Art tells stories, food brings people together, and community creates belonging.
These ideas came to life as Lutheran Social Services of the National Capital Area (LSSNCA), ArtLords, and Imanistan gathered with more than 60 community members at John Calvin Presbyterian Church in Virginia to celebrate partnership, community support, and shared purpose through art, culture, and storytelling. The gathering also marked the conclusion of LSSNCA’s fiscal year-end fundraising campaign that launched on Sept. 3, which raised nearly $90,000 in support of its mission. Thank you to all who contributed!
A Work of Art, A Celebration of Generosity
One of the evening's highlights was the unveiling of a special artwork created by ArtLords. Inspired by stories of displacement and shared commitment to building welcoming communities, the piece symbolizes the hope, belonging, and new beginnings made possible through collective support. The artwork was presented as a gift to Good Shepherd Lutheran, Alexandria VA in recognition of their generosity and continued commitment to LSSNCA's mission.
The reveal was a fitting conclusion to a campaign that demonstrated how art can inspire meaningful action and how generosity can help create opportunities for those rebuilding their lives.
Beyond the fundraising milestone, the evening offered something equally important: an opportunity to come together, connect, and find hope in community.
As one attendee reflected,
"At a time when so much feels hopeless, being here reminds me that there are still people who care and want to make a difference. It's encouraging to come together, connect with our community, and be part of something positive."
Finding Connection Through Food, Art, and Shared Stories
The evening featured a panel discussion with LSSNCA CEO Kristyn Peck, ArtLords President and Co-Founder Omaid Sharifi, and Dr. Iman Ahmad-Sediqe, founder of Imanistan and a contestant on Season 16 of MasterChef.
Through personal stories and reflections, the speakers explored how food and art can preserve cultural heritage, challenge misconceptions, and build connections across communities.
For Iman, whose family fled Afghanistan, food has become a powerful way to introduce people to the richness of Afghan culture and the shared humanity that connects us.
"A lot of people fear what they don't know. And they fear what they've never been introduced to," Iman shared.
She described how sharing Afghan recipes and culinary traditions has opened doors to conversations that might otherwise never happen.
"Food is such an easily accessible way to break down that wall," she said.
Her message resonated throughout the evening as guests enjoyed Afghan cuisine and experienced firsthand how gathering around a shared table can foster curiosity, understanding, and connection.
The Power of Community to Make a Difference
Omaid reflected on the challenges displaced artists and refugees face when rebuilding their lives in the United States, from language barriers and financial pressures to the difficulty of finding spaces where they can continue their creative work.
He emphasized that communities have an important role to play in helping newcomers find stability and belonging.
"If everybody does their part, small bits, doesn't matter, it doesn't have to be grand, it really makes a huge difference, a meaningful difference to refugee's life," Omaid said.
He shared examples of neighbors and communities providing housing essentials, transportation, creative spaces, and other forms of support to newly arrived refugee artists.
His message was clear. Welcome does not always require a grand gesture. Sometimes, it begins with opening a door, sharing a meal, offering a ride, or simply showing up.
The conversation also explored the importance of engaging young people and creating opportunities for the next generation to use art, storytelling, and community action as tools for positive change.
As the evening concluded, the event stood as a reminder of what is possible when people come together around a shared purpose.
We ended this fiscal year on a high note, which set a hopeful tone for the year ahead, and we are deeply grateful to Omaid, Dr. Iman, John Calvin Presbyterian Church, our donors, and everyone who joined us to make it possible.
At a time when refugees and immigrants face growing uncertainty and challenges, this community's generosity sends a powerful message: They are not alone.
Support LSSNCA's work and help our neighbors build lives rooted in safety, dignity, and belonging.
