Catch up on the latest news from Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service.


** From all of us at LIRS: Thank you.
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Today, LIRS completed our donation drive for our Afghan neighbors at our Baltimore, MD headquarters. It was definitely a success—we received so many boxes of goods that we ran out of space! We'll share more about the drive and its impact soon.

The outpouring of support we received from the community is just another reminder of the boundless compassion and heart of the American people in the midst of this incredibly challenging time.

To everyone who has made a donation, sent a letter to their Congressperson, shared on social media, signed up to volunteer, or asked how you can help—THANK YOU. Your generosity is already making a difference in the lives of our new Afghan neighbors.

"It’s an interfaith effort that involved Catholic, Lutheran, Muslim, Jews, Episcopalians, Hindus, as well as nonfaith communities who just believe that maybe it’s not a matter of faith, but it’s just a matter of who we are as a nation." - LIRS CEO Krish O’Mara Vignarajah, AP ([link removed])

Once again, LIRS made headlines this week for our efforts to support our Afghan allies. Check it out!
* WATCH ([link removed])
* LISTEN ([link removed])
* READ ([link removed])

Photo: WBUR/Getty

This week, LIRS staff drove down to our partner office, Lutheran Social Services of the National Capital Area (LSSNCA). The day we arrived, staff were welcoming 12 Afghan men and women to the United States with a shower, fresh clothes, and a hot meal. We look forward to sharing photos, videos, and stories from our visit soon, so stay tuned!

On Tuesday, August 31, LIRS hosted our Solidarity and Sacred Silence Interfaith Prayer Vigil: Afghanistan, an opportunity to hold space for our friends impacted by what’s happening in Afghanistan and prepare ourselves to be part of a kind and compassionate welcome.

Watch the recording. ([link removed])

Become an LIRS Ambassador! LIRS will soon launch our new Ambassador Network – a community of passionate advocates, volunteers, and local leaders from all walks of life, united by their passion and commitment to stand in solidarity with the newcomers we serve.

Learn more. ([link removed])

As vulnerable Afghans begin to arrive and settle into their new communities across the country, we must ensure our newest neighbors are provided the assistance necessary to rebuild their new lives. The WELCOMED Act would provide evacuated Afghans with the same basic services and resources other refugees and Special Immigrant Visa recipients have traditionally received.

Send a message to your Representative today and urge them to cosponsor the WELCOMED Act! ([link removed])

Our need is now more urgent than ever. If you haven't had a chance to contribute to the Neighbors in Need: Afghan Allies fund, we ask that you consider doing so today. Tens of thousands of our Afghan neighbors are arriving in the United States and are in need of basic necessities such as food, housing, and medical care as they await the services available to them.

Donate today. ([link removed])

We would like to extend a big THANK YOU to the new corporate and civic partners who joined our movement this week:
* CVS Pharmacy
* Together Rising
* Uber

...and so many more!

Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE ([link removed]) to our YouTube channel!
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