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

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** LIRS Begins to Serve our New Afghan Neighbors
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Last week, LIRS visited our partner office, Lutheran Social Services of the National Capital Area (LSSNCA). When we arrived, staff were welcoming over a dozen Afghan evacuees, providing them with a place to shower, fresh clothes, a hot meal, and other essential services.

Hear about our work of welcome in action and the daunting and heartbreaking journey to the U.S. from Afghanistan. View our full interview here. ([link removed])

"We've never seen anything like it." - Krish O'Mara Vignarajah, CEO & President of LIRS

Read about how LIRS is working across political divides to mobilize people around the U.S. to support our new Afghan neighbors in The New York Times. ([link removed])

Catch LIRS in the news this week:
NPR ([link removed]) | ABC News ([link removed]) | The New Republic ([link removed]) | WDVM ([link removed])

Krish O'Mara Vignarajah thanks all who participated in our Baltimore-area donation drive. Last week, we received so many donations that we ran out of space! We are beyond grateful for the outpouring of support. Your donations will allow us to offer an even warmer welcome to our new Afghan neighbors.

Watch our thank you here. ([link removed])

Many are still grieving the tragic circumstances around the U.S evacuation from Afghanistan – especially for the many vulnerable Afghans left behind.

LIRS has created "Sacred Silence for Afghanistan” – a resource with tools for guided meditation, reflection, and prayer.

Join us in Sacred Silence. ([link removed])

Looking to be a change-maker for good? Become an LIRS Ambassador!

This week, LIRS launched our new Ambassador Network – a community designed to draw passionate advocates, volunteers, and local leaders from all walks of life together to help serve immigrants and refugees.

Learn more. ([link removed])

As vulnerable Afghans begin to arrive and settle into their new communities across the country, we must ensure they are provided the assistance necessary to rebuild their 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. Consider contributing to our LIRS Neighbors in Need: Afghan Allies Fund today. Tens of thousands of our Afghan neighbors are arriving to the U.S. with little more than the clothes on their backs. Your gift will provide essential support for newly arrived families, including emergency medical care, temporary housing, and more.

Donate today. ([link removed])

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