Time to (Re)Enroll in Kroger's Community Rewards Program

Now's the time to enroll or re-enroll in Kroger's Community Rewards Program! Thanks to this program, you can support LSG while shopping for groceries.  Simply follow the directions below to link your Kroger Plus Card along with your telephone number to our rewards numbers.

1) Click here to register online. Have your Kroger Plus Card available. If you do not have a Kroger Plus Card, they are available free of charage at the Customer Service desk at any Kroger. 2) Click on Sign In/Register. 3) If this is your first time visiting the site, click Sign Up Today in the “New Customer?” box. 4) To sign up for a Kroger Rewards account, simply enter your zip code, select your favorite store, enter your email address, create a password, and agree to the terms and conditions. 5) You will receive a message to check your email inbox. Click on the link within the body of the email. 6) Click on “My Account” and use your email address and password to proceed to the next step. 7) Click on Edit Kroger Community Rewards information and enter your Kroger Plus Card number. Enter your telephone number as well in case you forget your Kroger Plus Card. 8) Update or Confirm your information. 9) Enter Lutheran Services of Georgia or 12818, select LSG from the list, and click to confirm. 10) If you have enrolled correctly, you will see Lutheran Services of Georgia on the right side of your information page.

Please remember:

-Purchases will not count for LSG until after you register your card(s).

-Members must swipe their registered Kroger Plus Card or use the phone number that is connected to their registered Kroger Plus Card when shopping for each purchase to count.

–Do you use your phone number at the register? Call 800-576-4377 and select option 4 to get your Kroger Plus Card number.

Thank you for supporting Lutheran Services of Georgia. Happy shopping!

LSG Selected to Pilot Refugee Employment Mentoring Program

Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service (LIRS) recently selected Lutheran Services of Georgia to pilot the Refugee Employment Mentoring Program with Higher, LIRS’s national employment initiative. LSG was selected from among 23 resettlement offices across the nation because of its commitment to employment security for refugees and its tradition of welcome.

The Refugee Employment Mentoring Program aims to accomplish two goals: to support long-term career advancement for refugees and to deepen social connections between refugees and their communities. LSG will match 30 mentors with 30 refugees who will commit to weekly meetings for at least three months. The mentor will act as a job coach, equipping the refugee to develop skills, identify long-term career goals, and create a plan to reach those goals.

Through mentoring relationships, refugees receive the opportunity to expand their social networks. Upon arrival in Georgia, refugees often face significant barriers to community integration. Language skills and difficulties navigating the institutions and customs of a new culture can leave refugees vulnerable to marginalization. This program connects refugees and long-term local residents who can work together to build a more cohesive and vibrant community.

LSG currently operates refugee resettlement programs in both Atlanta and Savannah. In the 2013 fiscal year, LSG resettled 461 refugees and provided services in employment, social adjustment, and information and referral to 1,371 refugees. The Refugee Employment Mentoring Program will allow LSG to provide additional support for clients to achieve economic self-sufficiency and become fully integrated in their communities. At the end of the project year, all findings will be compiled into a report that can offer guidance for other sites interested in pursuing a similar mentorship model.

For more information on the Refugee Employment Mentoring Program, contact Melanie Johnson at mjohnson@lsga.org or 678-686-9619. Visit www.lsga.org to learn more about Lutheran Services of Georgia.

Alie Advocates for Child Welfare in D.C.!

On May 6-8, LSG’s Vice President of Programs Alie Redd, LCSW, participated in the Child Welfare League of America’s 2014 National Advocacy Summit in Washington, D.C. Below, Alie shares her experience advocating for the nation’s vulnerable children.

I was invited by Together Georgia to participate in the Child Welfare League of America’s 2014 National Advocacy Summit in Washington, DC, on May 6 through 8. The summit addressed child welfare issues and helped organizations and individuals understand how to advocate on the Hill for child welfare reform. I, along with two colleagues fromCHRIS Kids, visited Congressmen John Lewis, Thomas Price, M.D., John Barrow, and Johnny Isakson’s offices and met with their staff to advocate for children in Georgia specifically about privatization of child welfare, mental health, and adoption. The summit taught attendees how to prepare specific talking points to address Congress and how to approach these influential people and decision makers with confidence.  This was particularly powerful because most people think Congressmen are unreachable or unapproachable. However, I found congressional staff to be welcoming and open to input and suggestions from their constituents.

