Exodus World Service

Volunteer Lars hosted a men’s group (nine refugees from five countries!) at his home for their first BBQ of the season. For Alex, a refugee from Ukraine, the evening meant something deeper. “In Ukraine, we used to have gatherings like this, where all the cares of the world would go away,” he shared. “That night brought me back—I felt free.”

Gina, a refugee from Syria and student at UIC, became the first recipient of the Hope Scholarship at our Celebration of Hope benefit. Created by members of Uptown Baptist Church, the annual award provides support to a refugee student pursuing a college education. As the Exodus team reviewed applications, Gina’s commitment to her dream of becoming a doctor stood out as truly inspiring. Congratulations, Gina!

At the Celebration of Hope, guests shared words of encouragement as part of a community art project for Heidi’s House Chicago. Their messages, mounted on the letters spelling “HOPE,” now serve as a source of inspiration for refugees and volunteers alike.

Thiri, a refugee from Burma, was thrilled to run into volunteer Carrie at the grocery store. Friends from Heidi’s House Wheaton, these neighbors are happy when their paths cross outside their English conversation group.