Learn about refugees and immigrants

We're facing the largest refugee crisis in history. Each year, thousands of people arrive in the U.S. as refugees, many as unaccompanied minors. The resettlement process can be extremely challenging—filled with obstacles and uncertainty.

Who are refugees?

Refugees are survivors, asylum seekers, and families escaping violence.

50 million children

Around the world, nearly 50 million children have migrated across borders or been forcibly displaced.

22,491 refugees

Only 22,491 refugees were resettled in the U.S. in fiscal year 2018, roughly half of the 45,000 cap the U.S. committed to, according to NPR.

72% of refugees

Women and children represented 72% of U.S. refugees in 2016.

elderly refugee man reunites with his granddaughter in the U.S.

Welcoming refugees

Refugees need what we all need: basic resources, healthy relationships, and sustainable work. But to successfully transition to a new place, they need advocates who walk alongside them to offer critical support.

Together, we can help refugees live a full life, contribute to our communities, and become self-sufficient.

When refugees lack support, they’re forced to fend for themselves in a nation they know little about. And that’s hard for anyone. But when they’re connected to resources, employment opportunities, and programs that meet basic needs, everything changes.

How we help

We guide, advocate, protect, and support refugees in key resettlement locations around the globe, including the U.S.

Refugee Resettlement

For the first three to six months after a refugee arrives in the U.S., we collaborate with volunteers, churches, schools, and service providers to ensure refugees thrive in the U.S. We prepare housing, provide case management and employment services, offer cultural orientation, and assist with school enrollment.

Refugee Employment

Having a job helps each of us find purpose. For refugees, a job also brings stability. In Michigan and Pennsylvania, we help refugees successfully enter the workforce and advance their career.

Refugee Foster Care

Refugee families are sometimes separated due to death, illness, or imprisonment. When family reunification isn't possible, children are considered unaccompanied minors. For these children, the best option is to be cared for by a foster care family.

Other Services

After refugees resettle in the U.S., we provide post-resettlement case management, medical case management, English language classes, extended cultural orientation classes, counseling services, and services to survivors of trafficking and torture.

Resources you can rely on

You deserve information you can trust. Explore our collection of articles and blogs designed to help you and your family thrive.

venezuelan mother holds her toddler son as they cross into safety in Colombia

This is the place people need us most

Chris Palusky shares the message at the heart of Bethany’s work: being the hands and feet of Christ for those who are most in need.

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the large, metal wall dividing the border between mexico and U.S.

My view from the U.S.-Mexico border

Rossy reflects on her visit to Tijuana, noting that children are especially vulnerable to human trafficking, exploitation, and abuse because of their age.

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Empowering refugees to thrive in the U.S.

140 million reasons to help

Today, 140 million kids don't have a permanent home. To us, that's simply unacceptable.

Together, we can change the world through family.

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Contact

Global Headquarters

901 Eastern Ave NE
Grand Rapids, MI 49503

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