At the summit, I learned how to advocate on a national level for vulnerable people who do not have a voice and for those who may no have the means to advocate for themselves or their loved ones. At first I was really nervous because I wasn’t sure what to say, but the summit taught me how to organize my thoughts. Then, all the voices of the children I have served throughout the years began to tell their stories through my voice. I was so proud to represent the vulnerable children of Georgia. Once I returned to Georgia, I shared with others how easy it is to make sure voices are heard in Congress. I also participated in a Lunch and Learn workshop to teach others at LSG how to ensure their voices are heard and how to advocate for those in need.

For more information about the Child Welfare League of America, click here.

LSG Tees Off at the 20th Anniversary Atlanta Golf Classic

On a gorgeous spring day in May, 57 golfers and LSG supporters teed off at the Atlanta Golf Classic. Held at the Trophy Club of Atlanta, a beautiful and challenging course located in Alpharetta, this year's event marked the 20th anniversary of the annual Lutheran Services of Georgia fundraiser.

After a continental-style breakfast and opening prayer, fourteen foursomes scrambled for first place on the green. The day concluded with a 19th Hole Party featuring cold beer, hamburgers and hot dogs, door prizes, a silent auction, and awards for top players. The competition was fierce but one foursome emerged victorious: Ken Anderson, Bruce Johnson, Mark Olsen, and John Smith, pictured above. John Didcher, Ken Hyde, Mark Moeller, and Frank Pepe followed closely in second place, and Don Derrico, Brown Edwards, Greg Erath, and Mo Tabarrok came in third.

Awards were also given for men and women with exceptional play. Littie Brown and Mike Campbell won trophies for the Longest Drive for women and men, respectively. Julie Miller received the Closest to the Pin award for women and Brown Edwards for men. LSG awarded Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Alpharetta both the John Timpe Participation Trophy for bringing the largest number of golfers and the Bob Ott Memorial Sponsorship award for bringing in the most sponsorship dollars.

Together, golfers and supporters raised over $17,000 and an additional $11,000 in in-kind donations. LSG is grateful for all of the golfers, volunteers, staff members, and sponsors who made this event possible.

To see photos from the day’s activities, visit our Facebook page. Don’t forget to like, tag, and share!

LSG Nurse Helps Clients Reach Healthy Tomorrows

When Cathy Dandelakis’ son entered the FACES program, little did she know that this was only the beginning of her involvement with Lutheran Services of Georgia. LSG’s FACES program places individuals with developmental disabilities in supportive host homes where they can thrive.

Cathy holds 37 years of knowledge and experience serving medically-fragile populations as a mother, a teacher, a nurse, and a caregiver. Her passion for caregiving began while in nursing school. During the summer, she worked the night shift on a cancer ward as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CAN). Along with caring for the physical needs of her patients, she provided emotional support and companionship for patients in their final moments. “I worked with people who were sleepless, who were sad, who were angry, who were lonely, and many would pass away with no family in the middle of the night,” she recalled. Cathy’s presence reminded them that they were not alone. There, on the cancer ward, she discovered that nursing was more than a career for her—it was her calling.

After Cathy’s son entered FACES, LSG asked Cathy to help train the support companions who would become her son’s primary caregivers. Cathy agreed and was of such tremendous help to FACES staff and volunteers that LSG asked Cathy to provide training for other host homes. She began writing protocol for FACES case managers, sharing best practices for working with medically-fragile people.

In January 2013, Cathy agreed to join the LSG staff. Her current role includes handling administrative work connected with LSG’s medically-fragile clients, visiting host homes, writing healthcare protocol, and training LSG staff and caregivers. Cathy is always on-call to provide respite assistance or guidance for caregivers and case managers. “As a mother of a very handicapped person,” she remarked, “I know the value of respite. Everyone needs respite, and more than once a year. They need it frequently to replenish themselves, to replenish their souls.”

Cathy’s passion and expertise are immensely beneficial for LSG staff and clients. Cathy used her familiarity with the medical world to advocate on behalf of Matthew*, a nine-year-old boy in LSG’s specialized foster care program. Matthew has SMA Type 1, a rare disease that kills most infants born with it within their first two years of life. Given Matthew’s extreme fragility, the Georgia Department of Family and Child Services expressed concern about his care. Cathy visited Matthew’s foster family and nurse, and then reported back to DFCS that Matthew was indeed receiving great care. Now, Cathy visits the family every few months to check in on their needs. Thanks to the collaboration of Cathy, the foster family, and Matthew’s nurses, Matthew has not been hospitalized for over six years, a truly remarkable accomplishment.

