Resettling in a new country is daunting and without support from resettlement agencies, like Lutheran Social Services of the National Capital Area (LSSNCA), the transition can be even more difficult. Imagine all you must learn to navigate a new country, its culture, educational and financial system. Lord, a longtime LSSNCA volunteer, faced these struggles firsthand when he arrived as a refugee with his family at the age of 14. Today, Lord channels his experience into helping newly arrived families through LSSNCA’s Resource Center, ensuring that others do not have to face the same obstacles alone. We hope you enjoy his story.
When my family and I moved to the United States, I was just 14 years old. We left Ghana in search of safety and opportunities, but we had no idea how difficult resettling would be. We had to find jobs to pay our bills while also trying to navigate school. At 16, I started working, and I’ve been working ever since—moving from retail jobs to flipping burgers, and now proudly serving as a firefighter in Alexandria.
Our resettlement journey was long and challenging, mainly because we lacked the necessary support. We didn’t have guidance on essential aspects of life in the U.S., like building credit or understanding how financial systems work. Our priority was simply survival—making sure we had food on the table and clothes to wear. Without access to the right information, we had to learn the hard way, through struggle and pain.
The Impact of Support
Looking back, I often wonder how different things would have been if we had access to organizations like LSSNCA. Having financial literacy and credit-building resources would have helped us make better decisions. Instead of shouldering financial burdens as a teenager, I could have focused more on my education and future. Unfortunately, many first-generation immigrants still face these same challenges today, working to support their families instead of preparing for college and career opportunities.
As a firefighter, I often encounter immigrant families who are just starting their resettlement journeys. I see them facing the same struggles I did, and it’s heartbreaking. That’s why I’m incredibly grateful for organizations like LSSNCA, which are making a real difference in the lives of newcomers.
Finding My Purpose Through Volunteering
I started volunteering with LSSNCA in late 2021 after meeting a staff member. Since then, I’ve dedicated much of my time to supporting their work, continuing my lifelong commitment to volunteering, which has also included working at animal shelters and assisting with transportation for those in need.
Growing up, my family had some relatives in Maryland, but we didn’t have the informational support necessary to integrate into American life. Simple things like setting up a bank account, navigating the education system, or understanding U.S. financial structures were foreign to us. Without guidance, we had to figure it out on our own, which made everything harder. LSSNCA fills this critical gap by providing newcomers with the resources they need to get started instead of leaving them to navigate an unfamiliar system alone.
My Volunteer Journey with LSSNCA
My volunteer work with LSSNCA began with small but impactful tasks—stocking shelves with food and helping with coat drives. When the Resource Center opened, I helped build shelves and racks, set up spaces, and restock supplies. I’ve been involved since the beginning, and I’ve witnessed its transformation from a small space in a church to a large, thriving center that serves countless families.
One of the most rewarding parts of volunteering has been seeing families evolve from a place of fear and uncertainty to one of comfort and stability. In the early days, we would make deliveries to families who had just arrived, ensuring they had essentials like clothing and household items. Over time, I’ve watched families settle in, become more confident, and truly begin to build their new lives. Seeing their progress fills me with pride and reaffirms the importance of LSSNCA’s work.
The Need for More Support
The demand for these services continues to grow, and LSSNCA staff work tirelessly to meet the needs of the community. However, more volunteers are always needed to help lighten the load and expand the reach of this crucial work.
We are living in a time when immigration has become a polarizing issue, but you don’t have to be political to see the humanity in welcoming and supporting newcomers. I believe the road ahead will be challenging for immigrants and refugees, but that only strengthens my resolve to help. Now, more than ever, we must push back against policies that seek to alienate or demonize those who come here seeking safety and opportunity.
A Message to Our Community
LSSNCA is changing lives. I have personally seen the growth of families who arrive with nothing and, through the support they receive, are able to build fulfilling and successful lives. The funding for these programs is being put to good use, and it is making a real impact. We must never lose sight of that. Let’s continue to open doors, extend hands, and ensure that no one navigates this journey alone.
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At this moment, LSSNCA is facing challenges in continuing the work we do. LSSNCA received a stop work order, abruptly ending critical wraparound support for recently arrived refugees who arrived since October, many of whom are Afghan Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) holders, who risked their lives to support U.S. military and diplomatic missions. Consider donating, volunteering to help us continue our work, and reaching out to your representative as we navigate this unprecedented time.
