FY24 IMPACT REPORT
Lancaster
RAPID RESPONSE ANALYSIS
RECENT EXECUTIVE ORDERS
The new administration has already signed a number of Executive Orders that significantly impact our work and communities, including:
INDEFINITE SUSPENSION OF REFUGEE RESETTLEMENT PROGRAM
Effective January 27, including suspension of all active or previously submitted "Welcome Corps" applications.
MULTIPLE ACTIONS THAT ELIMINATE ACCESS TO ASYLUM
Along with other protections for individuals and families seeking safety.
WHAT YOU CAN DO
ADVOCATE. EDUCATE. DONATE. VOLUNTEER
CWS stands with our refugee & immigrant neighbors.
WE STAND FOR WELCOME.
For CWS Lancaster, “stepping up” has meant building new partnerships and deepening existing relationships to fill gaps left by the closing of other service providers and a growing new neighbor community in York.
While fiscal year 2025, like every year, will be full of surprises, we know one thing: together, our collective actions in welcome ensure that individuals and families seeking safety in the United States receive the community support they need to thrive.
Our offices will keep doing the hard work with the same enthusiasm and creativity that has helped us navigate challenges and celebrate successes with our local communities so far. In doing so, we honor the resilience we learn from our clients and the determination we learn from you, our welcoming community.
Valentina Ross
DIRECTOR | CWS Lancaster & South Central PA
WELCOME TO Home and Hope
refugees welcomed nationally for first time in 30 years
new refugee neighbors under 17 years old
homes were secured by the housing team
displaced community members empowered
Ricardo's Story
“It was an unforgettable moment,” Ricardo shared, holding back tears. “I had gone two years without seeing them. They were so big. I almost didn’t recognize Samantha. That day, we did all the things I dreamed of during our years apart.”
-RICARDO
INTEGRATION FOR Continuing Success
During Fiscal Year 2024, 208 unaccompanied children from 15 different countries and across 10 states received services through our Home Study, Post Release Services program.
Jawad's Story
Lancaster is a welcoming city for refugees. It’s a great quiet city, the weather is awesome, and the people here are very good. Work hard to learn the language; it will help you find your way.”
— JAWAD
clients were placed in jobs
displaced neighbors received job readiness training
clients received vocational ESL support
Refugee Youth Mentoring Program participants
CHAMPIONING Rights and Freedoms
During Fiscal Year 2024, 15 pro-bono attorneys helped us serve 17 unaccompanied.
Know Your Rights trainings for detained children
legal consultations
naturalization applications filings
refugee/asylee family reunification applications filings
Gabby's Story
Be honest, patient, and real. Never forget your background. We are here to help and make a difference in the world.” — GABBY
ENGAGEMENT FOR Community Building
welcome teams provided friendship and support
volunteer hours contributed