LSG thanks Cathy for using her knowledge, skills, and love of caregiving to help provide excellent care and bring healthy tomorrows to individuals and families throughout Georgia.

*Name has been changed to protect the client.

LSG Cheers on the Atlanta Dream

Lutheran Services of Georgia (LSG) received 250 WNBA tickets to the Atlanta Dream's home opener on Friday, May 16, 2014 against the San Antonio Silver Stars. Phillips Arena buzzed with excitement as fans from all over metro Atlanta gathered to support their team. LSG invited foster parents and children, support companions and FACES clients, and staff to attend the basketball game.

Children of all ages had their faces painted, purchased Dream gear, and ate lots of delicious food, including hot dogs, popcorn, and cotton candy. Star, the Dream's mascot, and the Shooting Stars, the Dream's cheer team, entertained the crowd during the timeouts. The arena was rocking all four quarters, especially towards the end of the game. Fans had a wonderful time cheering for the Dream, and there was plenty to cheer about. The Silver Stars did not go down without a fight, but in the end the Atlanta Dream beat the Silver Stars 79-75.

Terri Medina, the newest member of Agency Advancement, got excited to meet our families outside Phillips Arena. She wanted to make sure that families were able to easily pick-up their Atlanta Dream tickets, so she did what anyone would do--she wore an outfit that was sure to get everyone's attention.

LSG thanks and appreciates the Atlanta Dream for providing an opportunity for our families, many of whom would not otherwise be able to attend the game.

LSG Joins Georgia School of Addiction Studies Board of Directors!

The Georgia School of Addiction Studies (GSAS) has appointed Lutheran Services of Georgia to be on its Board of Directors, effective as of March 2014. The Board of Directors will address the need for knowledge and skill development through advanced training for consumers of mental health, substance abuse, and intellectual disabilities, along with paraprofessionals and licensed clinicians in the fields of substance abuse and mental health. LSG will be instrumental in bringing its expertise to the GSAS Board of Directors. CEO and President Mr. Floyd R. Blair and Director of Behavioral Health Services Dr. Lucy Cannon will serve as representatives on the board.

The GSAS offers unique opportunities for professional development, information exchange, and networking, including its annual GSAS Conference. The 2014 GSAS Conference will take place in SAvannah, Georgia from August 25 through 29. Each year, the conference features highly qualified speakers and experts from various organizations throughout the United States who present on topics related to prevention, treatment, and recovery. Noted keynote speakers such as Dr. David Satcher, former Surgeon General Dr. Drew Pinsky, Host of Celebrity Rehab Dr. H. Wesley Clark, Director of SAMHSA Center for Substance Abuse Treatment, and other experts in addiction and mental health are represented. Click here for more information about the GSAS.

Aimee to Attend World Refugee Day in D.C.!

This June, LSG staff member and former refugee Aimee Zangandou will join other former refugees in Washington D.C. to receive leadership training and advocate on behalf of refugees. Aimee was selected to attend Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service's (LIRS) World Refugee Day Advocacy and Training Event. Along with the Walk of Courage Award Gala and Refugee Sunday, this event will take place as a part of LIRS's 75th Anniversary Commemoration, celebrating 75 years of walking alongside migrants. Aimee will be joined by Yeshey Pelzom, International Rescue Committee (IRC) staff member and former Resettlement Program Manager at LSG, in representing Georgia’s refugee communities.

Aimee’s passion for refugee communities is deeply personal. Originally from Rwanda, Aimee and her family fled the violence of the 1994 genocide and crossed the border into the Democratic Republic of Congo. Aimee, her parents, and her three siblings lived in a refugee camp for one year before relocating to Niger. In 1997, when Aimee was only 16 years old, her family was resettled in Stone Mountain, Georgia. There, a local church welcomed them and guided them through their early days of life in the U.S.

Since her arrival in Georgia, Aimee has actively helped other refugees adjust to life in the U.S. She began volunteering with refugee communities through the IRC. When Aimee heard that LSG’s Refugee Services department had an opening, she decided to apply. In 2009, she came on staff as a Data Specialist. A year later, she became a Social Adjustment Case Manager and was eventually promoted to Senior Case Manager in June, 2013.

