Blog

A Place to Begin Again

“Through World Relief, I got a new hope and reassurance that after many years of fear, pain, and anxiety and depression, you can still thrive if you meet loving and caring people.” — John World Relief Upstate SC client

These words capture the heart of what we do at World Relief Upstate SC. They remind us that even in the most difficult seasons, community and compassion can open the door to new possibilities.

Since 2015, our team has been welcoming refugees and immigrants into Greenville, Spartanburg, and surrounding areas, walking alongside families as they rebuild their lives in safety and dignity. We work closely with local schools, teachers, faith communities, and other partners to make sure new neighbors don’t have to navigate these changes alone.

For many families, the first steps in resettlement involve finding safe housing, stable work, and access to healthcare. But thriving in a new country also means learning a new language, adapting to a new school system, and finding a sense of belonging. That’s why our programs are designed to meet needs in a holistic way:

Economic Empowerment – Connecting adults to job opportunities, English language learning, and career training so they can support their families and share their talents with our community.

Healthcare Navigation – Guiding families through the healthcare system, from making appointments to understanding medical paperwork, and providing wellness education to support physical and mental health.

Children & Youth Services – Partnering with schools and teachers to help students adjust, succeed, and dream for the future. This includes:

·         Youth Mentorship – Matching students with caring adult mentors who encourage personal growth and help set future goals.

·         Family & Community Engagement – Building bridges between parents, teachers, and resources so families feel connected and informed.

·         Personalized Education Plans – Creating tailored academic, social, and language goals for each student to ensure progress is intentional and celebrated.

A pastor from DR Congo, John faced persecution for his involvement in human rights activism. In 2009, under the threat of death, he made the difficult decision to flee to Uganda — leaving his family behind. “There was a lot of uncertainty and fear of what was going to happen,” he said. “I had faith and hope in God that one day, he can still give me a new life.”

Slowly, John saw that new life take shape. In 2012, he reunited with his family in Uganda. Then, after 10 long years of praying and patiently waiting, they were approved for resettlement and welcomed to South Carolina by World Relief.

Although John was relieved to find safety here, rebuilding was difficult. Fortunately, he had people to walk with him. World Relief staff and volunteers helped him learn the ins and outs of life in America, eventually paving the way for him to get a job helping other refugees rebuild their lives in this community.

John’s journey is far from over, but he sees hope ahead. He is now a pastor of a local church, and he continues to look for ways to support other refugees even as government support wanes.

To the teachers reading this, you are often among the very first people to welcome our students into daily life in the U.S. Your classroom might be the first place they hear consistent English, the first place they see their cultural background acknowledged, or the first place they feel they truly belong.

When you partner with World Relief, you’re not just helping students succeed academically, you’re helping them find their footing in a new world. Together, we can create classrooms and communities where every student feels seen, supported, and ready to thrive.