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Stories of Empowerment

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LSI announces $10,000 challenge grant made possible by the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa and Marv and Helen Schumacher to support recently arrived refugee families.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 13, 2025 Contact: Leah Nelson | Leah.Nelson@lsiowa.org Waterloo, IA – Lutheran Services in Iowa

Press Release: LSI Celebrates Historic Milestone in Refugee Resettlement

LSI Celebrates Historic Milestone in Refugee Admissions  Des Moines, IA – LSI (Lutheran Services in Iowa) celebrates a

2024 Direct Support Professional (DSP) of the Year: Brenda Stalbaum Martin

Each year, LSI commemorates National Direct Support Professional Recognition Week (DSP) to honor and celebrate the essential roles

Jim’s Story

“There are so many people who struggle with their mental health and feel like they are alone,” said

Mindy and Jeff’s Story

After raising their four children, Jeff and Mindy Schechinger felt compelled through their strong faith to open their

Katie and Jaime’s Story

Accomplishing a goal is often not a sprint, but a marathon. Such is the case for Katie* who

April’s Story

“I love it when a whole classroom of middle schoolers run down the auditorium hallway for an LSI

Michelle and Rachel’s Story

“Without Amy’s support, I would still be an addict, and I wouldn’t be where I am today,” said

Firmin’s Story

Firmin Ntakimazi was born in Burundi, where he grew up, received his education, and made a living teaching

Zoya’s Story

When she heard about the news of the war in Ukraine, Zoya Staroselsky felt compelled to support her

Pree’s Story

From dreaming of big cities, tall buildings and lots of cars, Pree, a former refugee, is now making

Thomas’s Story

In 1996 Congolese civil war broke out in the present-day countries of the Democratic Republic of the Congo

Lannie and Brian’s Story

After working in social services for over 15 years, becoming a Host Homes mentor was a no brainer.

Lwe’s Story

When Lwe Paw traveled from a refugee camp in Thailand to Iowa in 2012, she knew the path

LSI Innovates with New Pilot Program

  Every Iowan deserves access to quality services within their community. Thanks to LSI’s Services for People with

Renee Hardman to take the helm on Jan. 23

  The Lutheran Services in Iowa (LSI) Board of Directors has tapped Renee Hardman, City Councilwoman of West

Rahsidi’s Story

Pictures of Kahamu Rashidi‘s children hang on Dan Bean’s fridge next to snapshots of his grandchildren. It symbolizes

Success Over the Decades

As Kellie Collins, Early Childhood Family Support Worker, reflects on her over two decades of successes in her

Teta’s Story

“Thinking back to where I was a few years ago, barely able to pay my bills, compared to

Zac Couture of LSI Global Greens celebrates 10 years

Zac Couture is celebrating 10 years with Lutheran Services in Iowa’s Immigrant and Refugee Community Services! He started

A Lasting Impact

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