Meet two of Global Refuge’s monthly sustainers, Walter and Jean!
In a time when many refugees and other immigrants are facing uncertainty, Global Refuge Sustainers provide something precious: consistent hope. Monthly recurring gifts help both Sustainers and Global Refuge look forward with confidence while continuing to make a life-changing impact together.
Walter and Jean exemplify this commitment. As Walter, a retired ELCA pastor whose parents immigrated from Germany, explains: “What drew us to support Global Refuge is the current climate in our country—immigrants and refugees are too often made to feel unwelcome. Global Refuge actively works against that. They provide housing, support, and most importantly, they show up for immigrant families.”
Global Refuge’s long history of welcoming newcomers and serving their needs was another reason why the couple chose to support the organization as a monthly Sustainer.
“When we see anything in the news that impacts refugees and immigrants, we know Global Refuge is already handling it,” Walter says. “It’s like Global Refuge anticipates the needs before they become clear and apparent.”
Jean is not new to refugee resettlement, either. She recalls hosting a refugee family from Serbia many years ago. While the family lived with her during their initial months in the U.S., she helped them get on their feet and find a home to call their own. Now, she says, one member of that family teaches music in her community and offers free piano lessons to seniors and children. Jean says she’s proud to see a family she once helped pay it forward to help others in need.
“I said to them, ‘You’ve been blessed—now find a way to bless others.’”
Our community of monthly Sustainers provides consistent, reliable support that families can count on. These automatis monthly gifts help ensure Global Refuge can respond to urgent needs as they arise and maintain long-term programs that empower immigrants and refugees.
“We are proud to be monthly Sustainers,” Jean shares. “Giving monthly is a commitment to standing by the mission. When it’s part of your budget, it becomes part of your life.”