of welcome.
An Invitation to Sustain Welcome
Since 1987, CWS Lancaster has provided hope and home for thousands of refugee and immigrant families across Central Pennsylvania.
For families who have found initial safety, the journey toward healing and belonging is just beginning. Our integration programs ensure families have the tools to thrive, not just survive—supporting lasting stability, success, and community belonging.
Navigating the U.S. immigration system is complex, and the stakes are higher than ever. Our immigration legal team provides expert support with applications, documentation, and filings so families can move forward with confidence.
And when hundreds of newly arrived families lost access to SNAP benefits due to federal restrictions, we responded by opening a food pantry that provides culturally relevant meals—preventing deepening food insecurity and supporting families through a critical transition.
What Your Gift Supports
While we have persevered through some difficult times over our almost 40-year history, we have never before witnessed such aggressive actions against our clients and our mission. Your gift today helps provide emergency assistance for stabilization, integration programs for long-term success and belonging, and trusted legal services to ensure human rights that guide refugees and immigrants toward lawful status and long‑term security.
Emergency Assistance for Stabilization
Provides for an individual or family needing support understanding local resources
Integration for Long-Term Success
Provides ESL instruction and job orientation for the workplace
Legal Services to Ensure Rights
Supports naturalization services for qualifying legal permanent residents.
Joseph's Story
Fueled by his own unwavering determination and guided by his mentors’ encouragement, Joseph forged a path from a refugee camp to Penn State University.
new neighbors got their first job
neighbors received wellness support
legal consultations
applications filed
Maximize Your Impact
Monthly Giving
Increase your impact and become a sustaining partner of our support of refugees and immigrants in central Pennsylvania.
Tap "
Monthly" in the give box or learn more using the button below.
Non-cash Assets
Use this easy, secure tool through FreeWill to initiate non-cash gifts, like stocks, IRA distributions, and donor-advised fund donations. Make sure to designate for the local Lancaster office and alert Rachel Helwig at rhelwig@cwsglobal.org.
