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 escaping from, or have a well-founded fear of, persecution because of their race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or inclusion in a certain social group if they stay in their home countries

40% of refugees

In 2019, 40% of the 79.5 million displaced people in the world were children.

11,814 refugees

Only 11,814 refugees were resettled in the U.S. in fiscal year 2020, the lowest number in history.

8 U.S. federal government agencies

Refugees are the most thoroughly screened people who enter the U.S., and part of the resettlement process involves screening by eight U.S. government agencies.

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.

Bethany's Refugee Report

Our report finds that the long-term displacement crisis, made worse by violence, persecution, and the COVID-19 pandemic, has disproportionately affected children. As many as 34 million of the world’s children are currently displaced without a permanent home.

Read the Full Report

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.

small boat in Vietnamese river

Former Vietnamese refugee fosters six refugee youth

As a foster parent, Phillip provides a safe home for refugee youth who escape a dangerous childhood and come to the U.S. without a family. He knows what they’ve been through—this was his story too.

Read More
Ethiopian workers and South Sudanese refugees sit in a circle

Faces of resilience: Serving refugees around the world

Refugees come from many different backgrounds, but they all need safety, community, and access to resources. Bethany is working across three continents to meet these needs.

Read More

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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