Dear Melina,

Ahead of World Refugee Day, I invite you to join Lutheran Social Services of the National Capital Area (LSSNCA) for two meaningful conversations to reflect on the strength and courage of refugees and recommit to our shared legacy of welcome. 

At a time when critical funding aid is being cut and the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program remains suspended, it is more important than ever to be in community and show solidarity with our neighbors.  

Join us for an evening of conversation, connection, and action.  

You’ll hear directly from community members, who have experienced forced displacement and now call the greater Washington, D.C. metro area home. Through their personal stories, we will explore how we can carry forward the legacy of welcome through actions. 

Following the panel discussion, we will have informal time for panelists and attendees to connect more deeply and build community. 

I look forward to seeing you in person! 

In gratitude, 

CEO, LSSNCA

LSSNCA joins the community in mourning the passing of U.S. Rep. Gerry Connolly, D-VA-11, a dedicated public servant and a steadfast advocate for refugees, immigrants and those seeking safety. Read our statement.

LSSNCA is honored to announce the appointment of Eric Hembree to its Board of Directors. As the former Comptroller for the Department of State’s Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration (PRM), Mr. Hembree managed $5 billion annually in humanitarian assistance programs, domestically and worldwide. His financial stewardship enabled timely, life-saving humanitarian interventions and sustained the U.S. refugee resettlement infrastructure. Read our statement. 

On May 8, 2025, LSSNCA’s Legal Team hosted a legal clinic for Ukrainian program participants living in Virginia. The team provided an overview of possible legal pathways for individuals living in the United States and held ten individual consultations. 

Below are three easy action items to ensure our communities remain committed to welcoming people seeking safety during these uncertain times. 

1. Contact your members of Congress to urge them to demand that the administration lift the refugee ban.  
2. Attend LSSNCA’s World Refugee Day Celebration event in Maryland or Virginia. 
3. Donate to provide refugee families with housing, job training, and essentials as they rebuild their lives.   

To stay updated on recent policy changes, litigation updates, and Congressional actions affecting people seeking safety, read LSSNCA’s weekly blog, State of Welcome.