Welcome to Lutheran Social Services of the National Capital Area's (LSSNCA) newsroom. LSSNCA, a human services and immigration relief and refugee welcome agency throughout Maryland, Virginia, and the Washington D.C. metro area serves those on their immigration journey. Read how we're working together to amplify voices of refugees and asylum-seekers, create loving and responsible foster homes for unaccompanied children and refugee minors, advocate for new neighbors, and work torward creating a more just, welcoming, and thriving community.
For press inquiries, please email media@lssnca.org.
As the nation transitions, LSSNCA stands ready to work with the new administration to uphold America’s promise as a beacon of hope for those seeking safety and opportunity.
Lutheran Social Services National Capital Area (LSSNCA) submitted this statement for the record to the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee Hearing, “Remain in Mexico,” on January 16, 2025.
Lutheran Social Services of the National Capital Area (LSSNCA) applauds the Department of Homeland Security’s announcement to redesignate Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for El Salvador, Sudan, Ukraine, and Venezuela for an additional 18 months.
Lutheran Social Services of the National Capital Area (LSSNCA) mourns the death of U.S. President Jimmy Carter, who lived a life of faith and service.
This month's blog highlights Bill Penoyar, a dedicated volunteer with Lutheran Social Services of the National Capital Area (LSSNCA), who helps program participants secure jobs in the United States. His story demonstrates how friendships and practical support can change lives and foster thriving communities.
This giving season, we’re highlighting volunteers like Rafael, whose commitment transforms lives and communities. We invite you to join LSSNCA in creating opportunities for forcibly displaced persons. Whether through volunteering, donating, or spreading awareness, help us ensure ongoing support and services for new neighbors.
As the Trump administration prepares to take office, LSSNCA looks forward to collaborating with the new leadership to honor the nation's tradition of welcoming those fleeing persecution.
The 2024 election outcome could shape the future of U.S. policies on refugee resettlement, asylum protections, and pathways to permanent residency for Afghan allies. Regardless of what happens, Lutheran Social Services of the National Capital Area (LSSNCA) is committed to helping those seeking safety and a fresh start. Stories like Hamed’s, Patricia’s and Rahat’s show the urgency of our mission and the importance of your support during this crucial time.
Lutheran Social Services of the National Capital Area (LSSNCA) celebrates the recent ruling by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, which reaffirms the right of individuals to seek asylum at the U.S.-Mexico border.
Brittany Livingston, LSSNCA’s director, foster care services D.C. shares her journey and insights into working with unaccompanied refugee children, highlighting the impact of our work - work you recently supported through our 50 for 50 campaign where we raised nearly $40,000, including a matching grant from our board of directors.
Lutheran Social Services of the National Capital Area (LSSNCA) is honored to announce several key updates to its Board of Directors, including the appointment of Larry Bartlett, who directed the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP) for the U.S. Department of State for more than 15 years, and the appointment of Marie Martinez Israelite to Board Chair.
LSSNCA applauds the Biden administration's announcement yesterday that the U.S. refugee admissions ceiling will remain at 125,000 refugees in Fiscal Year 2025. This announcement follows the achievement of 100,000 refugee admissions in FY24, signaling that the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP) has been successful in rebuilding following the decimation of the program during the Trump administration. LSSNCA has been on the front lines of this effort, offering safety and a warm welcome to 1,808 refugee families seeking a fresh start in the D.C. metro area during Fiscal Year 2024.
LSSNCA condemns the Biden administration’s gross expansion of restrictions to accessing asylum - effectively closing our doors to people seeking humanitarian protection at the U.S. Mexico border if encounters are above a daily average of 1,500 - released in today’s joint Department of Justice (DOJ) and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) final rule.
“The restrictions outlined in today’s final rule undermine the legal and human right to seek asylum,” said Kristyn Peck, LSSNCA CEO. “By lauding the success of early implementation of the order in cutting border encounters, the administration is effectively dismissing its moral and legal responsibility to provide a safe haven for those fleeing life or death situations. The asylum system is in need of reform, but the answers are not to deny the dignity and right of individuals to seek safety at our doorstep,” she said.
Read our full statement.
Jason, a dedicated LSSNCA foster parent in Baltimore, has been providing transitional care since 2023. He shares his experience with us, highlighting the significant impact that dedicated foster parents can have on restoring childhood for unaccompanied children who endure adversity.
This September, we’re marking a significant milestone for Lutheran Social Services of the National Capital Area (LSSNCA) as we celebrate 50 years of providing care for unaccompanied refugee minors (URM). This month, we’re sharing the story of Susan, a dedicated foster parent in Maryland. We talked with her about what inspired her to become a foster parent and how the experience has been so far.
