When Lwe Paw traveled from a refugee camp in Thailand to Iowa in 2012, she knew the path ahead would be rocky. Arriving in a foreign land as a senior, Lwe did not know English, the U.S. customs or culture, or how to navigate her community.

Soon she made a friend who told her about Lutheran Services in Iowa. There, Lwe and her husband could learn English, take classes, and more – all through the Senior Immigrant and Refugee Program, designed especially for individuals 60 and above.

The Senior Immigrant and Refugee Program aims to help clients achieve citizenship and connect with their community. Through the program, Lwe and her husband studied for the U.S. citizenship test and became U.S. citizens. She set a goal to learn more English and enjoys practicing her English at the senior center where LSI hosts some of its senior programming.

The program also offers special presentations on health and well-being, special events like social drumming and hula hoop class, and arts and crafts.

Lwe loves all the opportunities at the senior center, including exercise class, yoga and tai chi, and arts and crafts. She appreciates how nice and welcoming the LSI teachers and volunteers are.

Lwe and her husband, who is homebound, live in an apartment in Des Moines. Their LSI case worker Lweh Moo visits often to ensure the Paws have everything they need and to drive Lwe to the senior center.

The Paw family’s children grew up and moved out of state, but Lwe and her husband stayed because of LSI services and caseworkers like Lweh Moo.

“My favorite thing about Lweh, besides her name, is how helpful she is,” said Lwe. “She is always there to connect me to new opportunities.”

The relationships formed between clients and LSI caseworkers are meaningful, positive connections that ensure clients feel supported. Lwe and Lweh are just one example of a positive connection formed through LSI.