Now, Aimee manages social adjustment services that provide refugees with the resources and knowledge they need to thrive in their new homes and new communities. These services include educating refugees on everything from home maintenance to public transportation to medical appointments. She finds her work “personally rewarding” and is constantly looking for ways that she can serve refugees more effectively.

Aimee is excited for the opportunity to attend LIRS’s World Refugee Day Training and Advocacy event. The trip won’t be her first time in Washington, D.C., but it will be her first time speaking with members of Congress about issues that affect refugee communities. She looks forward to learning more about advocacy and leadership and plans to bring the knowledge she gains back to refugee communities in Georgia. “I’m hoping I can learn more about advocating for refugees and develop skills in keeping communities together,” Aimee said. “I want to empower refugee communities to advocate for themselves and strengthen their communities.” Aimee holds a B.A. in International Affairs and a M.A. in Public Administration.

For more information about the World Refugee Day event and LIRS’s 75^th Anniversary, click here.

Savannah Celebrates a Great Start to the New Year!

Staff, clients, and volunteers at Lutheran Services of Georgia's Savannah office had a great start to 2014! In January, we celebrated the birth of Elisabeth Deidre Sang, Savannah Refugee and Immigration Services's first citizen baby. Elisabeth is the newest member of the Sang family, a refugee family resettled in June 2013.The Rock of Ages Clothing Closet, Candler Hospital, Bible Baptist Church, and Eden Village all graciously provided in-kind donations to assist with clothing and furnishing Elisabeth's nursery. Elisabeth's four siblings--Ngai, Nam, Johnatan, and Van Tui--welcomed her into the world with love and excitement.

In February, LSG's Savannah office recruited new staff members and volunteers that will support our refugee resettlement and employment placement services. Sarmad Hameed, previously the Administrative Assistant for LSG's Atlanta office, accepted a promotion to become the full-time Reception & Placement (R&P) Case Manager. Sarmad is bilingual in Arabic and English and has already made great strides in building relationships in the community. Max Youngblood is excited to serve as the new Employment Specialist and Morgan Francisco, our new Logistics Coordinator, is ready to respond to all donation inquiries.

Dedicated volunteers and interns have joined LSG staff in helping clients of all backgrounds and ages on the journey to self-sufficiency. Felix Montanez, an attorney for Georgia Legal Services, is a Savannah native and bilingual in Spanish and English. Felix generously volunteered over 40 hours of his time in January and February, assisting with case file management and creating a weekend ESL class at the Savannah State Library. Anine Picard, a retired county school administrator, provided more than 60 hours in February, transporting clients to medical appointments and advocating for refugees in the community. Anine felt called to volunteer with LSG because she was once a new immigrant. After leaving her native Norway, Anine needed to learn how to communicate and adapt to American culture, and she wants to help other newcomers do the same.

Thanks to new staff, volunteers, and Elisabeth's birth, January and February were exciting months for LSG's Savannah office. We can't wait to see what the rest of the year holds!

Taylor Brand Made Vice Chair of Foster Family-Based Treatment Association--Georgia!

Lutheran Services of Georgia congratulates Taylor Brand, LSG's Senior Program Manager for Specialized Foster Care and Family Intervention Services in Atlanta, on being selected as the 2014 Vice Chair of the Foster Family-Based Treatment Association (FFTA)'s Georgia Chapter! Taylor will serve as the Vice Chair to Chair Sally Buchanan, CEO of Creative Community Services, Inc.

FFTA is an association of organizations that provide treatment foster care, a unique model of care that combines a nurturing family environment with structured treatment. FFTA aims to strengthen agencies that support families caring for vulnerable children.

Taylor said, "I'm excited to be the Vice Chair of FFTA. I've worked in and around foster care for many years and have seen first-hand the benefits of treatment foster care. This is a great opportunity to sit at the table each month with Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS) leadership and advocate for children and families. FFTA is recognized nationally, so I will be in a position to advocate for children in foster care on a national and state level."

Taylor is not the first LSG staff member to serve in a leadership role with FFTA's Georgia Chapter. Alie Redd, LSG's State Manager for Specialized Foster Care, Family Intervention Services, and Adoption previously served as the Co-Chair of FFTA. Alie said, "I am excited to present and pass the torch for 2014 Vice Chair to Taylor. Her voice, expertise, and advocacy for children and families will ring throughout both the state of Georgia and the nation."

Congratulations, Taylor!

