News and Stories

Sadie’s disability has never stopped her from going to school and pursuing her education. Now, she can also move independently.

Behind each of these stories is the “JRS fabric” that holds them together, the fabric of accompaniment that you make possible. Each of these stories reveals your hands, embraced by God’s, at work in JRS.

Danielle Vella, based in Malta, has worked for JRS for more than 20 years and currently serves as the Director of Reconciliation & Social Cohesion for JRS, where she leads the organization’s efforts to build bridges, create spaces of hospitality and welcome for refugees and host communities, along with JRS teams around the world.

The explosion in Beirut four months ago brought back sad memories of Manar’s past in Syria. As survivors like her tell stories about their experiences, they no longer feel isolated.

After partecipating at the Farmers Field and Business School programme by JRS Nigeria, Sarah has improved her source of livelihood and is able to sustain her family.

“It is the audacity of the impossible that sustained Father Arrupe’s decision to give an immediate response to the complex situation of displaced persons seeking refuge.”

“As you seek to renew and deepen your commitment to serving the varied and complex needs of refugees and other forcibly displaced persons, I pray that all of you will continue to draw encouragement and wisdom from the vision and example of your founder.”

Amaya Valcarcel has been serving as International Advocacy Officer since 2009. She originally joined JRS in 1998 as Policy Coordinator, focusing her work on the Great Lakes region of Africa and South Asia, with regular missions to Rwanda, Burundi, and Sri Lanka.

Mélanie used to sell fruits in the market in her hometown of Bambari, in the Central African Republic. She was trained as a preschool teacher when JRS launched their preschool education project in the area in 2016, and has been working with us since then.