A Lasting Impact

After fleeing the Congolese Civil War, LSI resettled the Kaamu family in Marshalltown thanks to a local man and family friend.

Pictures of Rashidi and Salima Kaamu’s children hang on Dan Bean’s fridge next to snapshots of his grandchildren. It symbolizes a father-son bond formed during a chance meeting in an African refugee camp in 2018 and eventually led to the family’s resettlement near Dan’s home in Marshalltown.

Three years after first meeting, in 2021, Rashidi’s family was selected for resettlement in the United States. Dan and his wife Sylvia, along with Abdullahi Hiret, a program supervisor with LSI, met the family at the Des Moines airport in 2023.

Seeing Dan and hearing a familiar language was overwhelming. Dan and Rashidi had kept in touch over WhatsApp all those years, and Abdullahi also speaks Swahili.

“I was very happy. I could cry,” Rashidi said. “I can’t forget that day when I saw Dan. He knew me. I was not alone. There was somebody with me. I had reached a new land, and I’m safe.”

Dan invited Rashidi to resettle in Marshalltown, where Dan lives. He also asked the Kaamu family to stay with him and his wife until the family could get settled. Dan and Sylvia enjoyed having house guests, and tutored the family on navigating the American culture, from table etiquette to how coins can make change. In Zimbabwe, there were only U.S. bills.

Understanding America’s cultures and norms is one of the reasons LSI offers cultural orientation courses for new refugees. LSI’s Des Moines staff assisted 252 new arrivals in 2022, and Sioux City staff had 62.

“Now he is family,” Rashidi said of Dan. “They received me and accepted me. I feel I have a home because of how Dan has connected me to the community. This is my town.”

While most refugee families rely on LSI’s resettlement services to find an apartment and volunteers and donors to furnish it and set it up, Dan wanted to do more than just welcome Rashidi’s family. He contacted members of his church and friends, who donated items and set up Rashidi’s Marshalltown home.

“There are so many good people,” Abdullahi said. “There are so many who like to help and welcome new Iowans.”

 

A Day in the Life at LSI: IRCS Resettlement Volunteer

[vc_row padding_setting=”1″ desktop_padding=”padding-one”][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]by Grace Johnson, LSI Communications Coordinator[/vc_column_text][vc_separator border_width=”3″][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]

At LSI, there are countless opportunities to volunteer and always more to learn about the work our 550+ team members do across the state. As I began to work on social media plans for National Volunteer Week (April 16-22, 2023), I realized I wasn’t entirely sure what our volunteers do and how they contribute to overall service that LSI provides to Iowans. Thus, “A Day in the Life at LSI” was created. Over the upcoming year, I plan to shadow team members at LSI to learn more about the important roles that our staff and volunteers play in serving our neighbors. 

[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_separator border_width=”3″][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row padding_setting=”1″ desktop_padding=”padding-one”][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_single_image image=”30318″ img_size=”500×500″][vc_empty_space height=”10px”][vc_column_text]

Double thumbs up for setting up my first refugee room!

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]My name is Grace, and I’m a communications coordinator on the Marketing, Communications and Advocacy team at Lutheran Services in Iowa. For my first shadowing adventure, I tagged along with Natalie Estrem, community engagement specialist, for her final refugee family move-in before she transitions to her new role in our Global Greens team. Over her year of coordinating and working with volunteers, Natalie led well over 75 move-ins, so I knew I was in qualified hands.  

I met Natalie at our Des Moines campus where she had a big box truck ready to go. We chatted with Patrick Karemera, an LSI caseworker, who would be picking up the refugee family at their hotel and bringing them to their new Iowa home. 

After a few laughs and planning with Patrick, I climbed in the passenger side, ready to learn all about volunteering with the Immigrant and Refugee Community Services (IRCS) Resettlement team. First, I asked her how the truck was prepared for a move. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row padding_setting=”1″ desktop_padding=”no-padding”][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text padding_setting=”1″ desktop_padding=”padding-one”]“Volunteers gather completed totes or prepare totes for move-in from our in-kind donations. For example, a bedroom tote for a child may have a set of twin-size sheets, a comforter, a pillow and sometimes a stuffed animal. A kitchen tote contains cooking supplies, dishes, silverware and so on,” shared Natalie as we drove to the house. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row padding_setting=”1″ desktop_padding=”padding-one”][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_column_text]“After that, volunteers get a description of the incoming refugee family and prepare all the needed materials to be loaded up into the truck. Then another volunteer loads up the truck.” She handed me a sheet of paper describing the family.  