To learn more about FFTA, click here.

Remembering Sue Benner

Lutheran Services of Georgia honors Sue Benner, a long-time LSG supporter who died on February 14, 2014. Sue’s passion for individuals and families in need was admired by all who knew her. An active member of Living Grace Lutheran Church, Sue lived out her faith as Chair of their Community Outreach Committee. She participated in sewing and quilting groups, served in the Women’s Prison Ministry program, and organized the Gas Cards for Foster Families Annual Campaign. Thanks to Sue’s campaign, for the past six years, LSG foster care parents and FACES support companions in metro Atlanta received gas cards as a small token of thanks for the care they give every day to the children and adults in their homes. She also served in the Southeastern Synod Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (WELCA) in several capacities. To honor Sue, the Southeastern Synod WELCA requested that gas cards to benefit LSG be brought to Sue’s memorial service, which was held on February 22. Sue is survived by a loving family—her husband, two daughters, a son, four grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and many extended family members. Sue truly lived a life of service, ministry, compassion, hope, and love. She will be greatly missed.

Prevent Child Abuse Georgia Relaunches Statewide 1-800-CHILDREN Helpline

Prevent Child Abuse Georgia recently announced the return of 1-800-CHILDREN, its free referral line for Georgians concerned about the healthy development of children and the prevention of child abuse. The 1-800-CHILDREN Helpline is professionally staffed by operators from Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition of Georgia and will operate Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Unlike the Department of Family and Children Services (DFCS) statewide centralized intake number, the Helpline is not a number to call in crisis or when making a report of child abuse or neglect (Click here to learn how to report child abuse or neglect). Rather, operators will be available to provide information regarding parenting support, community resources, counseling services, referrals for legal needs, concern about the well-being of a child or family member, family violence, and other child maltreatment prevention issues.

PCA Georgia is a state chapter of Prevent Child Abuse America. The organization provides statewide direction to prevent child abuse and neglect, promote healthy children, and develop strong families through its prevention network, public awareness, prevention programs, and advocacy.

Click here to find out more about 1-800-CHILDREN and PCA Georgia.

Support LSG Through Kroger's Community Rewards Program!

Lutheran Services of Georgia recently enrolled in Kroger's Community Rewards Program! Thanks to this program, you can support LSG while shopping for groceries.  Simply follow the directions below to link your Kroger Plus Card along with your telephone number to our rewards numbers.

1) Visit www.kroger.com/communityrewards to register online. Have your Kroger Plus Card available. If you do not have a Kroger Plus Card, they are available free of charage at the Customer Service desk at any Kroger. 2) Click on Sign In/Register. 3) If this is your first time visiting the site, click Sign Up Today in the "New Customer?" box. 4) To sign up for a Kroger Rewards account, simply enter your zip code, select your favorite store, enter your email address, create a password, and agree to the terms and conditions. 5) You will receive a message to check your email inbox. Click on the link within the body of the email. 6) Click on "My Account" and use your email address and password to proceed to the next step. 7) Click on Edit Kroger Community Rewards information and enter your Kroger Plus Card number. Enter your telephone number as well in case you forget your Kroger Plus Card. 8) Update or Confirm your information. 9) Enter Lutheran Services of Georgia or 12818, select LSG from the list, and click to confirm. 10) If you have enrolled correctly, you will see Lutheran Services of Georgia on the right side of your information page.

Please remember:

-Purchases will not count for LSG until after you register your card(s).

-Members must swipe their registered Kroger Plus Card or use the phone number that is connected to their registered Kroger Plus Card when shopping for each purchase to count.

--Do you use your phone number at the register? Call 800-576-4377 and select option 4 to get your Kroger Plus Card number.

Thank you for supporting Lutheran Services of Georgia. Happy shopping!

Two Ways to Volunteer with LSG!

Lutheran Services of Georgia works to bring restored hope, transformed lives, and healthy tomorrows to individuals and families in need throughout Georgia. Our work depends on the generous support and skills of our many volunteers. Are you interested in joining our LSG family? Here are two great ways to get involved!

