Language is more critical than ever right now.

Public health updates, state-wide mandates, personal health tips - information is changing on an hourly basis right now. Not understanding these updates can be a matter of life and death as the COVID-19 crisis continues. You can help ensure that our refugee and immigrant neighbors are able to continue improving their English through World Relief's ESL classes and tutoring, which are now being conducted virtually using YouTube, Zoom, and WhatsApp. Your generosity will ensure that our neighbors can better understand the news, communication from their employers, and updates from their children's schools.

All in a good day's work.

Many refugees spent years or even decades without an opportunity to work. And many other immigrants likewise fled their countries because there was no economic opportunity for them there. Whether they were lawyers, teachers, farmers, housewives, doctors, or laborers back home, most newcomers must start over in a tough, demanding job when they come to the U.S. Help them gain the dignity that comes with being able to provide for themselves and their family by supporting World Relief's employment services program.

You can bring healing to those in pain.

The current uncertainty and isolation are painful for everyone, and the stay-at-home mandate is especially difficult for refugees and immigrants who lived in war zones, police states, or other environments in which their lives were at risk if they left their homes. Many of these new neighbors of ours - who came to our country expecting safety and security after enduring years or decades of violence and persecution - are suffering anxiety, depression, and PTSD right now. You can help bring them healing by supporting virtual counseling services, stress reduction coaching, and life-changing relationships with volunteers.

Learning must go on!

Like all students in Illinois, refugee and immigrant children are stuck at home, relying on e-learning to continue their education. This is particularly challenging for these young people, though, as many of them were both learning English and trying to catch up to their peers academically in a new school system. Your support can help provide English tutoring, virtual early childhood classes, e-learning support, and assistance to parents so that these students can continue have to bright futures in front of them.