The family we helped that day was a family of 7 – 2 parents, 5 kids – who spent years in a refugee camp in Tanzania after fleeing from Congo.  

I’ve never attended a move before this, so I was not sure what to expect as we searched a Des Moines neighborhood for the address on the page. We pulled up to a house which looked like it was built in the 70s but recently flipped. Natalie explained that we work with landlords in the area to secure reduced-price housing and apartments for our incoming refugees.  

As we hopped out of the truck, we met volunteers, Penny and John. Natalie greeted them with a big grin – she’s forged great relationships with our volunteers who were excited to see her. Both Penny and John volunteered with LSI before in a variety of roles, but there was not much time for learning about that as the team was eager to start the move-in process before the family arrived. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”30330″ img_size=”400×400″][vc_empty_space height=”10px”][vc_column_text]

Thank you to our amazing volunteers like Penny and John! 

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row padding_setting=”1″ desktop_padding=”no-padding”][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_single_image image=”30317″ img_size=”400×400″][vc_empty_space height=”10px”][vc_column_text]

Natalie, John and Penny

[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”10px”][vc_single_image image=”30404″ img_size=”400×400″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]First, we started by taking the totes into the house and into their respective rooms. Then, we moved bed frames to the bedrooms. I followed the lead of Penny and John, seasoned volunteers, as they ensured the correct number of bed frames went into each room. Natalie handed me a pair of scissors, and I immediately realized I wasn’t there just to take pictures and notes. Around LSI, everyone helps out when they can.  

I chose to set up the boys’ bedroom. Two twin bed frames, two twin mattresses, one bedding kit themed with trucks and another kit themed teal and gray later, I’d fully prepared a room for two brothers to call their own. I imagined the fun late-night conversations they may have, just as my sister and I had when we were younger. I smiled as I took a moment to appreciate how my mere 30 minutes of work to set up two beds had the possibility to make a lifelong impact on two people I’ve never met.  [/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]With the boys’ bedroom finished, I helped Penny set up the girls’ room. As we talked, I discovered she works as a guide at the Civic Center. As a huge fan of musicals, we got to talking about the current showing in Des Moines: The Lion King. Before I knew it, the whole room was set up. I was enjoying our conversation with Penny so much that I barely realized the passing of time as we set up and made the beds. 

After we set up the three bedrooms, – the parents in their own room, the two boys in the room I set up and the three girls at the end of the hall – Natalie told me to get my camera ready.  

“Trash Santa is coming to town!” she exclaimed. Natalie hoisted over her shoulder an oversized plastic bag of the trash we’d accumulated from unboxing all of our bedding items. This earned a laugh from the entire team, and I realized how much fun there is to be had when volunteering with good people like John, Penny and Natalie.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row padding_setting=”1″ desktop_padding=”no-padding”][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_column_text]With the bedrooms ready to go, the team headed downstairs to set up the kitchen, bathroom and living room areas. Natalie took note of what other necessities the family may need – a kitchen trashcan, trash bags, etc. – that weren’t included in the totes. As we finished unpacking the kitchen, we heard a van pull into the driveway.  

“Hello!” greeted a loud voice from the front door. It was Patrick and the family. We moved into the living room to greet them and welcomed them to their new home. The children smiled shyly, not sure what to expect. No one in the family spoke or understood English except the father, but nearly everyone understood the volunteer team’s big smiles and waving hands. Their caseworker Patrick, also a former refugee from Congo, introduced us in Swahili. We shook hands, then got back to work, now with the family to help.   

Natalie explained to me earlier that, if time allows, often the family will help set up the house, getting to participate in the move-in. With a few more heavy items to move from the truck, Patrick and the father of the family got to work while the children rushed upstairs to explore their new rooms. One young girl was particularly excited about a mermaid plushie on her bed.  [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”30327″ img_size=”400×400″][vc_empty_space height=”10px”][vc_column_text]

A rare sighting of Trash Santa 

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row padding_setting=”1″ desktop_padding=”padding-one”][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]After the men maneuvered the couch into the house, Natalie was showing the father how the cushions can clip in, but don’t have to.  

