LSI Immigrant and Refugee Community Services

📢 Join our team at LSI! 🌟 We're looking for passionate individuals to join our Immigrant and Refugee Community Service Program in Des Moines as Occasional Teachers! 🌍✨

Details:
🕔 Evening Hours: 5 p.m. - 8 p.m.
📆 Weekend Hours: 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Responsibilities:
- Examine and respond to the needs of refugee and immigrant learners, teach English and cultural topics, develop curriculum, and engage in professional development.

Requirements:
- Bachelors in education or a related field
- 1 year of ESL teaching experience (preferred)
- Valid driver's license and insurance
- Pass extensive background checks

Why LSI?
💰 Competitive pay
🏥 Health benefits
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family atmosphere
💼 401k match
📚 Professional development
🏖️ Generous paid time off
💸 Student loan forgiveness potential

At LSI, we embrace diversity and inclusion. Join us and make a difference! 🌟

🔗 Apply now at LSIowa.org/careers

Submitted Story by LSI’s Individual Development Account (IDA) Program Project Specialist:

In Des Moines, amidst the hum of daily life, Shah Wale stood—a man with a past etched in war and a future bound by dreams. His days at Walmart were a means to an end, each paycheck a step closer to reuniting with his wife and six children in Afghanistan.

After months of being on the waiting list, Shah Wale got accepted into LSI’s Individual Development Account (IDA) program, which provides financial education to immigrants and former refugees as they build their new lives in the U.S.

LSI matched Shah Wale’s savings to help him buy a car, a symbol of newfound independence. For him, a car meant more than just mobility. No longer would he endure the hardships of the daily commute on overcrowded buses, the journey back and forth between home and work, a relentless cycle of exhaustion.

As a photographer urged him to smile, Shah Wale's face betrayed the weight of his journey. "The last smile I had was with my kids.”

In that moment, gratitude mingled with despair. Shah Wale thanked the LSI team, his beacon of support in a sea of uncertainty. With their help, he held onto hope—a silent promise to persevere, for the sake of those he loved.

We're celebrating National by sharing a few of our clients who have benefited from our Small Business Training and Counseling Program.

Check out the story below!

It's National (NSBW)! This week, we're highlighting a number of our clients who have benefited from our Small Business Training and Counseling Program.

Today we're highlighting Ognadon "Eddy" Djagou, founder of DJAAGOU-A, an international trade company established in 2017 and located in Muscatine, Iowa.

"LSI's Small Business team assisted me with finding financing for my business loans and provided me guidance and advice to move my business forward," said Eddy.

"By understanding and managing my finances and cash flow, it helps me plan, control, and monitor my spending. I am also able to ensure that I will have sufficient cash reserves for unexpected expenses or bad debts, analyze the performance of my business, and make a profit," he said.

Check out DJAAGOU-A at www.djaagou-a.com or call 563.277.8002 to learn more about Eddy's business!

LSI Immigrant and Refugee Community Services is leading the U.S. Small Business Administration Community Navigator Pilot Program in the state of Iowa as part of a nationwide grant received by our partners at the International Rescue Committee.

LSI Global Greens
Lutheran Services in Iowa
Small Business Navigator
Wells Fargo

It's National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (NCVRW).

LSI's Migrant Services team provides trauma-informed, culturally appropriate support to foreign-born survivors of human trafficking. Services are available for both adults and minors.

With our partners at the U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants (USCRI), LSI provides the following services for survivors of human trafficking:

• assistance in achieving certification from the United States Health and Human Services Office of Refugee Resettlement
• trauma-informed, person-centered, comprehensive case management services
• timely access to vital services that help to stabilize the ability to live independently
• limited financial assistance
• connection to community services, such as immigration legal assistance, housing, mental health counseling, medical services, etc.

Learn more about this important work at lsiowa.org/ircs/trafficking-victims-assistance-program

LSI Immigrant and Refugee Community Services is hiring! Whether you want to kick-start your career or join an organization where you can advance and grow your leadership skills, we have a place for you.

If you enjoy working with immigrants and refugees and want to join a passionate and energized team, apply today!