Volunteer with Family Intervention Services (FIS): LSG's Family Intervention Services is looking for volunteers! Specific responsibilities may include:

--Assisting with supervising parent-child and sibling visitations --Assisting with transporting clients to and from program activities --Assisting with co-facilitating children's group --Providing childcare for participants of parenting groups or training session --Completing documentation for services provided --Assisting with administrative duties, such as filing and data entry --Working in collaboration with staff to develop innovating programming

Volunteers are especially needed on Saturdays to assist with ongoing FIS parental trainings. To learn more about qualifications for the position, click here. For more information on volunteering with FIS, contact Terri Medina at tmedina@lsga.org or (404) 591-7067.

"First Friends" Cultural Mentorship: "First Friends" provide assistance to refugee families or individuals new to the United States as a cultural guide and friend. First Friends are matched with a newly arrived refugee or refugee family and visit during the first 3-6 months in the U.S. to check on their progress, to answer questions, practice English conversation, and help with the adjustment process.

For more information on becoming a First Friend, contact Melanie Johnson at mjohnson@lsga.org or 678-686-9619.

Thank you for considering volunteering with LSG. We can't do it without you!

Fundraising Made Easy: Six Tips for Hunger Walk/Run 2014

Are you participating in the 2014 Hunger Walk/Run, but the thought of asking for money makes you sweat? Fundraising can be intimidating at first, but it can also be a lot of fun! And just think - the funds you raise for your team lead to healthier, happier people throughout Georgia. Here are six fundraising tips to help you raise more funds, reach more supporters, and increase your impact! 1) Get Started Today! The 2014 Hunger Walk/Run is a month away, and now is the perfect time to amplify your fundraising efforts. If you haven't registered yet, you can register online. Once registered, you can customize your webpage with your own notes, photos, and stories.

2) Team Up! There is strength in numbers and you'll have more fun and success. Form or join a team and you'll have a support network all working together towards a common goal. Teams are a great way to have fun, build deeper relationships, enjoy friendly competition, build teamwork with your co-workers, and achiever your goals. Click here to team up!

3) Spread the word! Use your social network to share the link to your fundraising page. Post regular status updates on your fundraising efforts so others can support you and cheer you on. Send out emails to everyone you know asking them for any amount...any little bit helps. Click here for more ways you can use social media to spread the word and here to access promotional materials!

4) Get your employer involved! Ask your employer to get involved by forming a team or supporting your efforts. Your employer may also be willing to match your gift---you won't know until you ask!

5) Ask everyone you know! The more people you ask, the more you'll be able to raise. Ask everyone you know and ask often! Even people from out-of-state can support you and will be interested in your efforts for positive change.

6) Be Creative! There are so many creative, fun ways to engage your community in fundraising. Get your neighbors involved in a community yard sale. Host a bake sale, a car wash, a chili cook-off, or a dinner party for your friends, clients, co-workers, or congregation. Creativity is a great way to keep fundraising fun!

Click here for these and other fundraising tips and here to register for the 2014 Hunger Walk/Run. Thank you for supporting LSG in the fight to end hunger throughout Georgia!

Grants in Action - LSG's Extended Cultural Orientation Program

On weekday mornings, refugee men and women gather in a small apartment in Clarkston to learn about life in the United States. Brightly colored posters hang on the walls, containing information on types of American currency, a map of the United States, the Pledge of Allegiance, and answers to FAQs. At the front of the classroom, Jacque Ulrich, LSG’s Cultural Orientation Coordinator, leads the group with energy and enthusiasm. After each question asked or lesson taught, she pauses briefly. Fountains of language—Nepali, Somali, Arabic, Burmese, Farsi, and English—trickle through the room as interpreters, mostly former refugees, translate her words until every student understands.

In March 2013, Lutheran Services of Georgia launched its Extended Cultural Orientation (ECO) program to give refugees an in-depth orientation to the United States. Within 30 days of arrival in Georgia, LSG’s refugee clients begin taking nine class sessions spanning three weeks. ECO offers pragmatic lessons in subjects crucial to everyday life as a refugee—personal finance, public transportation, the U.S. education system, immigration law, and more. Some ECO classes feature local organizations that introduce refugees to resources in the Clarkston area.

Funding for the ECO program comes from the Office of Refugee Resettlement’s Preferred Communities Grant, distributed to LSG through Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service (LIRS), LSG’s national affiliate. Since the early 1990s, the Preferred Communities grant has provided funding for organizations working in smaller cities and towns that boast a wealth of opportunities for resettled refugees, like Clarkston.

