Dear Melina,

Last week, Lutheran Social Services of the National Capital Area (LSSNCA) commemorated World Refugee Day by hosting two powerful events in collaboration with our partners, St. John’s Norwood and McLean Islamic Center. We were honored to hear from panelists whose courage, insight, and lived experiences reminded us that “welcome” is more than a word – it is a founding value of our nation and a sacred commitment. 

This month, the U.N. refugee agency (UNHCR) announced that the number of forcibly displaced people has increased to more than 122 million people worldwide – a grim all-time high. 

Instead of meeting the moment, the current administration has dismantled the U.S. refugee admissions program, rolled back humanitarian protections, and targeted nonprofits and communities that serve forcibly displaced people.  

Congress is pushing forward a reconciliation bill that would harm our neighbors and communities, including excluding refugees from essential social services and undermining protections for unaccompanied immigrant children.  

Our collective action is more urgent than ever. These efforts will harm our neighbors, weaken communities, and further dismantle the welcoming infrastructure built to ensure forcibly displaced people can find safety and thrive. 

Please consider joining LSSNCA and our partners in urging Congress to reject legislation and policies that undermine our nation’s commitment to welcoming the stranger. 



• Take Action: Refugee Council USA’s click-to-call tool to urge Congress to reject the harmful budget reconciliation bill. 

The Senate is expected to begin voting on this bill soon, as early as Saturday, June 28.

In gratitude, 

Chief Executive Officer

Lutheran Social Services of the National Capital Area

Kristyn Peck, LSSNCA CEO, speaks to supporters.  

CWS CEO and supporters outside the White House delivering the Ecumenical Declaration to Defend Refuge. 

LSSNCA joined Refugee Council USA, Church World Service, Refugee Congress, and other partners on World Refugee Day to hear from refugees, show our support, and deliver the Ecumenical Declaration to Defend Refuge, which had more than 3,600 signatures from individuals and congregations.  

Ahead of World Refugee Day, LSSNCA issued its 2024 Impact Report. LSSNCA welcomed more than 1,800 new neighbors and served over 4,300 individuals in the greater Washington, D.C. metropolitan area in fiscal year 2024. In addition to resettlement support, LSSNCA offers services in health and well-being, employment, housing, educational, vocational training, and mentoring. 



We are deeply grateful to you, our donors, volunteers, and community, for making this work possible. Read LSSNCA's Impact Report. 

While refugees and forcibly displaced people continue to face obstacles to reach safety, LSSNCA has seen an increase in Afghan Special Immigrant Visa holders who have self-traveled to the United States. Legal challenges to the suspension of the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program have also resulted in the processing of refugees whose travel arrangements were booked earlier this year.

LSSNCA also continues to support many neighbors who arrived before January 20.  

Help us sustain the work of welcome by: 

• Donating – Your gift helps LSSNCA provide housing, job training, and other essential services to refugees.  
• Volunteering – Opportunities range from one-day events to longer-term mentorships. 
• Coming Together – Attend a Together in Welcome Vigil on Tuesday, July 1, at 6 pm to raise awareness and protect the rights of refugees, asylum seekers, and immigrants.