“Patrick, can you explain?” she asked, and Patrick translated her message. I noted how simple it is to bridge the language barrier when working with a caseworker. It was easy to see how the family was already comfortable with Patrick – someone who speaks their language, knows first-hand what they’re experiencing and always has a smile on his face. Perhaps I need to shadow Patrick for my next adventure.  

After the box truck was empty, we chatted outside before our departure. The whole move-in took about an hour, and Natalie said it usually takes less time if the family is there to help. We shook hands again with the parents who thanked us for our help. After saying goodbye to her long-time volunteers, Natalie and I hopped back in the box truck to go back to the office.  

“What did you think?” asked Natalie on our way back.  

“I’m so glad I was able to come along!” I exclaimed. “I felt proud of myself for setting up the boys’ room and knowing I made a difference in someone’s life. Then I got to meet the people whose lives I made a difference in, which is something pretty powerful that you don’t often get to see when volunteering elsewhere.”  

Overall, I learned a lot about volunteering with LSI on my move-in adventure, but I’ll sum up my most important lessons and advice. First, get ready to MOVE! I worked up a sweat moving those boxes up the stairs. Second, with a team of good people, don’t be afraid to jump right in to the work and ask questions. Your team is there to support you. Third, the best part of volunteering is the people. Getting to know Penny and John was a highlight of my day. The opportunity to meet the family we set the house up for was pretty incredible.[/vc_column_text][vc_separator border_width=”3″][vc_empty_space height=”20″][vc_column_text]

Finally, I have a greater appreciation for our volunteers. From sorting in-kind donations to packing the box truck to setting up the house, it took a lot of kind-hearted people to prepare this house for our new Iowan neighbors. If you are a volunteer, thank you. We truly could not do the work we do and serve the people we serve without you. 

[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”20″][vc_separator border_width=”3″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row padding_setting=”1″ desktop_padding=”padding-one”][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_empty_space height=”20px”][vc_column_text]

Get Involved!

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row show_full_width=”1″ padding_setting=”1″ desktop_padding=”padding-three”][vc_column alignment_setting=”1″ desktop_alignment=”text-center” ipad_alignment=”sm-text-center” mobile_alignment=”xs-text-center” width=”1/4″][hcode_button button_style=”style4″ button_type=”medium” button_text=”url:mailto%3AVolunteer%40LSIowa.org|title:Email%20our%20Volunteer%20Team” button_settings=”color_text:#0072bc|color_text_hover:#ffffff|color_bg_hover:#0072bc|color_border:#0072bc”][vc_empty_space height=”50px”][/vc_column][vc_column alignment_setting=”1″ desktop_alignment=”text-center” ipad_alignment=”sm-text-center” mobile_alignment=”xs-text-center” width=”1/4″][hcode_button button_style=”style4″ button_type=”medium” button_text=”url:https%3A%2F%2Flsiowa.org%2Ftake-action%2Fvolunteer%2F|title:Volunteer%20Opportunities” button_settings=”color_text:#0072bc|color_text_hover:#ffffff|color_bg_hover:#0072bc|color_border:#0072bc”][vc_empty_space height=”50px”][/vc_column][vc_column alignment_setting=”1″ desktop_alignment=”text-center” ipad_alignment=”sm-text-center” mobile_alignment=”xs-text-center” width=”1/4″][hcode_button button_style=”style4″ button_type=”medium” button_text=”url:http%3A%2F%2Ffiles.constantcontact.com%2F496c694a101%2F8949ea3d-5bc9-4600-bdbc-fe63a3942eda.pdf%3Fver%3D1522875462000|title:Additional%20Ways%20to%20Support%20LSI” button_settings=”color_text:#0072bc|color_text_hover:#ffffff|color_bg_hover:#0072bc|color_border:#0072bc”][vc_empty_space height=”50px”][/vc_column][vc_column alignment_setting=”1″ desktop_alignment=”text-center” ipad_alignment=”sm-text-center” mobile_alignment=”xs-text-center” width=”1/4″][hcode_button button_style=”style4″ button_type=”medium” button_text=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FLSI.iowa|title:Follow%20Us%20on%20Facebook” button_settings=”color_text:#0072bc|color_text_hover:#ffffff|color_bg_hover:#0072bc|color_border:#0072bc”][vc_empty_space height=”50px”][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Vinh Nguyen appointed to the newly formed US Refugee Advisory Board (USRAB)

