April 14 - A Check-In Amidst Crisis
SPRING INTO ACTION
BECOME AN LSS HERO

We are asking you to invest in us today so that we can continue to serve the DMV today and tomorrow! Your contributions will go to the following critical needs (but not limited to):
  • Emergency rental assistance;
  • Assistance for utility bills;
  • Childcare funding;
  • Temporary grocery assistance;
  • LSSNCA administrative funding and most critical needs.

Every donor will be asked to display our LSS Hero Profile Picture Frame on their Facebook. Help us spread the love!
IMPACTS ON CLIENTS
Our staff has been picking-up the phone and calling clients, partners, and donors for mental and physical health 'check-ins,' as well as, to learn about the impacts COVID-19 is having on them and how we can respond.

From these calls, we've learned about the following impacts on our families:
  • Employment layoffs or reduced hours - particularly in the service, hospitality, and ride-share industries;
  • Difficultly in securing employment for newly arrived clients - as many businesses have closed their doors, laid off their employees, or are overwhelmed by job applications for the few open positions;
  • Reduced incomes increases the need for temporary cash assistance for rent, utilities, and groceries;
  • Feelings of isolation and insecurity, often returning to the "emergency mindset" they left behind in Afghanistan or a refugee camp;
  • Due to limited English proficiency and lack the knowledge of available resources in their communities clients are unable to obtain self-sufficiency and independence; 
  • A reluctance to ask for support or assistance because they do not want to be a burden to their new community.
WE'RE VIRTUAL - ADAPTING YDW
The quick actions of our staff and working with the curriculum designers we developed a remote teaching option that enabled us to continue to conduct our Healthy Relationships curriculum in five health classes across two DC schools, and will restart the program at a third school on April 22. Through the use of various technology platforms, facilitators have found creative ways to use “chat boxes” for games and other interactive activities that would normally take place in the class room. Many students seem to like connecting virtually. In fact, the students who were at times distracted by side conversation are now compelled to share with the group.
In recent lessons, youth are learning interpersonal skills, including: communication, decision-making, assertiveness, and peer refusal skills, improving their ability to create healthy relationships. And most importantly, during this unique time in their lives, students have a chance to connect with their peers and share their thoughts and concerns about the current health crisis.

Before we went “virtual”, as the result of a generous gift from Saint Luke Lutheran Church, we served dinner during these after school sessions which encouraged class attendance. To further incentivize the youth to participate in this “optional” class, we will conduct a drawing to win a gift card to vendors like UberEats and GrubHub.
In related news, thanks to the hard work of our YDW team and the success of our Kids Camp and Be Well Retreat, we have been awarded $13,500 from the George Preston Marshall Foundation to be applied to administering our 2020 Youth Haven Kids Camp! The foundation has been giving to LSSNCA since 2000 and we are grateful for their continued generosity. Congrats and thank you!
IMMEDIATE VOLUNTEER & DONATION NEEDS
  • Muscle Movers - seeking individuals willing to drive a U-Haul or use their own truck to pick-up donated furnishings and take to families' new apartments;
  • Virtual Mentors and Tutors
  • Supplies for Expecting Mothers

Interested in volunteering or donating items to newly arrived refugees in Maryland and Virginia? Fill out this Google Form.
TAKE ACTION!
CARES Act Contains Important Changes to Spur Giving to Non-Profits

The $2.2 trillion Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security ( CARES) Act, signed into law on March 27th, contains important provisions designed to encourage donations from individuals and corporations to non-profit organizations like LSSNCA for 2020. Here are a few of the key changes as a result of the CARES Act:

  • Allows individuals, who do not itemize deductions, to contribute up to $300 to LSSNCA and deduct the full amount from your gross income 
  • Lifts the limitations on individuals, who do itemize deductions, from 60% of adjusted gross income to 100% 
  • There is no income tax payable on gifts of long-term capital gains property and an individual can deduct the full fair market value of the gift

For more information contact your tax adviser.