communities, they strive to create a world where every child can thrive, regardless of their circumstances.
Lutheran Services in America (LSA) is a network of Lutheran social ministry organizations dedicated to serving individuals, families, and communities across the United States.
LSA represents over 300 member organizations, including health care providers, senior services, child welfare agencies, disability support services, and other nonprofit entities. These organizations collectively provide a wide range of social services and support to millions of people in need.
The roots of Lutheran social ministry in the United States can be traced back to the mid-19th century when Lutheran churches established orphanages, hospitals, and other charitable institutions to care for the vulnerable and underserved. Over time, these individual efforts grew into a network of organizations working under the umbrella of LSA.
LSA member organizations are guided by Lutheran values, including a commitment to compassion, justice, and service. They strive to address the holistic needs of individuals and communities, providing support in areas such as healthcare, education, employment, housing, refugee resettlement, disaster response, and more.
LSA's collective impact spans across diverse populations, including children, youth, families, older adults, individuals with disabilities, refugees and immigrants, and those experiencing poverty or homelessness.
In addition to direct service provision, LSA serves as a platform for collaboration, learning, and advocacy. The organization facilitates knowledge sharing among its members, fostering innovation and best practices in the field of social ministry. LSA also advocates for policies and funding that promote social justice and strengthen the social safety net, ensuring that the needs of vulnerable populations are recognized and addressed at local, state, and national levels.
LSA is committed to promoting inclusivity and diversity within its network and its service delivery. It embraces the richness of different cultures, perspectives, and experiences, recognizing that diversity strengthens its collective ability to make a positive impact.
Home for Refugees USA is a faith-based nonprofit organization that advocates for resettlement assistance and creates community relationships for ongoing support to help alleviate our worldwide displacement crisis. They are an independent organization, financially supported by private community donations.
Home for Refugees USA works with refugee resettlement agencies to provide refugees with the support they need to rebuild their lives in the United States. This includes providing financial assistance, help with finding housing and employment, and access to healthcare and education. Home for Refugees USA also works to build community relationships with refugees and their families, and to educate the public about the refugee crisis.
In addition to their resettlement work, Home for Refugees USA also advocates for policies that will help refugees and asylum seekers. They work to raise awareness about the refugee crisis and to urge the government to increase the number of refugees admitted to the United States each year.
Home for Refugees USA is committed to providing refugees with the support they need to rebuild their lives in the United States. They believe that refugees are an asset to our country, and they are working to create a more welcoming and inclusive society for all.
Home for Refugees USA is making a difference in the lives of refugees around the world. With your help, they can continue to provide the support that refugees need to rebuild their lives.
Islamic Relief USA (IRUSA) is a prominent humanitarian organization that operates in the United States, providing assistance and support to individuals and communities affected by poverty, disasters, and emergencies, both domestically and internationally.
Established in 1993, Islamic Relief USA is an independent, nonprofit organization that is part of the global Islamic Relief Worldwide network.
The mission of Islamic Relief USA is to alleviate suffering, promote sustainable development, and empower individuals and communities to overcome challenges and improve their well-being. The organization's work is guided by Islamic values of compassion, service, and social justice, while also embracing principles of accountability, transparency, and collaboration.
The U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants (USCRI) is a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to advocating for the rights and well-being of refugees, immigrants, and other vulnerable populations in the United States.
Founded in 1911, USCRI has a long history of providing support, protection, and opportunities for those fleeing persecution, violence, and hardships around the world.
USCRI recognizes the value and contributions that refugees and immigrants bring to American society and strives to foster a welcoming and inclusive environment for all. By providing critical support, advocating for policy reforms, and promoting social cohesion, USCRI works towards a more compassionate and equitable society that embraces and supports refugees and immigrants.
No One Left Behind (NOLB) is a nonprofit organization based in the United States that is dedicated to assisting and advocating for Afghan and Iraqi wartime allies who have served alongside the U.S. military and government in various capacities.
The organization was founded in 2013 with the mission of ensuring that no ally is left behind in the countries they have served.
NOLB focuses on providing critical support and resources to these wartime allies, who often face threats and persecution in their home countries due to their association with the United States. These individuals, including interpreters, translators, cultural advisors, and support staff, have risked their lives to assist American troops and contribute to the mission's success.
The primary goal of No One Left Behind is to facilitate the resettlement and integration of these wartime allies and their families into the United States. The organization works to navigate the often complex and lengthy visa application processes, providing legal assistance, guidance, and advocacy to ensure that these deserving individuals can access the protection and opportunities they need.
In addition to visa support, NOLB offers a range of services to assist with the transition and integration of these individuals and their families. This includes practical support such as housing, employment assistance, education resources, healthcare access, and other essential needs.
Furthermore, No One Left Behind recognizes the importance of advocacy and raising awareness about the challenges faced by wartime allies. The organization actively engages in advocacy efforts to ensure that their contributions are recognized and that policies and resources are in place to support their successful resettlement and long-term well-being.
No One Left Behind collaborates with government agencies, community partners, and like-minded organizations to maximize its impact and expand its reach.
HIAS, formerly known as the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society, is a global nonprofit organization that is dedicated to providing humanitarian aid, protection, and assistance to refugees and displaced persons. Founded in 1881, HIAS has a rich history of helping refugees and immigrants of all backgrounds and beliefs, guided by the values of welcome, safety, and inclusion.
Originally established to assist Jewish immigrants fleeing persecution and violence in Eastern Europe, HIAS has expanded its mission over the years to support refugees and displaced persons worldwide, regardless of their nationality, religion, or ethnicity. The organization operates in more than a dozen countries and has offices across the United States.
HIAS also engages in advocacy efforts to raise awareness about the challenges faced by refugees, promote policies that protect their rights, and build public support for a compassionate and inclusive approach to refugee issues.
The TENT Partnership for Refugees is a global network of companies that are committed to supporting refugees and forcibly displaced people.
Founded in 2016 by Hamdi Ulukaya, the CEO of Chobani, TENT aims to mobilize the private sector's resources, expertise, and influence to create opportunities for refugees and help them integrate into local economies.
TENT believes that businesses have a crucial role to play in addressing the challenges faced by refugees and unlocking their potential. By engaging companies of all sizes and sectors, TENT strives to harness their unique capabilities, including job creation, skills development, entrepreneurship, and access to markets, to generate sustainable solutions for refugees.
The partnership works with its member companies to develop innovative initiatives and programs that can make a positive impact on the lives of refugees. These initiatives often focus on areas such as employment, vocational training, entrepreneurship, supply chain integration, and market access. TENT supports its members by providing expertise, resources, and best practices to guide their efforts in creating inclusive and supportive environments for refugees.
TENT also advocates for policies that encourage refugee entrepreneurship, facilitate labor market integration, and foster inclusive business practices. By collaborating with governments, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders, TENT aims to shape policy discussions and promote favorable conditions for refugees to thrive.
In addition to its corporate engagement, TENT engages in research and knowledge-sharing activities to better understand the economic potential of refugees and the most effective approaches for their inclusion. The partnership facilitates learning exchanges, conferences, and workshops where companies, experts, and stakeholders can share insights, experiences, and strategies for refugee support.
The TENT Partnership for Refugees has grown to include a diverse and global network of companies committed to making a positive difference in the lives of refugees. By leveraging the power of the private sector, TENT aims to change the narrative around refugees and demonstrate that their inclusion is not only a humanitarian imperative but also an economic opportunity.