[vc_row padding_setting=”1″ desktop_padding=”padding-one”][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_single_image image=”29646″ img_size=”large” add_caption=”yes” onclick=”custom_link” link=”http://www.refugeecongress.org/usrab”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]

Vinh is one of just eight individuals from across the country to be selected to this board whose role is to advise US refugee policies. In addition to engaging with key international non-governmental organizations, USRAB will work in collaboration with other refugee-led initiatives, including Refugees Seeking Equal Access at the Table (R-SEAT).

Launched in partnership with Refugee Congress, Refugee Council USA (RCUSA), and Georgetown University’s Institute for the Study of International Migration (ISIM), the Refugee Advisory Council is one way the US is working to empower those with direct lived experience in forced displacement and ensure that they have a strong voice in policies affecting them.

Vinh Nguyen’s official bio for the USRAB says “he was born in Sai Gon, Vietnam during the height of the Vietnam War in the early 1960s. Growing up in a family of ten brothers and sisters, Vinh developed a strong sense of collaboration for success and helping others at a young age. In summer 1981, his parents decided to have him escape from Vietnam to seek freedom and opportunities for his future. He was smuggled out of Vietnam along with another 134 Vietnamese, on a tiny and not even seaworthy boat. Their boat was fortunate enough to finally be saved by an oil tanker, and they were sent to a refugee camp in Thailand. He later was accepted by the United States and resettled in Des Moines, IA. With no English language skills, he found many difficulties in adjusting to his new life in America. He worked hard to learn English and was fortunate enough to be in the education field over the last thirty-five years.”

Those who know Vinh know these words cannot capture all of his story, or the amazing asset his perspective provides to LSI, and now to the USRAB. Join us in congratulating Vinh on this amazing honor!

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Global Greens Celebrates 10 Years

[vc_row padding_setting=”1″ desktop_padding=”padding-one”][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]LSI’s Global Greens agriculture program is celebrating 10 years of empowering former refugee and immigrant farmers in central Iowa. The program, provided through LSI Refugee and Immigrant Services, reconnects farmers with the land as they build a new life in the U.S.

Through Global Greens, farmers access space to grow food, learn more about U.S. agriculture, and start their own businesses by selling produce at the Global Greens Farmers Market and through LSI’s Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program.

Global Greens recently celebrated the landmark anniversary at the farmers market, which is held on LSI’s Des Moines campus every Saturday during the summer. Take a look at some of the photos taken from the celebration!
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row padding_setting=”1″ desktop_padding=”padding-one”][vc_column width=”1/1″][hcode_image_carousel show_cursor_color_style=”white-cursor” hcode_image_carousel_loop=”1″ hcode_image_carousel_autoplay=”1″][hcode_image_carousel_content hcode_image_carousel_content_image=”28060″][hcode_image_carousel_content hcode_image_carousel_content_image=”28062″][hcode_image_carousel_content hcode_image_carousel_content_image=”28064″][hcode_image_carousel_content hcode_image_carousel_content_image=”28063″][hcode_image_carousel_content hcode_image_carousel_content_image=”28061″][/hcode_image_carousel][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row padding_setting=”1″ desktop_padding=”padding-one”][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]

Providing Food Security for Iowa Families

Global Greens farmers are able to grow a variety of both favorite Iowa vegetables and traditional produce from their home countries. With a wide range of food available, the farmers market brings in customers from across the country. In 2020, the market welcomed customers from as far away as Kansas, Kentucky, and New York. It also provided food security to hundreds of community members during the pandemic, with more than $160,000 worth of produce purchased by individuals using SNAP benefits and getting those benefits matched through the Double Up Food Bucks program.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Moving Forward Together

[vc_row padding_setting=”1″ desktop_padding=”padding-one”][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]Over the last year, we have learned that we are stronger together. Our communities were resilient in the face of every hardship. And our human services workforce across the state never gave up, continuing to serve Iowans on the frontlines of the pandemic.

