Your Support Powers CWS’s Response to Hurricane Helene

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Thanks to the generosity of donors like you, CWS has been able to respond quickly to the devastation left behind by Hurricane Helene. The storm has claimed 66 lives, displaced thousands, and caused extensive damage across the Southeast. Entire communities have been left without power, homes have been destroyed, and flooding continues to wreak havoc on families trying to rebuild. … Read More

Wrapped in Love: How Your Donations Provide Comfort and Hope

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During a recent community event in Columbus, Ohio, Kayla Davis, Executive Director of A Step in the Right Direction witnessed, firsthand, the profound difference generosity can make in the lives of those in need. As she made sure community members received the supplies they needed, a young mother, carrying a bundle of CWS Blankets approached Kayla and embraced her in … Read More

Youth Make a Difference: UCC Great Lakes and Western Regional Youth Event at Augustana College

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Rock Island, IL – The United Church of Christ (UCC) Great Lakes and Western Regional Youth Event recently held at Augustana College in Rock Island, IL, showcased the power of youth activism and community service. In collaboration with Church World Service (CWS), over 200 youth from the West Regional Conference and the Great Lakes Conference came together for a special … Read More

Responding to Hurricane Beryl: Your Support Makes a Difference

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On July 7, 2024, Hurricane Beryl struck the Texas coast as a Category 1 hurricane, bringing heavy rains, high winds, and widespread power outages that left over 1 million people in the dark. Thanks to your generous support, CWS has been able to respond swiftly and effectively to this crisis. In the immediate aftermath of the storm, CWS collaborated with … Read More

Living a Generous Life

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Generosity is a way of life for Rev. Joanna Sameulson and she’s planting the seeds of generosity, justice and compassion early in her twin sons Henry and Malcom. “It is one thing to talk about caring for others, or to teach or preach about it, but it’s quite another thing to participate.” she said. Through their local church, Joanna, Henry … Read More

Finding Comfort in the Wake of Hurricane

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When Hurricane Idalia threatened communities in Florida this past summer, the vast ocean surrounding Plymouth Harbor Retirement Home transformed from a source of peace to one of danger. In less than four hours, staff had to evacuate more than 250 seniors, who average about 85 years of age, to safety. Many residents left with very limited belongings and strong winds … Read More

Your Support Makes a Difference: Sharing Hope through CWS Blankets

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Earlier this year, neighbors in Merced and Planada, California experienced severe flooding. Supporters like you were there with CWS Blankets and other resources –sharing love, spreading hope and giving help.  The floods brought destruction to the predominantly Latino immigrant communities leaving many without basic necessities or the ability to get them. “Communities that are on the margins are almost invisible … Read More

Bridging the Gap in Disaster Response

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“Our lives have changed.” “This was traumatic.” “It’s going to take so many years to recover from this.” These are just some of the things that Liliana Zamora, program manager at Community Bridges, heard from residents of Pajaro, California following the intense flooding that occurred in March. Pajaro is a community in Monterey River County and is separated from the … Read More

Replacing Fear with Hope in Merced County

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Imagine you’re asleep when you hear waves crashing onto a surface. For a second you wonder, “Am I dreaming?” until you feel the water creep onto your bed. You jump to your feet, making a splash, and your instincts kick in. Your home is no longer safe, you need to get out. This is what many families and individuals in … Read More