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.

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.

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.

Marjila graduated in journalism and communication from the University of Kabul. She worked as a journalist and served as a project manager for an NGO in Kabul while also establishing her own nonprofit focused on helping homeless children. On August 15, 2021, she woke up thinking she would head to the permit office to pick up the permit for her NGO and start operations. But the situation changed drastically when she learned that the Taliban had taken control of Kabul.

On June 29, 2024, Ukrainian families, brought together by language, faith, and culture, gathered to connect and share experiences in Colombia, Maryland. This special occasion, organized by Lutheran Social Services of the National Capital Area’s (LSSNCA) Ukrainian Supplemental Assistance Program (USAP) and the Ukrainian Refugee Student Program (URSP), coincided with Ukrainian Constitution Day, a momentous […]

Abdul’s life began in a vibrant yet troubled Afghanistan. Born and raised amidst cultural richness and persistent conflict, his childhood was a blend of joyous family moments and the sobering realities of war. “It was a mix of happy times with family and the serious realities of conflict,” he recalls. “Despite the challenges, my family […]

At Lutheran Social Services of the National Capital Area (LSSNCA), we're humbled to work with LGBTQIA+ asylum-seekers who have been compelled to flee their countries of origin due to relentless discrimination, threats, and even prosecution. The trauma inflicted for merely existing outside the confines of heteronormativity is profound. From familial rejection to extortion by gang members, to death threats and intimidation from community figures, the challenges are immense.

COO Dr. Mamadou Sy has served at Lutheran Social Services of the National Capital Area (LSSNCA) for 20 years. He shares his reflection with us.

As I pause to reflect on two decades with LSSNCA, and at some point, at the helm of its refugee program (children and adults), I’m filled with a profound sense of gratitude, humility, and awe. The journey has been marked by challenges, heartbreaks, triumphs, and joys, but above all, it has been defined by the resilience and courage of the human spirit. 

Allison and Mandy are just two examples of the incredible foster mothers who provide a safe haven for URM youth. Their stories remind us that motherhood comes in many forms, and that love, and compassion is enough to create a family.

As Mental Health Month unfolds, it serves as a poignant reminder of the profound mental health toll endured by individuals seeking asylum. At Lutheran Social Services of the National Capital Area (LSSNCA), we witness firsthand the resilience and courage of program participants as they navigate the challenges of building a new life in the United States. Through our CARE (Counseling, Access, Referrals, and Education) for Newcomers program, we are committed to providing essential mental health services to support asylum-seekers and others seeking humanitarian protection in the United States.

Volunteers of Lutheran Social Services of the National Capital Area (LSSNCA) have played a pivotal role in addressing the needs of program participants with dedication and humility. This month's blog is a heartfelt tribute to the incredible volunteers who embody the essence of service and solidarity, elevating LSSNCA's mission with unwavering passion and dedication. 

As the sun dipped below the horizon, a group of determined Ukrainian women gathered in the Frederick office for a late-night Cultural Orientation session. It was a special occasion, on the eve of International Women’s Day, and despite the challenges of traffic delaying the start until 6 p.m., the atmosphere was charged with excitement and […]

For Social Work Month, we had the privilege of speaking with several dedicated LSSNCA social workers who work with Unaccompanied Refugee Minors (URM) foster care program in our Children, Youth, and Family Services (CYF) department. We also took a moment to sit down with our CEO, Kristyn Peck, a social worker, to learn how this experience continues to impact her everyday work.  

As a recent Black migrant from Ethiopia in the United States, I find myself continually humbled and grateful for the Black Americans who paved the way for me to pursue freedom in this country. It’s easy to think that the times when I would have been barred from sitting in certain places or using public […]