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Message Western NY2024YEAR IN REVIEW
INTRODUCTION TO WORLD RELIEFTogether we're tackling the world's greatest problemsFounded in the aftermath of World WarII, World Relief is a global Christianhumanitarian organization that partnerswith local churches and communities todevelop sustainable, locally-drivensolutions to some of our world's mosturgent problems.We partner with local churches andcommunity leaders in the U.S. and abroadto bring hope to the most vulnerable.We've been doing this work for 80 yearsin more than 100 countries. Last year, we were able to providenearly 1.4 million people in 10 differentcountries with humanitarian aid.At World Relief Western NY, we comealongside refugees and otherimmigrants in vulnerable situations asthey rebuild their lives and findbelonging in the United States.We're glad you're here, and we're eagerto tell you more about what God hasbeen doing through World Relief in2024.World Relief Western NY(585) 563-7175wny@wr.orgworldrelief.org/western-ny
THROUGH CHALLENGES,WE STANDA Year of Impact, Compassion, and Resilience in Western NYAs we reflect on 2024 together as anoffice, we are reminded of God’ssteadfast faithfulness in the face ofuncertainty. This year broughtchallenges as we worked to respond tothe global displacement crisis, as well asanticipate the impact of potentialimmigration policy changes under a newadministration. We knew these shifts could significantlyaffect the vulnerable populations weserve, leaving our team to grapple withhow to best prepare while continuing tomeet the needs of displaced familiesarriving in Western NY. It was a time of stretching and growth,yet through the difficulties, God’s loveand provision shone brightly.Despite the uncertainty, 2024 was a yearof remarkable accomplishments:We resettled 380 refugees, offeringthem a pathway to rebuild their liveswith dignity and security. We launched 10 new Good NeighborTeams and our network of volunteersexpanded. (Read a remarkable story of a GNT on page 5).We launched over 60 communityevents, trainings and local gatheringseducating and advocating forrefugees in Rochester.
GOING ABOVE AND BEYONDA standout moment from this year wasour Refugee Simulation, an immersiveexperience that shed light on the realitiesof displacement. Highlighted by WHAM13 as “an unforgettable experience” andcelebrated by Rochester First as “apowerful call to action,” the simulationallowed participants to step into theshoes of refugees navigating the complexand often harrowing stages ofdisplacement. The event brought greaterawareness to hundreds of people.THANK YOUThrough all these achievements, onetruth became clear: none of this wouldhave been possible without theunwavering support of our partners,volunteers, and friends. Whether youjoined us in prayer, attended an event,supported a family, made a donation, orsimply shared an encouraging word, yourcontributions have been a beacon ofhope. You stood by us through both thejoys and struggles, and we are deeplygrateful.LOOKING FORWARD As we look toward 2025, we do so withrenewed hope and optimism. We areconfident that God will continue to guideus in this mission, opening new doors toserve and welcome the vulnerable.Together—with every worker, volunteer,partner, church, and friend—we arebuilding a brighter future, one life at atime. Let us move forward with faith,resilience, and the shared conviction thateveryone deserves a place to belong.Our team grew to 28 staff memberswho embody the resilience anddetermination required to navigatesuch a demanding year. Both our Ukrainian team and ourReception & Placement teamsurpassed expectations, receivingcommendations from both ournational and federal leadership fortheir exemplary work. Photo from our 2024 Gala at Arbor Loft! Over 100 attendeesexperienced our powerful refugeesimulation, walking in the footstepsof those seeking safety and a new beginning.
After weeks of training, on a chillyautumn night, a Good Neighbor Team(GNT) from Perinton PresbyterianChurch gathered at Rochester’s airport,holding handmade signs, ready towelcome the five members ofByamungu’s family, stepping into a newchapter of life in the U.S. Exhausted yet smiling, the family arrived,and amidst the crowd, Byamungu'swords resonated deeply: “You are myfamily now.”Three weeks later, an urgent callshattered the new routine. His wife, Jowa,heavily pregnant, was rushed to thehospital with dangerously high bloodpressure. FROM ARRIVAL TO BELONGINGWhen Strangers Become Family A Good Neighbor Team (GNT) isa small group of volunteers(preferably 6-12) from a localchurch or organization thatpartners with World Relief towelcome and walk alongside a refugee family.The team mobilized—praying, advocating,and standing vigil. Hours later, the babywas born, a symbol of hope andresilience. When asked for the baby’s name,Byamungu proudly said, “The name willbe Mark, like one of our new GNT familymembers.” If it had been a girl, she’dhave been named Diana after Mark’s wife,another GNT member.Navigating health care, schools, andlanguage barriers was daunting forByamungu and Jowa, but the GNT wassteadfast, offering guidance and prayer.Together, they discovered strength inshared faith, laughter, and community. This experience transformed the GNT too,bringing opportunities for patience,humility, and joy.Every refugee family deserves a GNT—alifeline of love, hope, and belonging.What is a Good Neighbor Team?
