Cole Varga is the Director for Exodus Refugee Immigration. His mission? To help refugees begin new lives in central Indiana.

“Not only should we be doing this for the betterment of our community, making it more diverse, making it more vibrant,” Varga said, “but for the betterment of global humanity. Welcoming people is embedded in our values as the Hoosier state.”

Exodus is an Indianapolis-based nonprofit refugee resettlement agency, one of approximately 300 in the country. Varga, who graduated from Indiana University with a degree in psychology and criminal justice, began his time at Exodus working with two families who’d just come to the agency.

“They had experienced unimaginable horror and loss and yet they pressed on, always supporting each other as they began their new lives here in America. Hearing their stories and helping them through their struggles is what solidified my passion for this work,” Varga said.

More than half of the refugees that the agency serves are children, each of whom have made their way to the United States to avoid violence, abuse, and exploitation. The recent 2017 travel ban, and decreased funding for refugee aid, has placed Exodus in a precarious position. However, with Varga leading the way, Exodus is continuing to do its meaningful work.