We're currently hiring part-time and full-time positions in:

➡️ Davenport
️➡️ Des Moines
➡️ Sioux City
➡️ Storm Lake
➡️ Waterloo

Positions vary by location. Learn more and apply online at LSIowa.org/careers.

Today marks the first day of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (NCVRW).

Through NCVRW we honor crime victims and survivors, recognize the professionals and volunteers who provide critical services to victims of crime, and raise awareness about crime victims’ rights and services.

This years theme is:

"How would you help?

Options, services, and hope for crime survivors."

This year’s theme is a call-to-action for us all to create safe environments for crime victims to share what happened to them. By doing so, we’re able to offer support, options for life-saving services, and, most importantly, hope.

Access the resource guide here: https://rb.gy/1220rj

Sign up for the Office for Victims of Crime's NCVRW Subscription List to receive important NCVRW updates.

Our hearts are saddened by the news of Teree Caldwell-Johnson’s passing. Teree was a bright light in a sometimes tough world. She inspired, she motivated, and she positively impacted thousands of people throughout the Des Moines metro area. Our community is stronger because of her legacy.

In the words of our President and CEO, Renee Hardman, "The community has lost a trailblazer, impact maker, visionary, and compassionate community leader. She made the world a better place because of her numerous accomplishments toward humanity."

Just as Teree partnered with and supported so many populations throughout the area, she was a fierce advocate for immigrants and refugees, as evidenced by her work in co-founding the Refugee Alliance of Central Iowa along with LSI’s Director of Immigrant and Refugee Services.

“We are indebted to Teree for her commitment to the refugee population,” said Nick Wuertz. “Her legacy lives on through the RACI network of providers that work together to better serve the needs of the growing refugee population in Central Iowa.”

The LSI family mourns her loss and sends prayers to her family and the Oakridge Neighborhood.

Join us for our upcoming Career Day: Healthcare in the United States.

Learn about jobs and careers in the healthcare industry.

This free workshop will be held on Saturday, April 6, 2024, from 9:30 a.m. until 12 p.m. (noon).

It will be at LSI Des Moines campus: 3200 University Ave.

Seating is limited, so we encourage you to register as soon as possible to secure your spots.

- Interpreters will be available based on language needs.
- Snacks and tea will be provided during the event.
- Please note that transportation will not be provided for this event.

To register, contact: [email protected] or 515-330-7610

Do you currently run a home daycare?

Are you an immigrant, refugee, or non-native English speaker?

You may be eligible for Lutheran Services in Iowa’s free services to help you grow your childcare provider business!

We are currently accepting clients in Davenport, Des Moines, Sioux City, and Waterloo.

We can help you:

- Take care of more children
- Earn more income
- Help to apply for funding
- Come up with new business ideas
- With record keeping

You’ll also receive free interpretation. English is not needed.

➡️ Email [email protected].

️➡️️️ Learn more online at lsiowa.org/ircs/child-care-program

Thank you to the United Way of Central Iowa, U.S. Small Business Administration, and Polk County Early Childhood for supporting this program!

An inspiring 37 percent of all restaurants are owned by immigrants.

The impact to our community, our workforce, and our economy — as well as our dining experiences — is inspiring!

At Lutheran Services in Iowa, we offer free business coaching to immigrants and refugees who are starting or growing their businesses.

We can help with sales and marketing, language and cultural support, business funding, record keeping, business planning, and more.

➡️ Contact us by emailing [email protected]�

➡️ Learn more online at lsiowa.org/ircs/community-navigator-program�

Thanks to our partners U.S. Small Business Administration and United Way of Central Iowa for your support!

Our popular Senior Immigrant + Refugee Program (age 60 and older) has openings!

At Lutheran Services in Iowa, we can help you advocate for your needs and connect with other benefits and resources.

Reach out to see if you qualify. The program includes:

- Classes to improve your English
- Help to prepare for the citizenship exam
- Help with the naturalization process
- Fun activities to socialize and meet other seniors
- Field trips around the Des Moines community

➡️ Contact Lweh Moo, call or text 515.271.7335 or email [email protected].

➡️ Stop by LSI Des Moines: 3200 University Ave., Des Moines, IA 50311.

Thanks to partners United Way of Central Iowa and Aging Resources of Central Iowa for supporting this service!

