You are invited to a special event!

Join the Welcoming Alliance for Refugee Ministry (WARM) on Friday, May 16th, 2025, for Rooted in Hope, our 2025 Gala Fundraiser Dinner, at The AC Hotel Worcester in Worcester, MA. Experience an evening of delicious food, poetry reading, inspiring stories, and live music. This Gala is a celebration of a reality that our WARM volunteers witness over and over again in the lives of our refugee friends: Hope sustains us. Together, we can help refugees put down roots and flourish in our communities. Help us to reach our goal of $125,000 so that we can continue the kindness of WARM's welcoming work!

We at WARM believe we are all called to love our neighbors, especially the most vulnerable, and to extend a hand of welcome to those fleeing hardship and persecution. The theme of our Gala, “Rooted in Hope” speaks to the idea that, even in the face of adversity, hope has the power to bring transformation and renewal. Refugees come to America seeking not just safety, but a chance to rebuild their lives, to restore dignity, and to live out their God-given potential in a new land of opportunity. In welcoming them, we share in that hope, offering not only material assistance but also the message that they are seen, valued, and loved.

There are over 120 million people in the world today who have been forced out of their homes by violence, disaster, or persecution. These displaced people are hoping for security and stability; looking for help while they wait for an opportunity to build their life in a fruitful place where they can thrive. When refugees arrive in central and western Massachusetts, they begin a period of transition and transformation. They must learn to navigate a new country, in a new language, with new systems for everything from health care to their kids' preschool. They must find work and become financially stable.

WARM exists because there is a clear need in our community that we are called and positioned to meet. Massachusetts is the largest refugee resettlement state in New England and we are known for our welcoming communities. Through the US Resettlement Program, refugees from many nations have been invited to rebuild their lives in our communities.

Who do we serve?

According to international law, a refugee any person who "owing to well-founded fear of being persecuted for reasons of race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group or political opinion, is outside the country of [their] nationality and is unable or, owing to such fear, is unwilling to avail [themself] of the protection of that country." As of June 2024, there were around 43 million forcibly displaced persons who are registered as refugees and are waiting for a place to call home. They are anxious, confused, and in need of friends. What if it were me, or you, or a loved one, alone and needing to start over? At WARM, we strive to live by the Golden Rule, doing to others what we would want done to us. WARM is a force for good, making a difference in the lives of hundreds of refugees, helping them to stabilize and grow.

In 2024, WARM served 1127 refugees from 24 different countries including Afghanistan, Syria, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Haiti, Myanmar, Central African Republic, Sudan, and more. We serve whole family units, as well as specific groups including women, youth, children, and singles. We also reach out by language groups, providing programs for Dari speaking Afghans, Arabic speaking Syrians, and multilingual youth.

How do we welcome refugees together?

The task of meeting a needy population with empathy and care is large, but with the help of the community, we can do it!

Refugees need a lot of support in order to thrive. They need English practice, job training, housing, basic survival skills, mental health care, transportation/driving lessons, and safe places for their kids. Our volunteers work hard to meet as many of these needs as possible so that refugees can flourish!

Whether you are called to serve directly, donate, advocate for refugees, or just want to learn more, there is a place for you at the Gala: Attend, invite others, and enjoy the event! We are also looking for sponsors to partner with WARM to help make this event a success. If you are interested in sponsoring our event, and in gaining exposure for your business or organization, click here to learn about your sponsorship options.

Our work is based on friendship. It is our hope that every refugee arriving in our cities will be warmly welcomed. Whether it is through apartment set ups, trips to the grocery store, driving lessons, one-on-one tutoring, or many other activities, we equip volunteers to be a friend to the refugees in their community. We may never truly understand the impact we can have to transform a life through simple acts of kindness. God cares, and so will we.

“Rooted in Hope” reminds us that our welcome to refugees is not just about providing temporary relief; it is about fostering long-term resilience. Just as a tree grows deep roots that sustain it through storms, so too can refugees become rooted in the hope of a better future built on love. As they build their lives, they will also contribute to the flourishing of our nation, bringing new perspectives, talents, and a shared commitment to justice, peace, and human dignity.

America has long been a beacon of hope for those seeking refuge from violence, war, and oppression. From its beginning, this country was founded on the idea of being a sanctuary—a place where people could find freedom and a fresh start. For refugees, this promise is not just a political or national ideal, but a deeply personal journey. As they leave behind everything familiar, they carry with them not only the scars of their past but also the seeds of hope for a brighter future. Their resilience in the face of unimaginable hardship is a testament to the power of hope, and it is this hope that we are called to nurture as a community.

Special thanks

This event would not be possible without our generous sponsors!

Lastly, we want to say thank you to artist Sarah Dresser for designing our Rooted in Hope graphic. Sarah is a native of Massachusetts currently living and serving among refugees in Clarkston, GA with Proskuneo Ministries.

WARM Gala Fundraiser Dinner and Donations 2025

Support refugees in our cities by joining us for a spectacular evening

Team Members