March 23 - A Weekly Check-In Amidst Crisis
A FULL WEEK OF DEDICATION
Every day our staff works tirelessly to support our youth and families. But last week, amid our first week in this national emergency, our staff went beyond .

It is at times like this that we reflect on our mission and our story: To meet the ever-changing needs of today, we deliver upon our commitments, and by rolling up our sleeves we exceed common expectations, we make certain that our clients achieve their goals, meet responsibilities, and never have to compromise on their ambitions.

Last week, we saw our mission and our story come alive in the work of our staff. We witnessed...

  • Staff who came to the office to be sure our clients were served, checks were written, facilities were safe.
  • Staff who packed up and moved our Hyattsville, Maryland office to our D.C. headquarters, and within hours looked as if there had not been any change or disruption. Business was as usual.
  • Staff who volunteered to turn in their LSSNCA technology and use their own so that those who needed technology for teleworking were enabled.
  • Staff who stayed home so as not to potentially expose others.  
  • Staff who helped pitch in beyond their job description.  
  • Staff who are brainstorming to find ways to support our refugees and youth beyond our contracts to help with education, nourishment and social connection.

WE ARE LSSNCA and WE'VE GOT THIS!
WEATHERING THE STORM TOGETHER
Despite some challenges presented in the last couple of weeks, LSSNCA is still operating in all program areas. We are working with our funding partners and agencies to deliver services that are compliant while remaining safe for our clients and staff.

Last week, the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) and International Organization for Migration (IOM) announced a temporary halt in the travel of refugees for resettlement. However, this halt does not apply to Afghan Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) holders, who make up the majority of our clients. These families are still arriving and can apply online for enrollment in our resettlement services.

Further, we are working working daily to reach out and assist our families and individuals who might be impacted by COVID-19 in terms of education disruption, unemployment, and health issues (both routine and emergency). Our staff is connecting with our YDW youth and URM foster youth (and parents) to offer support in person and remotely.
HOW TO REMOTELY SUPPORT REFUGEES & IMMIGRANTS
You may be wondering how you can continue to support LSSNCA families and clients, many of whom are newly arrived refugees and immigrants, during the COVID-19 health emergency. Being limited in staff and practicing social distancing as best as we can, we thank you for your continued support and generosity! We would like to offer the following ways you can continue to support and invest in our clients over the next few weeks:

  • Remote mentoring - for those already working as mentors to our youth and families, we encourage you to go remote! Set up calls or videos to check-in with your mentees and continue with tutoring and English language practice;
  • Donate - multiple ways you can help a family and youth stay engaged, learning, and financially secure during this period of time:
  • Laptop so a family and youth can continue education with e-learning tools
  • Rental assistance for a family in need
  • Books, toys, or a TV to keep families engaged and active
  • Furniture for a newly arrived family’s new home
  • Items from our Comprehensive Refugee Home Supply List;
  • Sign up to be a muscle mover to lift and transport furniture to a newly arrived family; 
  • Have a culturally appropriate meal delivered to the home of a newly arrived family;
  • Deliver fresh groceries to a family's home in Maryland or Virginia;
  • Start a Good Neighbor Program fundraiser with your group, family, or faith community to support a newly arrived refugee family;
  • Sign-up for our virtual volunteer orientation Tuesday evening with Shelby Kruczek, kruczeks@lssnca.org;
  • Offer hope and welcome by submitting a video or photo message for our clients and families to Dana Lea, lead@lssnca.org;
  • Donate to our Serve Boldly Scholarships;
  • Provide groceries to a newly arrived refugee family by submitting gift cards to our resettlement offices.
ADVOCATE NOW!
As Congress continues negotiating on a COVID19 Relief Bill, we need your help in advocating on behalf of us and our clients. Your voice matters to your elected representatives and it matters today!

*Follow our updated COVID-19 Response on LSSNCA.org where immigrants and refugees can find multilingual guides, community resources, and contact information. Please also consider making a general donation to LSSNCA for general operating costs during this time of crisis. Thank you!