The needs of Iowa children, adults, and families are now greater than ever as we begin to navigate life after COVID. And while LSI is here, unflinching, for our neighbors, we need you. Our goal is to raise funds to ensure LSI can continue providing the resources, education, and programming Iowa families count on. You can help us by making a gift to our Moving Forward Together campaign today.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row padding_setting=”1″ desktop_padding=”padding-one”][vc_column alignment_setting=”1″ desktop_alignment=”text-center” width=”1/1″][hcode_button button_style=”style4″ button_type=”large” button_text=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fdonatenow.networkforgood.org%2FdonateLSI%3Fcode%3DMainsitetopcorner|title:Make%20a%20Gift%20″ button_settings=”color_bg_hover:#0a7273″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row padding_setting=”1″ desktop_padding=”padding-one”][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]During the pandemic, you kept Iowa kids safe by supporting LSI. When families were at heightened risk of child abuse or neglect, LSI social workers were able to continue walking alongside them, safely visiting parents in their homes and providing any resources to keep children happy and healthy. But this critical work won’t stop once we move into a “new normal.” Your support will ensure LSI social workers can continue toward our goal of preventing child abuse.

When Iowa children required temporary foster care, you ensured they had a safe home and consistent care. Life was turned upside-down, and foster parents suddenly found themselves working from home, coordinating at-home school for kids, and setting up virtual visits with a child’s birth family. Their LSI team was there, ready to make sure they never felt alone during this difficult time. When more foster parents were required to care for Iowa children, you helped us provide safe virtual classes and trainings as we recruited and licensed more foster and adoptive families. You can help us continue to serve these children and parents. Please consider making a gift today to our Moving Forward Together campaign.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row padding_setting=”1″ desktop_padding=”padding-one”][vc_column alignment_setting=”1″ desktop_alignment=”text-center” width=”1/1″][hcode_button button_style=”style4″ button_type=”large” button_text=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fdonatenow.networkforgood.org%2FdonateLSI%3Fcode%3DMainsitetopcorner|title:Donate%20Now%20″ button_settings=”color_bg_hover:#e1ca71″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row padding_setting=”1″ desktop_padding=”padding-one”][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]The pandemic also put many of our neighbors with disabilities at higher risk. While the individuals we serve used to look forward to participating in community activities, COVID-19 meant they were forced to remain safely in their homes. But we were determined to find new ways they could grow and thrive, despite all obstacles. Our staff was committed to providing care 24-7, often putting their own health at risk in the process. They found new activities and virtual options for individuals to stay connected to their loved ones and community members, and it will be crucial to maintain those connections in the future. Your support will ensure our staff members have the tools they need to continue to support Iowans with disabilities.

When you make a donation to the Moving Forward Together campaign, you are also providing innovative mental and behavioral health care to Iowa children, adults, couples, and families. When LSI’s in-person therapy services were no longer a safe option, we quickly transitioned to providing care virtually over video and phone “telehealth” therapy sessions, thanks to you. This new method of service proved to be beneficial to hundreds of individuals across the state, and LSI will continue to provide accessible care that meets Iowans where they are at on their journey to a brighter future.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row padding_setting=”1″ desktop_padding=”padding-one”][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]As we look ahead to life after COVID-19, LSI will also be growing and expanding our services to former refugee and immigrant community members. Over the past year, COVID-19 created even more barriers for new Iowans; whether they were facing isolation in their home, trying to build a career while the world shut down, or navigating health and vaccine information in an unfamiliar language. But they rose to the challenge and LSI stood alongside them, providing virtual classes and programming and offering a COVID-19 hotline that provided important information in 15 languages. Thank you for standing with us and empowering our communities across Iowa.

We are still here for Iowans, and we always will be. You wrapped care around us during the difficulties of 2020, and you have stood by us this year, too. We are asking for your continued support as we move forward together into a future full of hope. Please consider making a gift today.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row padding_setting=”1″ desktop_padding=”padding-one”][vc_column alignment_setting=”1″ desktop_alignment=”text-center” width=”1/1″][hcode_button button_style=”style4″ button_type=”large” button_text=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fdonatenow.networkforgood.org%2FdonateLSI%3Fcode%3DMainsitetopcorner|title:Donate” button_settings=”color_bg_hover:#b4d5d1″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

A Summer of Growth for LSI’s Refugee and Immigrant Services

[vc_row padding_setting=”1″ desktop_padding=”padding-one”][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]Earlier this summer, LSI hosted a ribbon cutting for a new 12-acre urban agriculture farm in Pleasant Hill, just east of Des Moines. The land was donated by Phyllis Childers.

