Blog

Veterans Day Reflections from an Afghan Neighbor

November 11, 2025

The following reflections were shared by an Afghan neighbor who served alongside US forces before being forced to flee his home: Today, on Veterans Day, I stand shoulder to shoulder with you — honestly, without hesitation, as we once did through every mission. For around four years, I served as a combat interpreter alongside the U.S. Armed Forces. I was...

Hunger Action Month

September 26, 2025

As we close out Hunger Action Month this September, we want to highlight the impact of HR1, also known as the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” (OBBBA), on refugee and immigrant communities. While HR1 impacts all Americans, several key provisions specifically target refugees, asylees, and other new neighbors with sweeping changes to the U.S. immigration system and restricted access to services...

The State of Welcome

September 11, 2025

Right now, the administration’s indefinite refugee ban remains in place, grinding almost all refugee admissions to a halt and stranding tens of thousands of refugee families who were conditionally approved for resettlement. At the same time, asylum seekers can no longer access their legal right to pursue safety and immigrant families are being forced apart through increased immigration enforcement. CWS Lancaster...

Ten Things to Say When Meeting a Miracle

July 29, 2025

Recently one of our Youth Mentors, Dana Kinsey, performed her poem “Ten Things to Say When Meeting a Miracle” at the Ware Center in honor of her mentee, Miracle. Ten Things to Say When Meeting a Miracle I never knew a woman who skyscrapers a cornfield like you. Life plucks Hope’s feathers, but you sew them back. Never pierce my...

Mental Health Awareness Month

May 30, 2025

As we close out Mental Health Awareness Month, Jeanne Martin, our Associate Director for Integration, shares her reflections on the importance of connected communities for mental well-being: In my first role at CWS, serving as an Intensive Case Manager, I often received referrals for clients who were having a more challenging time integrating into their communities. As friends and supporters...