Our Mission

Our vision is to be a society that values and engages with our refugee neighbors and helps them to thrive in our community.

Our Christian Identity

Re:new Project (Re:new) is a faith-based, Christian, nonprofit organization that serves refugee women resettled in and around Dupage County, Illinois. Re:new was founded in 2009 by a team of Christian women, for whom the mission of creating a space for refugee women to thrive represents a tangible way to serve refugees in response to biblical teachings to show God's love to those in need, such as the widow, sojourner, and oppressed (Leviticus 19:33-34 ESV; Deuteronomy 10:18-19; Zechariah 7:9-10). In partnership with local churches, Re:new provides a space for community members to build relationships with refugee women, learn about the challenges refugees encounter in the resettlement process, and live out their faith and love for Jesus Christ by serving refugee women. 

Our Beginning

Re:new Project was founded in 2009 out of one woman’s desire to empower refugee women who she befriended in her neighborhood. After spending years with refugee communities in Africa, Rebecca Sandberg and her family moved back to the United States and settled in the Chicago suburbs. One night, she met a local woman who was a refugee from Somalia, quickly becoming close friends. Through months of time together, Rebecca’s heart was stirred to create a place for two needs of refugee women to be met: a place for safe community where they can earn income for their families. Re:new Project was birthed out of a desire to empower refugee women to gain a viable skill and be, not only in a safe community of women, but a dignified and flexible work environment. Surrounded by friends and the local church, Re:new ministers to refugee women through vocation and friendship. 

Meet Our Team!