Take citizenship classes to prepare for the citizenship interview.

At Lutheran Services in Iowa, our citizenship classes teach reading, writing, and civics. We partner with Iowa MMJ to provide legal services for citizenship.

April 8 – June 20, 2024
✓ In Des Moines, Mondays and Wednesdays 10 a.m.- 12 p.m.
✓ In Des Moines, Tuesdays and Thursdays 5:30-7:30 p.m.
✓ Online across Iowa, Tuesdays & Thursdays 5:30-7:30 p.m.

The class fee is $20. The class is taught in English.

➡️ Register today by contacting: [email protected] or 515.271.7335
---
Tome clases de ciudadanía para prepararse para la entrevista de ciudadanía.
Las clases de ciudadanía de LSI enseñan lectura, escritura y educación cívica.
Nos asociamos con Iowa MMJ para brindar servicios legales para la ciudadanía.

8 de abril – 20 de junio de 2024
✓ En Des Moines, lunes y miercoles 10 a.m.- 12 p.m.
✓ En Des Moines, martes y jueves 5:30-7:30 p.m.
✓ En línea a través de lowa, martes y jueves 5:30-7:30 p.m.

El costo de la clase es $20. La clase sera en inglés.

➡️ Regístrese hoy contactando a: [email protected] o 515.271.7335

Ramadan Kareem to those observing Ramadan!

Ramadan Kareem to those observing Ramadan. Ramadan is a month of fasting, worship, community, and a time to grow closer to Allah (God). Much like Christians during Lent, Ramadan is a time to fast from Earthly desires to better focus on faith. Fasting for Ramadan allows those participating to feel the sensations of hunger and practice discipline.

Take citizenship classes to prepare for the citizenship interview.
At Lutheran Services in Iowa, our citizenship classes teach reading, writing, and civics.
We partner with Iowa MMJ to provide legal services for citizenship.

April 8 – June 20, 2024
✓ In Des Moines, Mondays and Wednesdays 10 a.m.- 12 p.m.
✓ In Des Moines, Tuesdays and Thursdays 5:30-7:30 p.m.
✓ Online across Iowa, Tuesdays & Thursdays 5:30-7:30 p.m.

The class fee is $20. The class is taught in English.

➡️ Register today by contacting: [email protected] or 515.271.7335
---
Tome clases de ciudadanía para prepararse para la entrevista de ciudadanía.
Las clases de ciudadanía de LSI enseñan lectura, escritura y educación cívica.
Nos asociamos con Iowa MMJ para brindar servicios legales para la ciudadanía.

8 de abril – 20 de junio de 2024
✓ En Des Moines, lunes y miercoles 10 a.m.- 12 p.m.
✓ En Des Moines, martes y jueves 5:30-7:30 p.m.
✓ En línea a través de lowa, martes y jueves 5:30-7:30 p.m.

El costo de la clase es $20. La clase sera en inglés.

➡️ Regístrese hoy contactando a: [email protected] o 515.271.7335

Thank you to R.I.S.E, Valley High School's Refugee and Immigrant Student Embassy, for the generous food donations!

For the second year in a row, the students of R.I.S.E collected and donated food to all four of the resettlement agencies in the Des Moines area.

We are grateful for your support and partnership in our mission!

Have items to donate to LSI? Donate your items at the Des Moines or Sioux City office Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Thank you to everyone who came out to Refugee Alliance of Central Iowa's day on the hill last week!

LSI Immigrant and Refugee Community Services staff had a booth at the event to talk about immigrant and refugee services and also participated in a training session where attendees learned how to advocate and speak to legislators.

A big thank you to Refugee Alliance of Central Iowa for putting on this great event in the community!

Did you know that 44% of Fortune 500 companies were founded by immigrants or their children?

The impact immigrant and refugee business owners make to our community, our workforce, and our economy is inspiring!

At Lutheran Services in Iowa we offer free business coaching to immigrants and refugees who are starting or growing their businesses.

We can help with sales and marketing, language and cultural support, business funding, record keeping, business planning, and more.

➡️ Contact us by emailing [email protected]�

➡️ Learn more online at lsiowa.org/ircs/community-navigator-program�

Thanks to our partners and for supporting this service!