Prior to establishing ECO, LSG’s approach to cultural orientation was limited to a “four-hour welcome-to-America—here’s your rundown on everything you need to know before you’re a permanent resident,” said Jacque. Now, refugees are able to learn more about U.S. culture and have their questions answered in a safe, welcoming space. Unlike many cultural orientation programs, ECO does not separate refugees according to their country of origin. “We want to build infrastructure between communities,” Jacque said, “not necessarily within ethnic groups.” ECO gives refugee clients the opportunity to meet refugees from other countries who have also been resettled in Clarkston.

Jacque enjoys coordinating the ECO program. “I get to hang out with people from all over the world with all different experiences and learn from them,” she said. She also enjoys discovering the ”preexisting knowledge and experiences” that each refugee brings with them to the classroom. In the future, she hopes to see the program grow to offer lessons in even more subjects, better preparing refugees to succeed in the U.S.

If you’d like to support LSG’s ECO program, consider donating snacks and beverages for the refugees. LSG provides snacks, soda, tea, and coffee during each class session to help create a more relaxed, communal atmosphere. According to Jacque, “When a lot of people get a cup of something hot in their hands, it’s culturally appropriate to start talking.” You can also donate new or gently used toys for children of refugees. ECO offers childcare during the classes so mothers and fathers can fully participate.

Contact Jacque Ulrich at julrich@lsga.org or (678) 852-8591 for more information about ECO or to donate.

Take the Next Step with LSG at the 30th Annual Hunger Walk/Run!

Join thousands in the fight against hunger on Sunday, March 9th at Turner Field. The 5K walk/run benefits the Atlanta Community Food Bank and one of its partners, Lutheran Services of Georgia, with hunger relief programs. Everyone is welcome to join or donate!

The event opens at Noon and the 5K walk and 5K “fun run” begin at 2 p.m. Pre-register online as a team or individual at www.HWR2014.org/LSG or at the registration tent the day of the event. Walk Registration is $25 and includes an official Hunger Walk/Run 2014 event t-shirt. Run Registration is $35 and includes a special moisture-wicking t-shirt.

Create your team TODAY and enjoy the fun, festival-like atmosphere with activities for the entire family including games, Atlanta’s finest food trucks, live entertainment and more on March 9th! If you’re unable to attend, you can still fight hunger by joining the Lutheran Services of Georgia Team by visiting www.HWR2014.org/LSG. For more information, contact Terri Medina at tmedina@lsga.org or 404-591-7067.

Angel Tree 2013 Highlight: Gifts for Refugees

Each year, Lutheran Services of Georgia's Angel Tree program helps ensure that our clients have a very happy holiday season! Lutheran congregations and other LSG supporters generously gave gifts and their time to support refugee families. Through Angel Tree, LSG is able to provide warm winter coats, blankets, and clothing for every refugee adult and child resettled during the year---in 2013, that's almost 500 refugees!

Students from Ohio State University and Florida Gulf Coast University taking a week of their winter break for service helped to sort, organize, and deliver Angel Tree gifts for refugees provided by congregations. Lutheran Church of the Redeemer's Mission House served "Angel Tree Central", the location for drop off of all the refugee gifts. Christ the King Lutheran Church provided gifts for over 160 refugees, the largest number of gifts of any congregation in  LSG's Angel Tree 2013! For the Kid in All of Us donated several toys from the 2013 Toy Party and Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Woodstock made shoeboxes full of small toys and items to delight every refugee child.

After the gifts were sorted, LSG staff members and volunteers personally delivered gifts to refugees throughout Clarkston, spreading excitement, smiles, and holiday cheer. LSG thanks all of the congregations, students, staff, and other supporters for making 2013 Angel Tree a success!

Obaid Celebrates 30 Years with LSG!

Leaning back in his office chair and looking out at the city skyline, Obaid Rasoul recalls old memories of his journey from Afghanistan to Atlanta. When Obaid arrived in the U.S. as a refugee, he never dreamed that he would spend the next three decades welcoming other refugees. For thirty years, Obaid has worked in Lutheran Services of Georgia’s Refugee Services department, helping newly arrived refugees find employment and achieve self-sufficiency.

Back in Afghanistan, Obaid lived a busy life, working hard and raising two children. He graduated from the University of Kabul’s Faculty of Law and worked as a criminal lawyer for a year. Then, he took a job at the U.S. Embassy. In 1979, war tore through his country, turning his life upside-down. Obaid feared for his family’s safety. After his brother was executed, Obaid, his wife, and their 4-year-old son and 6-month-old daughter fled to neighboring Pakistan in search of peace.

