CWS Rochester

11/03/2025

Food Assistance & SNAP Resources:
• Foodlink offers a comprehensive “Find Food” online resource listing local food pantries, meal programs, and Pop-up Pantries to support those facing food insecurity -- https://foodlinkny.org/find-food/
• SNAP recipients can check eligibility changes through a new screening tool thanks to TogetherNow – SNAP Work Rules Screener
• SNAP recipients should also stay on top of any communications from Monroe County and consult NYS OTDA and Monroe County website (or their local county website) for clarification about how new federal legislation may impact their SNAP eligibility in the coming months.
• A dedicated “SNAP Line” staffed by Foodlink Benefit Navigators is available at
585-413-5091 or via email at [email protected] to assist with questions.

10/22/2025

Take Action: CONTACT YOUR TWO SENATORS AND ONE REPRESENTATIVE: https://cwsglobal.org/action-alerts/take-action-advocate-for-a-refugee-admissions-goal-that-reflects-humanitarian-values-and-responds-to-global-need/

10/21/2025

Multiple outlets have reported that President Trump has drafted and even signed a Presidential Determination (PD) that would set the refugee admissions target for this year at a historic low of 7,500. The reports suggest the vast majority of slots would be reserved for Afrikaners, and additional reporting from late last week indicates the administration may be also planning to resettle far-right European groups who have been "targeted" for their "expression of views online such as opposition to mass migration or support for ‘populist’ political parties.”

The Trump administration is poised to mount a two-pronged attack on refugee resettlement.

10/20/2025

TAKE ACTION: Tell Your State Elected Officials to Stand with Refugees and Other Newcomers in the Wake of SNAP Cuts!

Right now, states across the country are preparing for widespread cuts to basic food assistance as a result of the so-called One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), with more than 22 million individuals and families at risk. Among those directly impacted by the bill’s historic cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) are recently-arrived refugees, asylees, and other humanitarian entrants who rely on the program to feed their families.

TAKE ACTION: Tell Your State Elected Officials to Stand with Refugees and Other Newcomers in the Wake of SNAP Cuts! October 15, 2025 Right now, states across the country are preparing for widespread cuts to basic food assistance as a result of the so-called One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), with m...

10/06/2025

Multiple reports suggest the Trump administration is preparing to set a Presidential Determination of 7,500 refugees for FY2026, which would primarily be accessible to Afrikaners - as opposed to tens of thousands of people the U.S. government has already approved for refugee status, whose travel was interrupted by the suspension of the US Refugee Admissions Program by Executive Order in January 2025.

Planned Refugee Goal Would be a Historic Failure of Humanitarian Principles, Would Prioritize Political Ties Over True Danger  October 4, 2025 Washington, D.C.—Church World Service today expressed its dismay and deep concern in response to multiple reports that the trump administration is planni...

10/02/2025

🚨REFUGEE RESETTLEMENT FOR 2026 IS AT RISK🚨

President Trump defied statutory obligations under U.S. law to consult with Congress ahead of setting FY 2026’s refugee admissions goal. The President has also failed to meet legal and moral obligations to sign a Presidential Determination on refugee admissions, meaning no refugee can be resettled.

Use RCUSA’s Take Action to tell your elected officials to pressure the administration to take immediate action for refugee resettlement.

🔗 https://rcusa.org/take-action-urge-congressional-state-and-local-elected-leaders-to-defend-refugees-and-the-u-s-resettlement-program/

10/01/2025

https://cwsconnect.org/hunger-statement/ CWS has joined with our Covenant Members in lifting up the Ecumenical Statement on Hunger Justice - a call to action that reminds the world that ending hunger is not only possible, but essential to our shared humanity and faith. By adding your name, and by sharing it with your networks, you help amplify the moral voice that is urgently needed in this moment.

08/19/2025

Thank you for your continued support and advocacy. We need everyone to stand up for one another now more than ever. https://cwsrochester.org/donate/

06/11/2025

🗣📣Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) holders and Visa 93 (follow-to-join) beneficiaries who arranged their own travel to the U.S. during the last 90 days, may be eligible to enroll in the R&P program post-arrival.

06/11/2025

On June 10, President Trump deployed a 700-Marine battalion to Los Angeles—despite opposition from state and local officials—in response to ongoing protests sparked by recent ICE worksite raids. Since then, more than 4,000 California National Guard troops have also been mobilized.

The right to speak out, to gather in protest, and to seek justice peacefully is protected by the First Amendment—it is fundamental to who we are as a nation. Sweeping enforcement actions are harming the very communities that are already the most vulnerable and underserved.

We believe in compassion over force and dignity over fear—and continue to stand with those demanding safety, justice, and welcome for all.

Read our Daily State of Play for updates on the latest developments and ways to support impacted communities: https://cwsglobal.org/blog/daily-state-of-play-trumps-indefinite-refugee-ban-and-funding-halt/

06/08/2025

June 8, 2025
Visit us at the Rochester Public Market - it’s Garage Sale day until 1pm!

01/09/2025

Sharing a message from our NYC office. Thank you, Jose, for sharing and bringing awareness to the plight of many people in LA and other across the world