Merilee Moser (center) has been a volunteer for nearly 30 years. One of her friends from the refugee community, Hayfaa (right), became a citizen last year. The two are pictured here at the Citizenship Ceremony with Hayfaa's caregiver.
In 2014, Igor and his wife Iryna opened their own coffee shop in Ukraine. Shortly after, escalating violence in the region and the Russian annexation of Crimea forced the Anisimovs to close their shop and flee their home. After witnessing tragic loss and destruction, Igor and his family made the decision to file for refugee status.
In September 2015, they arrived in the U.S., and right from the start, Igor had his sights set on coffee. By 2017, Igor was running his own shop on the corner of Monroe and College Ave. Igor and his family recently became U.S. citizens, and a few weeks ago completed renovations at the shop.
World Relief is the only resettlement agency in Spokane. Since the early 90s, World Relief Spokane has resettled more than 10,000 refugees in the Inland Northwest. Our services have expanded to include other types of immigrants in vulnerable situations. We believe refugees and other immigrants are vital to the flourishing of our country and community. The Biblical calling to love and serve the most vulnerable is what drives our work to support them.
Together, we can empower refugees and other immigrants to find hope, rebuild their lives and create welcoming communities we all feel proud to be a part of.