Once in Pakistan, Obaid began to dream of a permanent home for his family. Originally, he wanted to resettle in France to be near some of his wife’s relatives. Yet one afternoon, as he walked through the city of Peshewar, his plans changed entirely. He passed a building with an American flag—the U.S. consulate’s office. He decided to go inside, where he managed to secure a meeting with the consulate. Obaid told the consulate about his past experience with the U.S. Embassy in Afghanistan. After confirming his connections to the Embassy, the consulate granted Obaid and his family top priority to travel to the U.S. as refugees.

Finally, on April 29, 1983, Obaid and his family arrived in the United States, where they were resettled in Atlanta through the International Rescue Committee (IRC). After only five months in Atlanta, Obaid accepted a position as a job counselor at LSG. Today, Obaid is LSG’s longest-serving staff member and has become the Senior Employment Specialist!

Every day at LSG, Obaid accompanies other refugees on a journey he knows all too well. “We refugees should help each other. Since I came as a refugee myself, I use some of my experience as a refugee to help other refugees,” he said. Although Obaid’s work is challenging, he enjoys discovering the unique skills, experiences, and gifts that each refugee brings with them. “They bring something new to our society,” he mused. “ I learn from them too. I learn a lot from them.”

Thanks to Obaid’s many years of work with LSG, he is known throughout several of Georgia’s refugee communities. One afternoon, Obaid was visiting a largely Somalian area of Clarkston when a former refugee greeted him by name. “Mr. Obaid!,” he called out excitedly. “You got me a job 15 years ago and now I own my own business!” Obaid takes pride in the success of refugees who are using their gifts to build new lives for themselves in Georgia.

Lutheran Services of Georgia is grateful to Obaid for his passion, dedication, and hard work over the last thirty years!

LSG Joins Lutheran Leaders for the National Immigrant Integration Conference!

In Washington, D.C., Lutheran Services of Georgia joined over 40 Lutheran leaders in Miami to strengthen ties and deepen connections during the November 17-19 National Immigrant Integration Conference (Miami NIIC 6)! NIIC 6 reaffirmed the crucial role of churches in building social connections for immigrants.

Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service (LIRS) convened the gathering, bringing together Lutheran leaders from across the nation. "As LIRS approaches its 75th anniversary in 2014, we're honored to bring together this cross-section of Lutheran leaders from churches and congregations from across the U.S, and we're grateful for this opportunity to share their valuable experiences with welcoming migrants and refugees, " said Linda Hartke, LIRS President and CEO.

Attending from Georgia were Melanie Johnson, Program Manager for Volunteer, Congregation and Community Engagement for LSG's Refugee and Immigration Services and the Reverend Seyward Ask, Pastor for Outreach and Evangelism at the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer in Atlanta. "It was incredibly energizing," noted Melanie, "to both hear and share stories of the many ways Lutheran congregations are engaged in compassionate and welcoming relationships with refugees and migrants in communities across the United States. As we left the LIRS convening and the National Immigrant Integration Conference, we parted with much stronger connections to our national network of Lutheran partners in the ministry of welcome."

The LIRS convening involved Lutheran leaders in conversations on topics including

• Investing in the development of expertise within church partner networks and jointly exploring the role congregations can play in connecting migrants and refugees to communities
• Uncovering the strengths, barriers, and emerging opportunities for people of faith to be actively engaged in the integration journeys of newcomers
• Developing a shared understanding of the ways in which participants can expand the circle of congregations invested in the long-term integration of newcomers in the community

LSG is engaged in building welcoming communities by serving, empowering, and advocating for refugees and immigrants. LSG will resettle between four and five hundred refugees in Atlanta and Savannah in 2014 and provide cultural orientation, employment, social adjustment and educational services to refugees. LSG also partners with faith and community groups to visit migrants in detention in Georgia.

LIRS is nationally recognized for its leadership advocating on behalf of refugees, asylum seekers, unaccompanied children, immigrants in detention, families fractured by migration and other vulnerable populations, and for providing services to migrants through over 60 grassroots legal and social service partners across the United States. LIRS welcomes refugees and migrants on behalf of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, and the Latvian Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Learn more at http://lirs.org/.

Miami NIIC 6 is the signature event of the National Partnership for New Americans. The event has grown in size, scope, and vision every year since 2008. Learn more at http://www.integrationconference.org.