Year in Review 2023: Creating more welcoming communities

In 2023, we met individuals from communities across the United States who are creating more welcoming and inclusive communities for refugees. From teachers to marathon runners to resettled refugees themselves, all are doing their part to create safer and more welcoming spaces for displaced people. 

Join us in reflecting on some of the inspiring individuals we met in 2023, and thank you for doing your part to make the United States a safe and welcoming place for refugees.  

Nataliya Zalevska & Yulia Rybinska: Yulia and her family were forced to flee Ukraine when the war started in 2022. When they arrived in the United States, they met Nataliya — a volunteer at a local Washington, D.C. church who was passionate about helping Ukrainian refugees. Nataliya helped Yulia and her family adjust to life in the United States and access the resources they needed to rebuild. 

Methusella Rwabose: Methusella was USA for UNHCR’s 2023 Featured Storyteller for World Refugee Day. Methusella is a resettled refugee from the Democratic Republic of the Congo who now lives in Denver, Colorado. He attended the University of Denver where he studiedPolitical Science, served in student government and was president of the school’s club soccer team. He is also the co-founder of Colectivo de Paz, a non-profit organization that serves marginalized communities in downtown Denver. 

Jen Sanchez: Jen is an animator and Art Director at Planet Nutshell, a creative studio in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Jen was born and raised in Boston, but her family is originally from Colombia. Growing up, her parents opened a bakery in their community which served as a hub for refugees and migrants from Latin America. Inspired by her parents’ generosity and compassion, Jen became an animator to help tell the stories of displaced people. Her recent film, Azúcar, is inspired by the stories of refugees who were forced to flee Honduras. 

Global Village Project: Global Village Project is a middle school in Georgia dedicated to supporting adolescent refugee girls. The school uses trauma-informed teaching to help girls adjust to life in the United States and prepare for the next step in their educational journey. Elizabeth Elango, CEO and Head of School at Global Village Project, dedicates herself to making the school a joyful place for girls, so they can feel safe and welcome in their environment. 

Mark Rubakh: Mark ran the 2023 New York City Marathon in support of USA for UNHCR. Mark’s parents are refugees from Russia, and he was inspired by their journey. By running marathons, Mark hopes he can help raise funds and awareness for the struggles of displaced people worldwide. 

Halima Hamud: Halima is a resettled refugee from Somalia who is now a graduate student at the University of Minnesota. Growing up, Halima felt that she had to hide parts of herself to fit in with her American peers. Over time, and with the support of her community, she realized that her identity is what made her powerful and unique. In her career, Halima hopes to empower other refugee women to embrace what makes them unique and strive for futures that they’re passionate about. 

How you can help… 

In 2023, we saw how communities across the United States played a vital role in welcoming resettled refugees. But, that is just one part of a refugee’s journey. By becoming a monthly donor, you can help support refugees from the moment they are forced to flee until they can once again find a place to call home.