Welcoming Neighbors.
Defending Dignity.
Building Justice.

A Week for Democracy

This past week, coalition members put our commitment to immigrant justice and voting rights into action — twice.

Monday: Moral Monday Public Witness — Coalition members joined clergy and community leaders for Triad Moral Mondays: A Southern Call to Conscience, where Rev. Steve Tate from our Leadership Team was a featured speaker. He spoke to the direct connection between SB-153 and protecting every community's access to the ballot.

Tuesday: March & Board of Elections Meeting — Coalition members joined a march from the Beloved Community Center to the Guilford County Courthouse, then a rally before the Board of Elections meeting. Despite strong public comment, the Board voted 4–1 not to restore early voting sites at N.C. A&T and UNCG. One piece of good news: the Board preserved Sunday early voting — the traditional day for Souls to the Polls. Because the vote was not unanimous, the decision now goes to the N.C. State Board of Elections for final resolution.

Back-to-School Resource Events — Volunteers Needed

Back-to-school is stressful for every family, and more so for people newly arrived. NC African Services Coalition needs volunteers at three events to welcome families, help parents register, guide them to resource tables, hand out school supplies, and help with setup and cleanup.

• Tues., Aug. 4 · 11 a.m.–1 p.m. — Oakwood Forest Community Center, 34 Maple Leaf Lane, Greensboro
• Wed., Aug. 5 · 6–8 p.m. — Reading Connections, 415 N. Edgeworth St., Suite 130, Greensboro
• Sat., Aug. 8 · 8 a.m.–3 p.m. — Southwest Guilford High School, 4364 Barrow Rd., High Point (event 10 a.m.–2 p.m.; free backpacks while supplies last, student must be present)

School supply donations also needed. To volunteer or donate, contact Aaron Hall at Aaron@ascafrica.org or 336-686-2879.

August 8, 2026 · 5:30–8:00 p.m. · First Presbyterian Church, Greensboro

Afghan Dinner — Celebrating Five Years of Welcome

Five years ago, Greensboro opened its doors to Afghan families seeking safety and a fresh start. Since then, volunteers, congregations, sponsors, and neighbors have helped turn moments of uncertainty into stories of resilience and belonging.

Join Church World Service Greensboro for an evening of Afghan cuisine, firsthand stories, and community — celebrating the people who made that journey possible. First Presbyterian Church, Mullin Life Center, 617 N. Elm St., Greensboro. Tickets: $50.

Questions? Contact Oleg Gorianskyi at ogorianskyi@cwsglobal.org or 336-512-0611.

RING Website — One-Stop Site for Immigrant & Refugee Resources

A valuable new resource from the Community Response Advocacy Coalition: RING (Refugee & Immigrant Network of Guilford). Here anyone can find links and connections to the full range of immigrant needs — food, health care, Know Your Rights, employment, legal aid, events, agencies, and more.

This is a "one stop shop" for many of our community resources.

June 30, 2026 · Raleigh, NC

Coalition Joins NC Advocacy Day in Raleigh

Representing our Coalition, Steve joined community leaders from across North Carolina for a statewide advocacy day — sharing lived experiences, engaging legislative offices, and advocating for stronger, more welcoming communities.

At the end of the day, we celebrated a win: a fix was included in the budget to restore Medicaid eligibility for legally eligible immigrants under CHIPRA 214, fixing a problem in HB696 that would have made 27,000 pregnant women and children ineligible as of October 1.

This is a powerful example of what can happen when people come together to lift their voices. Real change is possible!

World Refugee Day, June 2026

Successful World Refugee Day Hygiene Collection

For the second year, our Coalition successfully implemented this program. Ann Morris and her leadership team from Westminster Presbyterian Church collected supplies and packed them into cloth bags handmade by a refugee woman. Their team distributed 300 bags on World Refugee Day.

There was more demand than supply this year — next year we plan to do more promotion to grow this program even further.

Suppressing the Naturalized Citizen Vote

New analysis of USCIS data shows dropping naturalization rates ahead of the midterms.

"From January through March 2025, USCIS scheduled 151 initial interviews for ACRS naturalization clients. During the same period in 2026, USCIS scheduled just two initial interviews — a 99 percent decrease. These changes at USCIS are unprecedented and unwarranted."

March 6, 2026

Church World Service Needs Donations for the Refugee Feeding Network

Due to a bill that passed last July, many refugee neighbors are no longer eligible for SNAP benefits. Church World Service Greensboro is partnering with A Simple Gesture and Out of the Garden Project to provide culturally appropriate foods — and needs your help!

Most-needed items: cooking oil, flour, sugar, jasmine rice, Nido (powdered milk), and black tea. See the full list →

Groceries Give A Helping Hand to Our Immigrant & Refugee Neighbors

Click the wish lists below, purchase items, and have them shipped to FaithAction International, 2211 West Meadowview Rd, Suite 10, Greensboro, NC 27407. Volunteers will bag and deliver to families in need.

• 🛒 Groceries via Walmart
• 🛒 Groceries Wishlist via Amazon
• 🧴 Health, Care & Cleaning Supplies via Amazon

Church World Service Action Alerts

Church World Service works alongside our supporters to make sure Congress and the White House do what's right. Through your calls to action, we make a difference for those who need it most.

February 22, 2026

Sign the "No ICE in NC" Petition

This is a statewide call to action. Every signature strengthens our collective voice. Sign & share widely.

SIGN THE PETITION HERE

May 4, 2026 · First Presbyterian Church, Greensboro

Service of Healing & Hope

Our Coalition hosted an interfaith gathering for immigrant justice — an evening of simple meal, table talk, prayer, music, and Singing Resistance songs. Interfaith clergy and local musicians guided us through grief, fear, and anger toward healing and hope.