World Relief of Western Washington Seeks Community Partners

by Michael Cade, Executive Director, Thurston Economic Development Council

Thurston County is thriving! We’ve topped national economic reports, showing our region is vibrant and robust. This success is all thanks to our teamwork and our economy’s resilience. But we’re not stopping here. The Thurston EDC is always working hard to make our economy even better and more inclusive. We’re finding new ways to support our businesses and keep growing together.

A while back, we chatted with World Relief. It is their mission to assist and help refugees and immigrants in western Washington. Their goal? To ensure every newcomer feels welcomed, connected, and empowered by our community. They offer various support. They help some individuals facing language and cultural barriers. They help others find health care, education, and jobs.

At World Relief Western Washington, they champion empowerment, diversity, integrity, and the building of solid relationships. They are here for everyone, irrespective of color, gender, or beliefs. Our shared goal is to be a nurturing hub that offers practical help and fosters welcoming communities. This inclusive mission is what connects us all, and it’s what makes our work so inspiring and impactful.

In my talk with Medard Ngueita, Executive Director of World Relief, we discussed how the EDC can help. He stressed understanding the needs of newcomers and helping them find jobs and opportunities. We discussed that the individuals and families joining our community come with various skills, training, and education. Some were entrepreneurs who wanted to support and build up the country and their community. Medard added, “Our communities are stronger when we create a space of welcome and belonging.”

He pointed me to a study done by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, The Fiscal Impact of Refugees and Asylees at The Federal, State and Local Levels From 2005 to 2019, which shows that refugees and asylees had about $124 Million of positive fiscal impact on the U.S. economy from 2005 to 2019.

I am glad to have had the opportunity to meet Medard and am honored that World Relief chose Thurston County as one of its operational centers. Community leader Parfait Bassale added and summed up this effort: “It has been inspiring to meet many new neighbors and to learn about the wide range of skills they bring to our community. We are better off because of them.”