🇺🇦 Ukrainians in Iowa, welcome! 🇺🇦

You may be eligible for free services from Lutheran Services in Iowa if you are a humanitarian parolee (United For Ukraine - U4U) living in Iowa.

No need to speak English – interpretation is free.

Even if you are sponsored, we have seen many Ukrainians benefit from additional support.

Learn more at lsiowa.org/ircs/ukraine

➡️ Zoya Staroselsky, call 515.587.0491, or email [email protected]

➡️ Illia Yamchuk, call [email protected]

---

🇺🇦 Українці в Aйові, ласкаво просимо! 🇺🇦

Ви можете мати право на безкоштовні послуги, якщо у Вас є гуманітарний пароль (United For Ukraine - U4U) і Ви живете в Айові.

Немає необхідності розмовляти англійською - переклад безкоштовний.

Навіть якщо є спонсор, багато українців отримують додаткову підтримку.

Дізнайтеся більше на LSIowa.org/ircs/Ukraine

➡️ Zoya Staroselsky, 515.587.0491, [email protected]

➡️ Illia Yamchuk, 515.802.8981 [email protected]

---

🇺🇦 Украинцы в Айове, добро пожаловать! 🇺🇦

У Вас есть право на бесплатные услуги, если у Вы приехали по гуманитарному паролю (United For Ukraine - U4U) и живете в Айове.

Не нужно говорить по-английски – мы предоставляем переводчика.

Несмотря на имеющуюся поддержку со стороны спонсора, украинцы могут получить дополнительные услуги.

Более подробную информацию вы можете узнать на lsiowa.org/ircs/ukraine

➡️ Zoya Staroselsky, 515.587.0491, [email protected]

➡️ Illia Yamchuk, 515.802.8981 [email protected]

In some languages, there is no word for “mental health.”

Instead, immigrants and refugees may express these challenges by describing trouble sleeping, deep thinking, or racing thoughts.

At Lutheran Services in Iowa, we offer mental health and counseling services with interpretation in person in Des Moines or across Iowa through telehealth services.

Our therapists specialize in cross-cultural counseling.

➡️ Download translated flyers about mental health services at lsiowa.org/ircs/refugeewellness

Join us for the upcoming Career Day: Commercial Truck Driving

Learn about jobs and careers in the healthcare industry.

This free workshop will feature a guest speaker and be held on Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023, from 9:30 a.m. until 12 p.m. (noon).

It will be at LSI Des Moines campus: 3200 University Ave.

Seating is limited, so we encourage you to register as soon as possible to secure your spots.

- Interpreters will be available based on language needs.
- Snacks and tea will be provided during the event.
- Please note that transportation will not be provided for this event.

To register, contact: Kemberley Woods at 515-330-7610 or email
Kemberley. [email protected]

LSI Immigrant and Refugee Community Services offers a FREE tax clinic that started February 1st!

Properly filed taxes are important for:
➡️ Immigration status
➡️ Buying a home
➡️ Receiving loans
➡️ Applying for citizenship

Make an appointment today or stop by:
- Tuesdays, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Thursdays, 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
- Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

We offer free tax preparation and tax filing services for qualifying immigrants and refugees at our Des Moines offices each spring.

➡️ Contact us by emailing [email protected]

➡️ Download flyers translated into multiple languages at LSIowa.com/IRCS/VITA

Thanks to the IRS for making this program possible, and to our partners the U.S. Small Business Administration and United Way of Central Iowa for your support!

Looking for volunteer opportunities? In 2023, LSI had 349 volunteers who served 6,271 volunteer hours.

LSI Immigrant and Refugee Community Services has a variety of volunteer opportunities for individuals and groups all year round!

Learn about LSI's volunteer opportunities at lsiowa.org/take-action/volunteer or by emailing [email protected].

From all of LSI, Happy Valentine's Day to those who celebrate!

This Valentine’s Day, we’re asking you – our donors, volunteers, and supporters – to be our valentines! We are so grateful for your trust in our mission to uplift Iowans from all walks of life. Thank you for helping us spread love and light. Here’s to you and a wonderful Valentine’s Day!