Many of you have asked me what we can do to help our neighbors during these chaotic and perilous times. I have been so heartened to hear these expressions of deep care for others. I learned earlier this week that the sudden stop-work order issued by the U.S. State Department means that Community Refugee and Immigration Services (CRIS), a long-time community partner of St. Stephen’s, will be unable to fulfill the commitment they’ve made to 244 new refugees. CRIS provides 90 days of settlement aid, helping people who have lived through wars and atrocities to access schools for their children, health care, housing, and employment. I am deeply grieved that the government is failing to honor its commitment to refugees by withholding funds from CRIS and other resettlement agencies. CRIS sent out an urgent call to the community, asking for help to raise $100,000 in 100 days so that they can continue providing services. I have set up an online giving page for St. Stephen’s so that we can help them to achieve this goal. The link is below. Please give what you can.

Faithfully,

Karl+

If you would like to read more, please visit their website: https://www.crisohio.org