The land will be used as part of LSI’s Global Greens program, which is offered through LSI’s Refugee and Immigrant Services and provides farming land to former refugees in Polk County as they start their own small farming businesses. The program also provides land at the Global Greens Farm in West Des Moines, as well as donated urban garden spaces located across the Des Moines metro area.

“For many of the farmers who are ready to graduate out of the Global Greens program, it is difficult to find their own farming land in the metro area,” says Nick Wuertz, LSI’s Director of Refugee and Immigrant Services. “Thanks to this new space, graduating farmers will be able to continue growing their small businesses while LSI can continue welcoming more new farmers into the program.”[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

WORLD REFUGEE DAY: MEET KA HSA

[vc_row padding_setting=”1″ desktop_padding=”padding-one”][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]1. Introduce yourself! What is your role at LSI and how long have you been a member of the team?
My name is Ka Hsa and I have been with LSI for almost nine years as a Bilingual Community Associate and Social Worker.

2. What keeps you passionate about the work you do at LSI?
I’m very happy to work with LSI because my supervisor and coworkers are very helpful and understanding. I’m spending my time helping people with something important, and that motivates me to do great work. It is challenging, but transforming.

3. Can you tell us about your journey to building a home in Iowa?
I was born in a Thailand village and after 10 years, because of war, my family had to move to a refugee camp in Thailand. In the refugee camp, it was very hard because there is no opportunity. When the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) announced we could resettle in another country, my sister, my brothers, and I came to the U.S. in 2007.

4. How did you feel when you first arrived in the U.S.?
I felt great when I arrived in the U.S., because we were greeted and welcomed at the Des Moines airport by a caseworker from a resettlement agency. We received immediate assistance, so I felt welcome here.

5. What is your favorite thing about living in Iowa now?
The nature in Iowa is my favorite. It’s a nice place, and I like the weather. And Iowa is not too expensive like other places, the schools are good, and job opportunities are good. I like everything.

6. What do you want others to know about our refugee and immigrant community in Iowa?
Our community likes to do things to benefit the whole community. People do not just think about helping only themselves. Refugees have endured years of hardship and need help adjusting to the new language and culture. If we could all work together, it could make a difference and make our world a better place.

7. What can we do to show our support for our refugee and immigrant community as we celebrate World Refugee Day this year?
Refugees need your help more than ever. We can show our support by welcoming them as new and valuable members of American society. You can help refugees by volunteering and becoming English tutors, or mentoring a family, or donating money to provide literature and household items, and teaching other people about refugees.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

WORLD REFUGEE DAY: MEET RUAA

[vc_row padding_setting=”1″ desktop_padding=”padding-one”][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]1. Introduce yourself! What is your role at LSI and how long have you been a member of the team?
My name is Ruaa and I’ve been with LSI for two years. I started as a Registration Associate and after one year, I became a Child Care Specialist.

2. What keeps you passionate about the work you do at LSI?
The happiness when I see our clients receive their child care certification or open their own child care business.

3. Can you tell us about your journey to building a home in Iowa?
I grew up in Iraq, where I graduated with a degree in economic agriculture from the University of Baghdad and married my husband. After that, we went to Turkey as immigrants and waited for two years to immigrate to the U.S. My husband, our two daughters, and I arrived in Des Moines in August of 2016 and were with friends for one week, then found an apartment and started to see the new community here in America. My husband and I welcomed our third daughter here. I went to DMACC to study English and tried to find a job. Once I started working with LSI, my life changed. At LSI, I have friends and many people around me. That’s changed my life.

4. How did you feel when you first arrived in the U.S.?
It was a combination between happiness and fear. I wanted to come here and now I’m finally here after waiting in Turkey for two years without any job or work, just waiting for this moment. So when I arrived, I was happy. But there is fear because I knew nothing about it, I don’t have the language, or any of these things. So it was a mix of those feelings.

5. What is your favorite thing about living in Iowa now?
The people. They’re very helpful and very sweet.

6. What do you want others to know about our refugee and immigrant community in Iowa?
I want them to know that we work hard for all immigrants here. We want Iowa to be a good place for immigrants and refugees, and we work hard for that within LSI.

