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InterFaith Works of Central New York has been dedicated to affirming dignity for almost 50 years. Recently, our refugee work has been significantly impacted by changes in federal policies and funding. These changes have been swift and devastating.
The US Refugee Admissions Program is on pause. This means that no refugees are being admitted to the U.S. This action has devastating implications for tens of thousands of refugee families. It also affects communities nationally and internationally. Locally, these sweeping changes have directly impacted the lives of 71 people who were expecting to reunite in January with local family members already resettled in Syracuse. Their dreams of reunification have now been dashed.
The US Refugee Admissions Program was rebuilt over the last four years, after it was substantially reduced between 2017 and 2020. In 2024, the program flourished, with over 100,000 people coming to the U.S. to start their new lives. In Syracuse alone, we worked alongside our partners at Catholic Charities and RISE to resettle 3,265 people, including a final effort, called “The Push.”
“The Push” took place between November 6, 2024, and January 19, 2025, during which IFW brought 430 people to our community from all over the world! This effort was a proactive measure taken in anticipation of the cuts to refugee admissions and funding that we now see. Our staff worked tirelessly to set up apartments, secure furniture and winter clothing, provide job coaching, help families register and equip kids for school, and aid in meeting their medical needs. “The Push” was truly a community effort, and we are grateful to all the individuals and faith communities that helped, and also to those who provided meals to our staff who were working 16-hour days.
Most recently, the U.S. State Department has attempted to terminate agreements with all 10 national resettlement agencies for the remainder of 2025. Right now, the terminations are being challenged in court. We are hopeful for a positive outcome which will allow the refugee affiliates to continue this important humanitarian work.
Without the reception and placement of refugees, InterFaith Works anticipates a decrease of $4 million in funds for 2025. A portion of funding for this fiscal year has not yet been paid by the government for approved expenses, and we are uncertain if and when we can expect funding.
We have taken measures to secure the agency’s ability to continue uninterrupted services agency-wide, including our services to elders, school-based dialogues, food pantries, and refugees. IFW has decreased operational expenses, cut salaries for agency leadership and laid off 19 of our incredibly talented, multi-lingual staff in the Center for New Americans. Twenty-six staff serving refugees remain to support the many families recently settled who will need our services for the next several years. We are working with area employers to help these dedicated staff members find new positions.
Despite all the necessary operational cuts, we are working diligently to maintain our services. Imagine for a moment, clients who no longer receive job coaching to prepare to enter the workforce. Due to language barriers, important mail might go unread, or lack of transportation could result in missed medical appointments. These New Americans will be strapped to meet their most basic needs like housing, food, and heat. Thousands of people could be severely impacted by the lack of support previously provided through our refugee resettlement program. Our nation, and particularly our community, has welcomed New Americans for decades. They have found and made a home here. They have thrived – gaining employment, purchasing homes, opening businesses, and adding to the cultural vitality of our area.
We remain strong as an agency, but the uncertainty surrounding the refugee resettlement program may continue well into the future. What we know for sure is that InterFaith Works of CNY will not close. It would be an unacceptable loss to Central New York and to the thousands of people we serve through our many programs. We have survived past challenges and have come out stronger. And we will do so again.
With 1,500 new clients who arrived in the last 18 months, and several hundred more who have arrived in the last 2 years – all of whom continue to need services and the support of our agency - we must find a way to maintain and provide this support. We are turning to you for help as we navigate these challenging times. Many of you have already sent generous contributions that have made it possible for us to move forward. You have raised our spirits and our abilities to continue our work. For this we are deeply appreciative. Together we will continue offering programs and services to all our clients. We know that many more of you want to help.
We are asking you, our faithful partners, to do so in any of the following ways:
First, be an Advocate:
- Use your voice. Raise awareness about InterFaith Works and the services and programs we offer.
- Educate others about refugee resettlement and the benefits to our community.
- Reach out to your local and state elected representatives to ask for their support in refugee resettlement and integration initiatives.
- Share content from our website and social media to your social media.
Second, Volunteer:
- Assist us with building backpacks for our school-age kids.
- Provide transportation for clients to and from important appointments or interviews.
- Review resumes of our clients and conduct mock interviews to prepare them for the workforce.
- As an employer, consider hiring one of our clients.
Third, Give:
- Financial contributions are needed while we navigate these extraordinary times.
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Contributions can be made directly from the home page of our website at www.interfaithworkscny.org. We welcome any level of support from individuals, businesses, and community groups.
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To learn more about our immediate needs, larger funding priorities, our organizational strength and sustainability, or the impact of your contribution, please contact Rev. Dr. Cynthia Mapstone, Director of Philanthropy, to set up a personal meeting at 315-449-3552 ext. 220 or cmapstone@ifwcny.org.
Together, we will persevere. We will find ways to move through challenges, strengthen our impact, and maintain the important and life-changing work that InterFaith Works is known for. Thank you for supporting our mission to affirm the dignity of all people.
With Sincerest Thanks,
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