Blog

Alexis’ 1st Time Voting

October 30, 2024

“I’m really excited and I’m also feeling empowered, to have a voice in the democratic process. So this also remind me the journey I took to arrive here and also it reminds me like it’s kind of like emotional the way that I say, ‘oh, oh my gosh, I remember when I came here, how it was really tough for...

“What’s On Your Ballot?” Workshop

October 29, 2024

On Saturday, October 26th, CWS Senior Community Organizer, Rodrigue Makelele led “A Guide to Voting in Virginia: What’s On Your Ballot?,” workshop about the voting process and importance of being informed on ballot choices. The workshop wrapped up with a visit to a local Early Voting site, celebrating our collective civic engagement! Rodrigue shared, “The importance of this [workshop]...

Alex’s 1st Time Voting

October 29, 2024

“I’m a first-time voter, I’ve been in the U.S. for 5 years and I’ve been granted this opportunity to vote and you know this is one of the responsibilities you get once you become a U.S. citizen, that you get to vote and I was so happy that I’m able to make sure I’m counted in the process.” “When you...

Nargis’ Story

July 19, 2024

“My name is Nargis and I’m 23 years old and I came to the United States on June 7th of 2023. So in Kabul I lived with my family in an apartment…it was really crowded. There was a lot of noise, a lot of people and less security, especially for girls during the nighttime. Like after 6 o’clock, we’re not...

Angelique’s Story

March 5, 2024

Angelique—A Strong Woman Mar 2 2024 Born and raised in Democratic Republic of Congo, Angelique fled DRC for Kenya in 2015. She was not able to study in Kenya. “My biggest dream was to come to the United States, continue my education, and become a doctor.” In early October 2023 Angelique’s brother, also a refugee, was resettled in Harrisonburg and later...