7. What can we do to show our support for our refugee and immigrant community as we celebrate World Refugee Day this year?
Show them that we are here all the time, not just on World Refugee Day.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

WORLD REFUGEE DAY: MEET PATRICK

[vc_row padding_setting=”1″ desktop_padding=”padding-one”][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]1. Introduce yourself! What is your role at LSI and how long have you been a member of the team?
My name is Patrick Karemera. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from the National University of Rwanda, and I have been member of the LSI team as an Administrative Assistant since October 2019.

2. What keeps you passionate about the work you do at LSI?
My passion to work for LSI, first of all, is because I am an immigrant myself. LSI helps me to serve the community of immigrants and refugees. I feel blessed to be part of the great work of compassion and love that LSI is doing for immigrant and refugee families. My job through LSI’s Refugee Connection Center gives me the chance to apply my sociology skills within the community.

3. Can you tell us about your journey to building a home in Iowa?
The idea to make Iowa my home came to my mind when I was in my home country, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and I won the Diversity Immigrant Visa lottery. My next step was to find new opportunities in the U.S. in 2018. I had a relative who has lived in Iowa for a couple of years, she told me that Iowa is a land of opportunities in terms of education and professional careers. That is why I ended up living in Iowa.

4. How did you feel when you first arrived in the U.S.?
I was excited and happy when I first arrived in the U.S., I felt exposed to a different culture and values.

5. What is your favorite thing about living in Iowa now?
My favorite thing about Iowa is experiencing all four weather seasons.

6. What do you want others to know about our refugee and immigrant community in Iowa?
The community of immigrants and refugees contribute a lot in Iowa’s labor workforce, in different kinds of work around the state of Iowa.

7. What can we do to show our support for our refugee and immigrant community as we celebrate World Refugee Day this year?
What we can do is just spread the word of our mission of love and compassion within the refugee and immigrant community as we are celebrating World Refugee Day.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

World Refugee Day: Meet Fekadu

[vc_row padding_setting=”1″ desktop_padding=”padding-one”][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]1. Introduce yourself! What is your role at LSI and how long have you been a member of the team?
My name is Fekadu Tekle. I am an Employment Navigator at LSI and have been since November 2019.

2. What keeps you passionate about the work you do at LSI?
The work I do is helping people – coordinating their resources, training, English as a Second Language, helping apply for jobs, making resumes. It also helps me to learn every day. It is a good place to grow up.

3. Can you tell us about your journey to building a home in Iowa?
My home country is Eritrea, and I lived as a refugee in Ethiopia. I came to the U.S. Sept. 13, 2013, originally in North Carolina. After two months, I moved to Des Moines. I went to DMACC to study English, then got my GED in 2015. At that time, I was working at Walmart, which helped me with my English, working with customers. I wanted to change my life and education, so I took a six-month course in welding and became a certified welder. I worked there for a few months, but it is a physical job, so I started college at DMACC and studied human services. When I was taking classes, I was interpreting and translating. I applied to Iowa International, where I was interpreting. I was taking class part-time, taking care of family, and then I applied to LSI. Since then, I graduated from DMACC last month with a 3.5 GPA and was accepted into Upper Iowa University. Now, I am taking classes part-time, working full-time at LSI, living with my family, and I became a U.S. citizen in 2020.

4. How did you feel when you first arrived in the U.S.?
It was a shock: different language, different style of life, everything was new. I came to the U.S. by myself and they gave me a place where I was speaking just a little English. It was hard, but I was a good learner. I read magazines, books, the news, watched movies. I was doing my best to learn the language because I have seen that it is very hard to build without any communication.

5. What is your favorite thing about living in Iowa now?
It is very slow-paced and there is a lot of opportunity. You can find a job right away.

6. What do you want others to know about our refugee and immigrant community in Iowa?
I’ve been to Washington, D.C., California, Chicago. In other places, because of the population, people can’t get opportunities. But here in Iowa, everything is open. Education and opportunities are everywhere. There are places to teach and to break the language barriers.

7. What can we do to show our support for our refugee and immigrant community as we celebrate World Refugee Day this year?
Make sure they know about the opportunities available. At LSI, we have trainings, English classes, tutors for English classes, citizenship training, healthcare work training. We should highlight the opportunities available for other community members.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]