Lancaster, September 29, 2025
News Summary
Residents of Lancaster rallied in Penn Square to show support for Church World Service (CWS), which is facing significant challenges due to staffing cuts and a suspension of the refugee resettlement program. The community’s commitment is exemplified by a GoFundMe campaign that raised over $25,000 to assist furloughed staff. CWS, which has helped over 1,000 refugees and immigrants over five years, is adapting its services to meet ongoing needs, including the opening of a food pantry to combat food insecurity.
Lancaster Residents Rally in Support of Church World Service Amid Staffing Cuts and Refugee Program Suspension
County residents gathered in Penn Square, downtown Lancaster, on February 23, 2025, to support Church World Service (CWS). The event highlighted a critical situation facing refugees and immigrants in the area due to recent challenges arising from abrupt policy changes.
During the rally, Valentina Ross, director of CWS Pennsylvania and Lancaster, addressed the plights refugees and immigrants have faced over the past year. The organization has seen significant community support in Lancaster County, which has been instrumental in bridging gaps in funding and staffing necessary to assist vulnerable individuals.
The recent executive orders issued by the new administration in January have indefinitely suspended the refugee resettlement program, effectively halting the resettlement process for thousands of refugees awaiting to reunite with families in the U.S. and for those who already had travel arrangements set in place.
This suspension has had severe repercussions, particularly for refugees with established connections in the U.S., leaving many in a state of uncertainty. Moreover, the Trump administration recently froze payments to resettlement agencies, including payments for services that had already been rendered. Consequently, CWS faced a precarious financial predicament.
Faced with these overwhelming challenges, CWS was compelled to furlough approximately 70% of its national workforce, which led to 110 staff members out of 150 in Lancaster and Harrisburg offices being sent home without pay. While some furloughed employees have since been reinstated, numerous layoffs have become permanent, resulting in a detrimental loss of expertise within the organization.
In reaction to the executive orders, CWS, alongside two other resettlement agencies, filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration in February, contesting the decision to terminate the refugee program. Despite ongoing legal battles, only a limited number of affected refugees have been allowed to resettle in the U.S., leaving thousands in holding patterns.
Advocates are emphasizing the necessity of urgent support for the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program and the rights of individuals affected by the refugee ban, particularly as the September 30 deadline approaches for establishing new refugee admissions targets. Community members are encouraged to reach out to their congressional representatives to advocate for reinstating the refugee resettlement program.
As CWS adapts its programming strategy to better serve existing immigrants and refugees impacted by these changes, it is focusing on programs that address emerging needs. Proposed strategies include deepening integration programs, enhancing legal services, and tackling food insecurity.
Over the past five years, CWS has welcomed more than 1,000 new refugee and immigrant neighbors, aiming to promote financial self-sufficiency and health wellness within these communities. However, the shift in immigration policy has instilled fear of detention and deportation among many vulnerable individuals, prompting CWS to push for enhanced legal assistance.
With a proactive response to food insecurity, CWS also plans to open a food pantry in mid-November to counteract cuts in Medicaid and food assistance for certain refugee populations.
The community’s commitment to supporting CWS illustrates Lancaster County’s long-standing tradition of extending a welcome to the persecuted and vulnerable. A GoFundMe campaign was initiated to support furloughed CWS staff, successfully raising over $25,000 toward a total goal of $35,000.
Furthermore, an annual Concert for Refugees event, organized by local musician Corty Byron, aims to further generate funds for CWS, with ticket sales directly benefiting the organization’s mission. Proceeds from this concert will directly support CWS’s ongoing work to assist and integrate immigrants and refugees throughout Lancaster.
FAQs
What event took place on February 23, 2025, in Lancaster?
County residents gathered in Penn Square, downtown Lancaster, on February 23, 2025, to support Church World Service (CWS).
What challenges are refugees and immigrants facing currently?
Refugees and immigrants are facing a challenging year due to recent policy changes, including an indefinite suspension of the refugee resettlement program.
How has the local community supported CWS?
CWS has significantly benefited from overwhelming support from the Lancaster County community, which helped fill gaps in funding and staffing.
What financial challenges has CWS faced?
The Trump administration froze payments to resettlement agencies, including those for services already provided, putting CWS in a precarious financial situation.
What is the status of the refugee resettlement program?
The refugee resettlement program has been indefinitely suspended, affecting thousands of refugees who had been awaiting resettlement.
What initiatives is CWS currently planning to address community needs?
CWS is adapting its programming strategy to better serve existing immigrants and refugees, including expanding legal services and addressing food insecurity.
Key Features of the Event
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Date of Event | February 23, 2025 |
| Location | Penn Square, Lancaster |
| Focus | Support for Church World Service amidst staffing cuts and refugee program suspension |
| Key Person | Valentina Ross, Director of CWS Pennsylvania and Lancaster |
| Status of Refugee Program | Indefinitely suspended by the new administration |
| Number of Staff Furloughed | Approximately 70% of national workforce at CWS |
| Community Engagement | GoFundMe campaign raised over $25,000 to support staff |
| Upcoming Initiative | CWS to open food pantry in mid-November |
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Additional Resources
- Lancaster Online: Residents Support Refugees
- Local21 News: $25K Raised for Refugee Nonprofit
- Lancaster Farming: Lancaster Stroopies Support
- WGAL: Concert for Refugees
- One United Lancaster: Hub 450 Connections for Refugees
- Wikipedia: Refugee
- Google Search: Lancaster Refugee Support
- Google Scholar: Refugee Resettlement Program
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Refugee
- Google News: Lancaster Refugees
Author: STAFF HERE ROCK HILL
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