Refugee Resettlement
UPDATE 3/30/26 - Mentors needed!
Calling for WACC members and friends to assist refugee families that have resettled in Charleston. These refugees, carefully vetted by the U.S. government, are from countries as diverse as Afghanistan, the Congo, Senegal, Guatemala, Nicaragua, and Venezuela.
WACC members have generously helped these families resettled in the Charleston area with financial support (e.g., a GoFundMe campaign) since 2021.
While the families are working hard to become completely self-sufficient, certain needs remain, according to Lutheran Services, the refugee resettlement agency in Charleston:
If you are interested in becoming a mentor, please contact Eike Gundersen at [email protected], and indicate whether you would like to help an adult or a child. Lutheran Services will provide an introduction, conduct a brief background check, and match you with a local refugee family.
The World Affairs Council of Charleston is proud to support the resettlement of refugees from international crisis areas to Charleston. Working in partnership with Lutheran Services Carolinas and other volunteer groups, some of our members have assisted in the resettlement of two Afghan families, as well as individuals and families from West Africa (Cameroon, the Congo, and Senegal).
Our members have contributed their time, expertise, and goods to help these refugees set up their new lives and households here. Our assistance has included serving as translators, until they become self-sufficient in English, and transportation to appointments and jobs, until they can obtain a driver's license and a vehicle of their own.
UPDATE 5/20/25: The WACC adopted two Afghan refugee families in 2023. The fathers worked as security guards for the American Embassy in Kabul, and the families were able to get out in the withdrawal of American troops from Afghanistan. Fortunately, they are not affected by the recent changes in Immigration Law; they have valid Green Cards and are covered by a Special Immigrant Visa (SIV). The families are doing well. The adults are fully employed, and the children--enrolled in local schools--are fluent in English and excellent students. The families are grateful for the assistance given by WACC members.
