As LSSNCA celebrates the second anniversary of its Resource Center, we honor the volunteers who helped us bring our vision to life and who continue to make it a place of welcome and support. Since opening the Resource Center, we have collected over $1.8 million in in-kind donations which we’ve provided along with essential services to more than 7,000 people. This is only possible because of our dedicated volunteers like Beth Hickey.
A Legacy of Welcome
Beth’s journey with LSSNCA began when the Resource Center first opened. Inspired by a staff member's visit to her church, Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Alexandria, Beth saw volunteering as a perfect opportunity to put her skills to use during her retirement. For Beth, the call to serve was deeply personal — rooted in her own family’s history as refugees.
Beth’s ancestors came from Sicily, Germany, and Ireland, fleeing oppression with little more than hope in their hearts. Her great-grandparents were just teenagers when they arrived in the United States with $10, no English skills, and a single suitcase. They were welcomed by a community that taught them the language, helped them find work, and provided a foundation for future generations.
Reflecting on her family’s journey, Beth shared, “I know the stories about why my ancestors came here. They hightailed out of there with nothing and showed up here with just one suitcase. It’s probably pretty scary to arrive not knowing the language. But they were taken in by strangers who opened their doors to them.”
Today, Beth pays it forward by welcoming others with the same spirit of welcome her ancestors received.
A Place of Dignity and Support
At the Resource Center, Beth has found meaningful ways to create a welcoming environment for refugees and immigrants. She uses her background as a teacher to make the space more engaging for children, transforming the toy and book area into a Montessori-style setup that caters to various stages of child development.
“I love picking up books for the children and putting them in their boxes,” Beth said. “I hope that sends a little message that there’s always a friend here to support you, and you can always come back to the Resource Center.”
Beth also takes joy in small moments, like helping children color or read books. These interactions remind her of the determination and joy that families bring with them, even in the face of uncertainty.
The Future of Welcome
As Beth looks to the future, she is unwavering in her commitment to standing with refugees and immigrants, even amid challenging political rhetoric. “I’m ready to accommodate refugees and immigrants whether that is by opening our church or opening my house. Sending a clear message that we are a united front in protecting individuals who are here to find safety and a home.”
Beth firmly believes that welcoming displaced individuals isn’t just an act of kindness, it’s a powerful investment in the future. “I want to pave the way forward for them so they can get a foothold here. When they are settled, their children will be settled, and they’ll be in a good position to pay it forward for those in their community”
The Importance of Being the Face of Welcome
Volunteers like Beth are at the heart of LSSNCA’s work, ensuring that every individual who walks through the Resource Center feels seen, valued, and supported. Through small yet impactful actions—like organizing toys, offering a listening ear, or simply sharing a smile—Beth exemplifies what it means to be the face of welcome.
Become the Face of Welcome
Whether it’s volunteering or donating, there are countless ways to be the face of welcome in your community.
As we look ahead to 2025, we know we have more needs to meet. We need your support to sustain the Resource Center's meaningful impact. Your contribution helps provide essential resources and services to families and individuals in need, fostering a more inclusive and welcoming community.
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The Resource Center serves as a unique community hub, bringing together program participants and community members. It hosts educational courses, professional development and networking opportunities, legal clinics, wellness workshops, celebrations, and cultural events. Program participants also experience dignity and choice when selecting essential items like nonperishable food, clothing, bedding, and personal and infant hygiene products.
