Church World Service Now Spearheads Refugee Support in DFW
During a period of transition and renewal, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is extending its support to Church World Service-Dallas (CWS) as it relocates its office in Richardson, Texas. Through a significant donation, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is aiding CWS in its mission to continue offering crucial refugee resettlement services to vulnerable communities in the North Texas region.
CWS’ Expanded Mission in Richardson
Church World Service-Dallas, now managing operations previously handled by Refugee Services of Texas which closed last year, stands as one of five resettlement agencies in North Texas. It has become a pivotal support system for refugees and immigrants in the locality. The organization, which was located at 932 Greenville Avenue, is transitioning to a new location at 1010 East Arapaho Road, Richardson, TX 75081, with the move expected to finalize within April.
On April 1, 2024, representatives from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints visited the new facility, presenting a donation and gaining insights into the impactful work CWS is doing to support refugee resettlement.
The Impact of Generosity
President James Monroe (Richardson area leader) for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints presents a check donation to Mark Hagar and Jenna Dobyns from CWS-Dallas.
The donation from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will contribute to resettlement expenses, including furniture, beds, and household items for displaced families. It will also support financial needs for driving training and license applications, promoting self-reliance and community integration.
Jenna Dobyns, overseeing the Community Engagement volunteer program at Church World Service-Dallas, explained how the donation will be used: “The Reception and Placement program, covering the initial three months after a family’s arrival, is critical. It focuses not just on providing shelter but on creating a warm and welcoming environment. Funds will be allocated for home essentials, like mattresses, and support our Economic Self Sufficiency program, aimed at employment and obtaining driver’s licenses for the families.”
CWS’s new facilities will support a broader array of services catering to the diverse needs of the refugee and immigrant communities. These include Refugee Reception and Placement, employment services, intensive case management, immigration legal services, and children’s services, offering comprehensive aid to individuals and families as they establish new lives and integrate into their communities.
As an immigrant, community engagement significantly benefited me. Friends and case managers provided shopping assistance, religious place visits, food, and transportation, offering numerous opportunities. Community integration plays a crucial role in addressing various challenges.
Fahim Amin, CWS-Dallas
Fahim Amin, an immigrant now employed at CWS, highlighted the role of community involvement in his resettlement process: “As an immigrant, community engagement significantly benefited me. Friends and case managers provided shopping assistance, religious place visits, food, and transportation, offering numerous opportunities. Community integration plays a crucial role in addressing various challenges.”
President James Monroe, a local leader of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, discussed the complexities of immigration issues and praised the immigration legal services provided by CWS: “Navigating immigration concerns is challenging. The legal services offered by CWS are invaluable.”
Volunteer Efforts and Community Involvement
Additionally, CWS and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are calling on community members to volunteer with Church World Service-Dallas. Volunteers are essential in offering friendship and support to new residents, helping them practice English, attend important appointments, apply for jobs, and familiarize themselves with their new environment. These acts of kindness and solidarity can profoundly impact those in need, promoting inclusion and belonging.
Mark Hagar, the Site Director of Church World Service-Dallas, expressed his appreciation for the support from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: “Your contribution is significant to our community impact efforts. Your dedication to humanitarian work is why you have been involved in this field for a long time.”
Mark Hagar (pictured on the right) with CWS gives facility tour to local members and missionaries of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints
Jenna Dobyns Community Engagement Manager with CWS-Dallas speaks about how the donation will be utilized.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has been actively involved in refugee resettlement efforts, showcasing its commitment to humanitarian service and community support. Church members and the broader community continue to volunteer their time and resources, assisting with airport pickups, apartment setups, and mentorship programs through JustServe. To learn more about supporting Church World Services in welcoming refugees and immigrants, visit CWSDALLAS.ORG and JustServe.org.
As CWS moves to its new location, its commitment to serving those in need remains unwavering, embracing principles of compassion, dignity, and solidarity. The support from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints underscores the importance of collaborative efforts in overcoming challenges faced by displaced populations and fostering inclusive communities.
Featured Image: Local members and missionaries from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints with Mark Hagar and Jenna Dobyns from CWS-Dallas.All photos courtesy of Julianne Winzenz.
Lisa Ausere
