World Relief-Boise, Idaho
World Relief’s mission is to aid the most vulnerable citizens of the world—refugees in the crossfire of their home-country’s conflicts—through the love of Jesus and the support of the local Church.
The organization works in 20 countries, serving more than 2.8 million people each year by mobilizing a network of 78,000 volunteers. One country of operation is the United States, including their Boise office. In 2008 alone, over one thousand refugees and special immigrants resettled in Idaho. These refugees came from 23 different countries and spoke 27 different languages. During the 1990’s and early 2000’s, several thousand refugees have been resettled in Boise, many of them fleeing from the conflicts in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Iraq, and the areas of Asia, Africa and Europe.
The need is great, but the hope and commitment is even greater. The vision behind World Relief includes the local Church, being the example of Jesus’ restoration power and love for the sick, the lost and the poor, which provides the motor in caring for the refugee community in their time of greatest need. Through this vision, Christians are helping to care for families of all races, religions, and ethnic backgrounds. World Relief staff and volunteers are a positive Christian influence in the lives of individuals by providing natural, spiritual and emotional support.
The role of World Relief in the lives of refugees includes immigrant services, job placement, housing assistance, and all of the steps in between. Their efforts go toward education around the world, including HIV/AIDS awareness, disease prevention and parenting classes. Instead of simply providing a handout, World Relief comes along side farmers in other countries and teaches them better farming practices and gives them hope and independence in their own country.