News 14 May 2026 New IOM–Church Partnership Support to Expand Jobs and Assistance Across Latin America

Salt Lake City, United States, 14 May 2026 - A new humanitarian partnership announced today will expand support for vulnerable people, including migrants and host communities across Latin America, by increasing access to jobs, skills training and small business opportunities. The initiative is part of growing cooperation between the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

During her recent visit to Church headquarters in Salt Lake City, IOM Director General Amy Pope expressed gratitude to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for its continued humanitarian partnership and commitment to practical solutions that improve people's lives.

The new contribution will help connect migrants to jobs through employment and placement services. It will also support small businesses through training and start-up funding, helping families build more stable futures.

"Strong partnerships create real opportunities for people," said DG Pope. "Together with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we are helping families access jobs, build skills and move toward greater stability and self-reliance."

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is supporting IOM programs throughout Latin America, building on ongoing cooperation to respond to humanitarian needs while strengthening pathways to longer-term stability.

"We're grateful to work with IOM in efforts to maintain the dignity and potential of individuals," said Blaine Maxfield, managing director for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. "This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to move beyond meeting immediate needs by helping people build self-reliance through meaningful work, build sustainable businesses, and create more stable futures for themselves and their families."

In Panama, the partnership has strengthened emergency support for vulnerable migrants, including food assistance, basic health care, essential supplies and safer temporary shelter spaces.

In Ecuador, efforts in Quito are helping children with disabilities and neurodivergent conditions - ‎alongside their families - access improved health services and develop skills that support future self-‎reliance. ‎

The humanitarian efforts of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints seek to relieve suffering, foster self-reliance and provide opportunities for service around the world. According to the Church's Caring for Those in Need: 2025 Report, these efforts included USD 1.58 billion in expenditures, 7.4 million hours of volunteer service, and 3,514 humanitarian projects in 196 countries and territories. Assistance is provided without regard to race, religion or nationality.

Learn more at Caring.ChurchofJesusChrist.org.

For more information, please visit IOM's Media Centre.