May 7 - A Community Check In
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Our case managers and job developers are getting creative to assist and meet the needs of our clients. This week, Maryland case manager, Jillian Furey, used her creativity to bring professional development advice to a client over Zoom.

Mohammad Formuly, was a political science and international relations university professor back in Kabul, Afghanistan. Since arriving to the U.S. in March, Mr. Formuly says his life has changed totally going from the academic realm to now not knowing whether he will continue in his field or start something totally new. 

Because making these life decisions can be scary at any age, not to mention, in a new country, Jillian connected Mr. Formuly to former LSSNCA Virginia case manager, Alex, who is pursuing his PhD at American University. Alex spoke to Mr. Formuly about the process of being admitted to a PhD program in the U.S. and the various requirements of testing, etc.

Mr. Formuly was grateful for the opportunity to receive professional advice from Alex: "I know this is the land of opportunities and I hope to pursue continuing my education in PhD for political science and help use my experience to educate others. My biggest challenge to accomplish this goal will be to master my English skill."
IMMEDIATE NEEDS
Our refugee families and clients have the following urgent donation needs:

  • Laptops
  • Bikes (adult and child)
  • Irons and ironing boards
  • Dutch ovens
  • Vacuum cleaners
  • Grocery gift cards
Remote and immediate volunteer opportunities:

  • Muscle movers - seeking individuals willing to drive a U-Haul or use their own truck to pick-up donated furnishings and drop-off at families' new apartments
  • Virtual family tutors - seeking individuals willing to virtually connect weekly with our refugee children, youth and adults for various learning goals.
Those interested in donating or volunteering can sign up using this form or directly contact our Community Relations Director, Shelby Kruczek, at kruczeks@lssnca.org.
We are still accepting new applications for foster parents in the DMV! Through LSSNCA you can provide a loving home for an Unaccompanied Refugee Minor. Those interested should fill out our inquiry form. URM Recruitment and Training Coordinator, Patricia Britt, will follow up to schedule a virtual orientation and answer your questions.
TAKE ACTION
We invite you to join us for a series of Lunch and Learn discussions. Grab your lunch and welcome us virtually into your home as we have a moderated discussion between LSSNCA staff members, clients, and experts. You'll hear about what is currently happening in the field of immigration, learn more about our programs, and hear stories from the individuals involved.

Join us for one or more of the following events:
  • May 14 - Refugee Advocacy: A conversation with Ronnate Asirwatham, the Director of Advocacy with the Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service
  • May 21 - Unaccompanied Refugee Minors: Christopher Wiggins, LSSNCA Licencing and Placement Specialist speaks with a URM foster parent
  • May 28 - Refugee Resettlement & Employment: Nesar Anwari, LSSNCA Business Engagement & Employment Program Manager speaks with an Afghan refugee client

Join us for this 40 minute lunch special live at 12:30 pm. The conversation between staff and clients will be followed by Q&A. We hope to see you then! Please RSVP for this event to receive the Zoom meeting code.
Purchase masks sewn by refugee women in NOVA
Since our refugee women's sewing group has been unable to meet monthly, some of the women have decided to put their skills to good use.

If you are interested in purchasing a face mask from one of our Northern Virginia clients, please contact Netra Anand at anandn@lssnca.org. Masks cost approximately $8 each and 100% of proceeds go to the seamstress.
National Day of Prayer
Tonight 5-6 pm
Join the Rumi Forum for a multi-faith prayer today on the National Day of Prayer. In these uncertain and difficult times, many of you may be turning to prayer to seek comfort and answers. This virtual event allows you to do this in solidarity with others of various faiths all praying for love and healing.


Humanity in Crisis: How Ethics and Religion Shape Policy Responses to Refugees
May 19 at 12 pm
In his newly released book, Humanity in Crisis: Ethical and Religious Response to Refugees, Rev. David Hollenbach, S.J., examines the scope of our responsibilities and considers practical solutions to the global refugee crisis.

In this book launch event, Hollenbach will engage with key policymakers and ethicists who will evaluate his proposed ethical imperatives and how these principles can be reflected in policy.