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FY24 IMPACT REPORT

Harrisburg

The CWS Harrisburg office began the year expecting to welcome 250 new refugee neighbors but quickly increased capacity, ending fiscal year 2024 welcoming 613 new neighbors.

In just three short years since its opening, CWS Harrisburg has charted a bold course — from a staff of 1 person welcoming new Afghan neighbors in the wake of the fall of Kabul to a staff of 50+ providing 10 programs of service with a goal to welcome 850 new refugee neighbors in fiscal year 2025.

We know this growth is only possible because you have stepped up alongside us, serving as volunteers, welcome teams, and community partners.


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Alex Swann
DIRECTOR


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THE POWER OF A
Welcoming Community

In Fiscal Year 2024, our resettlement team welcomed 613 new neighbors, far exceeding our original goal of 250.
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Our housing team worked tirelessly to find safe and affordable homes for every arrival, while case managers guided families through essential services like health screenings, school enrollments, and employment support. This comprehensive approach ensured that every individual felt supported from the moment they arrived with the resources they need to thrive.
Durre Sharif
ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR RESETTLEMENT & ENGAGEMENT

0

children were
enrolled in school


0

homes were secured
by the housing team


0

clients scheduled/attended appointments

Ahmad Family Story

After spending over a decade in a refugee camp, the Ahmad family comprised of single mother Nayyar and her four children, Ehtisam, Amar, Hania, and Hamad arrived in Harrisburg, eager to rebuild their lives after hardship including the loss of the childrens’ father.

CWS Harrisburg played a crucial role in this transition, securing them an affordable and permanent home close to public transportation and their mosque, allowing Nayyar to maintain her faith connections. It allowed Ehtisam to easily commute to his new job and Hamad to walk only 6 minutes to his new school.

With this newfound stability, each family member began pursuing their aspirations. Hania is focused on her GED and dreams of cosmetology school, motivated by her family's achievements. Amar now helps others as a housing aid with CWS, and Nayyar has honed her sewing skills through the CWS Marketplace, often sending delicious meals to the staff as a thank-you.

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STABILIZATION FOR
Resilient Futures

In Fiscal Year 2024, we enrolled 685 individuals in our stabilization & integration programs: Matching Grant & Refugee Social Services.

Starting a new life in America takes immense courage and resilience. Our integration services support newcomers in becoming active community members.

English language classes and employment readiness tools are essential for securing jobs and achieving self-sufficiency. For those facing significant challenges, we provided intensive case management to support individuals with basic needs like childcare and health services. Integration means more than just finding a job – it involves helping individuals feel that they truly belong. Friendly neighbors, volunteers, special events and links to important community and educational resources help accomplish this.

Rebecca Raley
ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR of Integration

Sarah's Story

Within just a few weeks, her exceptional performance led to her being recommended for a line lead position. In her new role, she excelled in managing the team, ensuring that production targets were met, and showing true leadership.


Read More

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clients were
placed in jobs


0

clients received
vocational ESL support


0

displaced neighbors
received job
readiness training


0

clients served by
intensive case
management

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welcome team

Aalo Family Story

In early July, our team was asked to help not just one small family of refugees but an extended family of twelve. We quickly prepared three apartments for their arrival the following week. Ismael and Sinem arrived first with their two young children, Resmiye and Nuri. The next week, the rest of Sinem’s family—the Aalo family—joined them. None of us had experience in this, and we felt nervous and confused, especially without Arabic skills. When the family arrived, we found they shared our uncertainty, making us a perfect match.

In just three months, we’ve witnessed remarkable progress. Little Resmiye is in Head Start, and Rusela is thriving in tenth grade, enjoying math and English. Four adults are now employed, and three have learner’s permits to drive.

Amidst challenges like emergency room visits, miscommunications, some confusion, and bureaucratic hurdles, we’ve shared laughter, meals, and time and have transformed from volunteers to friends—and even family. Each volunteer brings unique skills, enriching our bond with the Aalos. We have shared the worthwhile work of transportation, introduction to the library and Halloween, set up TVs, Rokus and laptops, and so much more.


Volunteers Needed Immediately—Be the Difference!


Volunteer Today!

ENGAGEMENT FOR Community Building


Through Community Engagement, we’ve strengthened our partnerships with local organizations and faith groups, and they have engaged rallied volunteers to support housing setups, provide mentorship, and offer language assistance. Through community events and collaborative efforts, we’ve not only connected our new neighbors to critical resources but also fostered a real sense of belonging. The outpouring of support from volunteers and community partners has been key to making Harrisburg a truly welcoming place for everyone.
Durre Sharif
ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR RESETTLEMENT & ENGAGEMENT

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Marketplace
items sold


0

women enrolled


0

volunteer hours
contributed

INTERNATIONAL FRIENDSGIVING


0

attendees

KIPONA FESTIVAL


0

attendees

WORLD REFUGEE DAY


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attendees

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With your support, new neighbors are finding hope and home in our communities.


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CWS Harrisburg offers just and sustainable services to local refugees, immigrants, asylum-seekers, and other uprooted people seeking safety and the opportunity to rebuild their lives.

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