Blog

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...

Dance in the Community

March 1, 2024

After School Dance ProgramMar 1 2024Dance in the Community was more than just a series of steps and movements. It was a platform for refugee and immigrant children to express themselves in a new environment, using the universal language of dance. Every Tuesday from 4 to 5pm in the month of February, the Massanutten Regional Library echoed with sounds of...

Halloween Fun

November 2, 2023

Halloween Fun!Nov 2 2023Halloween Fun! On October 31st, CWS staff member Rebecca Sprague, organized and hosted a Halloween party for our clients. Many of the individuals and families we serve come from cultures where Halloween is not a familiar holiday. This event held a special significance as it played a role in their cultural orientation, introducing them to American traditions...

Erin’s story

August 30, 2023

Erin’s StoryAug 30 2023 Erin is one of CWS’s R&P (Reception and Placement) interns this summer. Although her title also includes the ECAR (Every Campus a Refuge) intern/liaison between JMU and CWS, but most of her work is done at CWS’s office with the case managers. Her interest in the refugee experience was sparked by a class she took at...