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Dear Friend,
In recent weeks, we have responded to a series of developments that add new layers of uncertainty and instability for immigrant communities across our nation. The announcement of a proposed rule that would pause the issuance of work permits for new asylum applicants and increase barriers for renewals, the Senate advancing a reconciliation bill that could significantly increase funding for immigration enforcement agencies, and reports that Afghan evacuees may be forced to choose between resettlement in unfamiliar and unstable country or return to life under the Taliban—each of these moments carries real and immediate consequences for the individuals and families we serve. They create fear, disrupt plans, and challenge the sense of security that every person deserves.
And yet, even in the face of these challenges, we are continually reminded of something just as powerful: the resilience, compassion, and determination that define our community.
Every day, we see acts of quiet courage and extraordinary generosity. A volunteer stepping forward to donate a car because they recognized a neighbor’s need for reliable transportation to support their family.
Community partners offering to organize donation drives to ensure families have the essentials to begin again. Supporters giving what they can to sustain our work and expand our reach. Families opening their homes to children in need of stability, safety, and belonging.
These are not small gestures. They are the foundation of hope.
At the same time, we are seeing another urgent and growing need—one that is less visible, but just as critical: mental health support. The uncertainty, displacement, and stress caused by these evolving policies take a profound toll on individuals and families. Many carry the weight of trauma, anxiety, and fear, often without access to care that is culturally responsive, accessible, and affordable.
In this moment, access to mental health support remains as critical as ever. Through Dignity Behavioral Health, our licensed clinicians provide compassionate, high-quality care at an affordable cost for those who need it most. We know that taking the first step can often be the hardest, which is why we offer new patients a complimentary initial screening with one of our clinicians, available through a simple intake form. If you or someone you know could benefit from this support, we encourage you to complete the intake form and take that first step toward care.
At Lutheran Social Services of the National Capital Area (LSSNCA), our commitment to serving our neighbors remains steady. We will continue to support families, advocate for just and humane policies, and expand services that meet the evolving needs of our community. We do this not alone, but together—with all of you who choose, every day, to show up with compassion.
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