At any moment, there are more than 14 million refugees around the world displaced because of war or civil unrest.

Although people wait for the events to be resolved so they may return home, the reality is most families remain in refugee camps for years. Their survival relies as much on the resources provided from the international community, as it does on their individual determination to endure their most difficult journey in life. Fortunately, for a small percentage of families, the United States provides an alternative. In partnership with the United Nations High Commission for Refugees, the U.S. offers people the freedom to start a new life through the country’s refugee resettlement program.

LSS/NCA is proud to be one of the country’s oldest refugee resettlement partners. Since the program was established in the late 1970s in alliance with Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service (LIRS), our staff has helped thousands of families begin new lives in the greater Washington, DC area and Baltimore city. Similar to a compass, our staff and volunteers direct newcomers to appropriate community resources while empowering people to become active members of their new communities. In return, refugees enrich our neighborhoods with their skills, diversity and courage.

Comprehensive Case Management

LSS/NCA’s goal is to help refugees gain self-sufficiency within the first 90 days of their arrival through housing placement, employment services and social programs. We may be able to continue working with some clients in employment services and social programs for up to five years.

Local Sponsors
for Refugee Families

Local sponsors play a central role in our resettlement program’s success. Newly arrived families are matched with either a local church or organization that offers an additional level of support. Sponsors give new arrivals a greater sense of belonging in their new community and in return, LSS/NCA provides guidance and on-going support throughout the resettlement process. Sponsor responsibilities range depending on the needs of a particular family but typically include meeting refugees at the airport, preparing their first apartment, providing guidance on shopping, transportation and other local resources. Partners of LSS/NCA generally describe sponsorship as an exceedingly meaningful opportunity.

This program is partially supported by the Fairfax County Consolidated Community Funding Pool.