380new refugees welcomed in 202440Active ChurchPartners189Other immigrantsserved150+Volunteers10Good NeighborTeamsWhen Catherina Arocha, pictured here, arrived in Rochester, she didn’t know what toexpect. She had left everything behind—her home, her career, and the life she once knew.But thanks to the welcoming arms of this community, she found hope. “I am so grateful for World Relief Western NY,” Catherina shares. “They helped me withpaperwork, found a safe place for my family, and introduced me to volunteers who havebecome like family.” PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS500+Hours of Englishtutoring50+Individuals learnedEnglish
On June 20th, 2024, Northridge Churchopened the doors of its Rochester Campusto host No Longer Strangers, a prayer andworship night in observance of WorldRefugee Day. The event brought together 150 believersfrom 25 different churches, who united inprayer for over 120 million displaced peopleworldwide. The night was a powerfulreminder of the global refugee crisis andthe shared responsibility of Christians toextend compassion to those in need.The event reflected the shared commitmentof World Relief and the Church of WesternNY to love people from every nation, just asJesus did. NO LONGER STRANGERSIn addition to the prayer service, over 110people experienced the launch of theRefugee Simulation, a new initiativedesigned to help participants walk throughthe real-life journey of refugees coming tothe United States.This educational project serves as a tool tofoster both understanding and empathy inthe community.Reflecting on Revelation 7:9-10, attendeescaught a glimpse of the diverse and unifiedbody of Christ, gathered together fromevery nation, tribe, people, and language. The night was a beautiful celebration ofcompassion and faith, offering a vision ofHeaven’s unity.Rochester Churches Unite in Prayer and Action for Refugees
As we look back on 2024, we areoverwhelmed with gratitude for thegenerosity of our local community.Thanks to you, we raised an incredible$169,000 to support refugees rebuildingtheir lives right here in Western NY.This milestone is more than just anumber. It represents real impact:families finding stable housing, parentslearning English to support their children,and individuals gaining job skills for afresh start. For donors like Alex S., giving to WorldRelief Western NY is personal: "I give to World Relief WNY because I'veseen the way that their staff really caresand goes out of their way to helprefugees integrate into their newcommunity—not just to check off boxes,but to develop relationships and set themup for long-term success."DONOR HIGHLIGHTDaniel W., another supporter, echoes thissentiment: "Knowing my donation directly helpsfamilies find safety and stability inRochester makes all the difference. WorldRelief WNY is not just providing services;they’re creating a true sense of home forpeople who have lost everything."Most importantly, your giving sends apowerful message to refugees arriving inour community: You are welcome here.Because of you, families who once lived inuncertainty are now building their futureswith hope.From all of us at World Relief Western NY,thank you for being part of this mission.Your generosity is transforming lives, andtogether, we are creating a place whererefugees can not only survive—but thrive.BECOME A DONORDo you want to invest in acommunity of belonging here inWestern NY?
VOLUNTEER HIGHLIGHTAt World Relief Western NY, we arecommitted to walking alongside refugeesas they rebuild their lives in ourcommunity. Rubiela S., a refugee who found supportthrough our programs, shared hergratitude: "World Relief WNY gave memore than just resources—they gave mehope. The people here made me feel like Ibelonged, like I wasn’t alone in startingover."As families settle into their new lives, wecontinue to stand with them. Leo, anotherrefugee, expressed his appreciation to hisvolunteer Good Neighbor, saying: "Ithought I was coming to a place where Ihad no one. But now, because of WorldRelief WNY and my volunteer, I have afriend who helps me understand this newlife and reminds me that I am not alone."With every refugee we serve, we see thepower of a welcoming community—onethat doesn’t just provide aid but walksalongside people in their journey towardstability and belonging. Thanks to the generosity of our donors andthe dedication of our volunteers, WesternNY is becoming a home for those seekingsafety, hope, and a future.BECOME AVOLUNTEERDo you want to help refugees andimmigrants like Rubiela and Leohere in Western NY?
Program Expense77.7%General Admin22.3%INCOMETotal income$2.9MTotal operatingbudget$2.8MEXPENSES 2024 FINANCIALSAt World Relief, we are committed to prayerful, efficient and thoughtful stewardshipof every donation. When you invest in us, you can trust not only that your resourcesare being directed to the right places, but also that those resources are being used inthe smartest, most efficient ways possible due to the collective expertise of ourorganization.State Grants — 1.8%Private Funding — 7.9%Federal Grants90.3%
LOOKING FORWARDChange a Life in Western NYBecome a VolunteerWhether it’s helping with transportation,tutoring, event planning, becoming aGood Neighbor Team, or administrativework, there are many ways to serve andmake an impact.Become a Church PartnerJoin us in creating a welcoming spacefor refugees by partnering with us as achurch. Support families throughprayer, volunteer efforts, and practicalresources.As we enter 2025, a shift in administration has led to significant funding cuts thatdirectly impact the programs supporting refugees and immigrants in Western NY. Thesechanges threaten the resources that provide stability and hope to the families we serve.Yet, despite these challenges, one thing remains steadfast—our commitment towelcoming and supporting the most vulnerable.For decades, World Relief has partnered with communities, local churches, andvolunteers to serve refugees and immigrants, offering vital services and walkingalongside them as they rebuild their lives. Even as funding dwindles, our vision remainsunchanged: ensuring that those who have been displaced don’t just survive but trulyflourish in their new communities.But we cannot do this alone. Now, more than ever, we need volunteers, partners, andadvocates to stand with us. Will you be part of it?Ways to Get InvolvedDonate to Sustain This WorkYour generosity provides support tovulnerable families in Rochester, offeringessential services such as housingassistance, food support, help withpaperwork, and community resources.Become an Organizational PartnerBusinesses, nonprofits, and communitygroups can collaborate with us toprovide essential services, integrationopportunities, and advocacy forrefugees.
420 Winton Road NorthRochester, NY 14610 (585) 563-7175wny@wr.orgworldrelief.org/western-nyTHANK YOUFor moving with us in 2024FOLLOW USON SOCIAL MEDIADo you want to see the impact ofwelcoming refugees and immigrantsright here in Western NY?