The Heart of Welcome
We’re recognizing Welcomers nationwide who are showing an enduring commitment to taking action and making a meaningful difference for newcomers in their communities.
Every day across the country, Welcomers are showing up.
They are more than volunteers—they are friends and neighbors helping newcomers thrive in their new communities through acts of compassion and support.
You've shared the inspiring and impactful stories of Welcomers from 23 states during The Heart of Welcome campaign this fall. From Cel in Wyoming whose faith led her to support Ukrainian newcomers, to Mike in Georgia who found joy in helping others in need, to Sadar in Kentucky who was drawn to help refugees feel accepted and supported because he once was a newcomer in his community—each nomination tells a story of compassion, community, and belonging.
WALL OF WELCOMERS
Because of your example, communities across the country grow stronger—and the spirit of welcome grows with it.
MichaelOregon
Michael brings welcome to life through his love of cultural arts and his support for Oregon’s Ukrainian community, from producing music that preserves heritage to helping newcomers settle in.
JessicaCalifornia
Jessica rallies friends, family, and neighbors to support newcomers—from organizing a clothing closet to reuniting a Syrian refugee with her dog—changing how her community sees refugees.
SteveFlorida
Steve leads by example through interfaith work and steady support, helping St. Evangelical Lutheran Church welcome multiple newcomer families and build a culture of genuine hospitality.
AliceMinnesota
Alice’s warmth and resourcefulness have helped two refugee families build new lives. She’s proud to see them thriving—and already preparing to welcome the next ones.
HeatherNorth Carolina
For Heather, welcoming isn’t a job—it’s her way of life. She’s always ready to set up homes, answer late-night calls, and make sure newcomers are supported.
CoreyArizona
After experiencing deep hospitality in Ukraine, Corey opened his own home to a Ukrainian friend. Even while serving in the Army, he continues to help him thrive.
AnneUtah
Anne brings care and precision to her work at Lifting Hands International, ensuring refugee families in Utah have what they need to feel comfortable and at home.
MattPennsylvania
Matt has turned his city's proud history of welcome into a living movement—from inviting Malala Yousafzai to town to helping launch the city’s first campus-based refugee housing program at Millersville University.
CelWyoming
Guided by faith and a commitment to “kinship,” Cel formed a Welcome Circle, uniting her parish and town to support a Ukrainian family fleeing war.
Ahmadullah
Having experienced the challenges of starting over himself, Ahmadullah now helps immigrants navigate life in a new country—offering guidance, community, and a warm welcome to every newcomer.
FelisaNew Mexico
Drawing on years in Afghanistan and Kazakhstan, Felisa welcomes newcomers with deep cultural understanding—mobilizing her community, church, and friends to help Afghan and Kazakh families feel at home.
MikeGeorgia
As a Welcome Corps sponsor for Haitian newcomers, Mike leads with compassion—always putting others first and finding joy in helping families feel supported, included, and part of his extended community.
RivlyFlorida
Guided by faith and compassion, Rivly helps refugees rebuild their lives through cultural exchange, practical support, and advocacy, creating spaces of dignity, belonging, and shared resilience.
KristenOhio
Driven to make a difference beyond politics, Kristen supports newcomers through volunteerism and sponsorship—building hope, optimism, and community strength one family at a time.
JennaNew Mexico
Jenna joined friends from Cohousing ABQ to sponsor a refugee family, discovering deep friendship and joy in helping them adjust to life in the U.S. and sharing in their kindness.
MemoryGeorgia
Once a newcomer herself, Memory now pays it forward—offering guidance, encouragement, and a helping hand so others can find their footing and thrive in their new community.
MorganTexas
Morgan's tireless efforts as a member of four different sponsor groups has helped to ensure that arriving families have their essential needs met. Her heart of welcome shines bright in her community.
SardarKentucky
After resettling in the U.S. with his family, Sardar took on key roles as volunteer, men's advocate, and leader. His work with CareUSTZ built trust with local Afghan men, who began attending events and helped launch a vibrant cricket team that led to additional support and mentorship opportunities.
BenTexas
Ben created an extensive network of friends, contacts, and support, who raised awareness of the needs of refugees in his community. Under his leadership, multiple welcoming groups have supported newcomer families in the area.
Mary AnnNorth Dakota
As MaryAnn supported Ukrainian newcomers in her community, her personal touches like handmade quilts and backyard picnics provided belonging to families who felt alone while starting a new life.
RobertNew York
Going above and beyond, Robert didn't just welcome Afghan families—he launched a 501c3, recruited neighbors, and lead a multi-faceted effort to support several families with his vast knowledge, commitment, and passion.
MollyColorado
When a friend reached out asking to help colleagues in Afghanistan, Molly didn't hesitate. As a member of the Quaker community in Colorado, she spread the word to her vast network for support.
BetsyMichigan
Welcoming is in Betsy's DNA. From her early days hosting international students to rallying her church community to house refugee families, she is drawn to this work, saying, "we have so much in common with each other."
Hasema
Well known for her work with several local organizations that support newcomers, Hasema shares resources, advocates for families, and helps them navigate the system as they settle into a new community.
Gladys Pennsylvania
Showing extraordinary compassion and service to newcomers, Gladys balanced work and family while she welcomed five Ukrainian and two Afghan families. She approaches each person with empathy and respect, offering help and friendship during profound transition.
MarwahNorth Carolina
Originally from Afghanistan, Marwah is a leader at Refugee Support Services, welcoming dozens of newcomers to the center. She offers practical support and a sense of belonging, helping newcomers feel seen, respected, and safe.
KateVirginia
For over a decade, Kate has ensured Richmond is a place where refugees and immigrants can truly thrive. As Executive Director of ReEstablish Richmond, she leads with empathy, vision, and deep respect for the dignity of every newcomer.
You can make an impact
By connecting with a local organization working to support newcomers, you can join others who are putting welcome into action.
Who is a Welcomer?
A Welcomer supports newcomers through acts like private sponsorship, providing guidance in their new neighborhoods, volunteering with frontline organizations who support newcomers, and celebrating important moments together. Every act of welcome is meaningful.
Welcomers in action
In communities across the country, this is The Heart of Welcome.
