Exodus World Service transforms the lives of refugees and volunteers. We educate local churches about refugee ministry, connect volunteers in relationship with refugee families through practical service projects, and equip leaders to speak up on behalf of refugees. The end result is that wounded hearts are healed, loneliness is replaced with companionship, and fear is transformed into hope.

Exodus was founded in 1988 by Dennis Ripley, George Wadsworth, and Heidi Moll Schoedel with the support of a governing board of 12 members.  Ripley's and Wadsworth's first involvement with refugees was as members of an Evanston church group which moved from discussion to action by sponsoring a Laotian family. Within a few years, members of the church sponsored more than 300 refugees from all parts of the world. Heidi Schoedel is the present executive director of Exodus.

Families Chasing Dreams -
                 Fleeing Nightmares

Exodus World Service recruits local volunteers, equips them with information and training, and then links them directly with refugee families newly arrived in the Chicago metropolitan area.

Exodus also provides training and tools for front-line staff of other refugee service agencies. In addition, Exodus has developed several innovative programs for use by volunteers as they minister to refugees. They are as follows:
 

  Volunteers

Would you like to learn more about one of the many volunteer opportunities Exodus has available? Check out the following.