Meeting Urgent Needs with Compassion

In February 2025, due to a government freeze for new refugees, many newly arrived families needed help with food, clothing, and basic necessities.

Our team stepped up to support refugee families who were struggling. Julie Wurdack, a WNSTL Staff member, met families stuck in hotels, and took action - collecting grocery store gift cards so they wouldn’t go hungry. And thanks to the generosity of St. Clement of Rome Catholic Church, some families also received thrift store vouchers to buy essential clothing.

Julie accompanied several refugee women - who had only flip-flops and summer clothes after 10 years in an Ethiopian refugee camp - on a shopping trip for warm clothing. It was a moment of relief and joy. “At the thrift store, I saw them smile for the first time in five days,” Julie shared.