This Good Friday: A Message From John Moeller

Dear friends and colleagues,

I hope each of you are looking forward to a long Easter weekend. As a faith-based organization, Inspiritus recognizes Good Friday as a holiday. For those of you who are unfamiliar with the holiday, on Good Friday Christians commemorate the passion, suffering and ultimately gruesome death of their Lord, Jesus Christ, on a cross at the hands of fellow human beings. It is the beginning of a 3 day vigil that chronicles Jesus’ death, burial and culminates with the celebration of His resurrection from the grave.

I find the weekend particularly meaningful because of the suffering and trauma that our staff and I see every day in our shared ministry at Inspiritus with people. At any given time we are either suffering ourselves or suffering with another human being. Our lives, our work and the lives of those whom we accompany are full of struggle. Sometimes the struggle is very dark and grim and death ensues. For sure, death is a very present danger in our work.

While Good Friday is about death, the Easter story culminates in a resurrection. And that’s what I want to draw your attention to this weekend. While our lives are intricately woven together with our clients and together are full of heartache and challenge, we at Inspiritus also get the benefit of seeing life triumph over death. We witness storm victims celebrating their very lives in the midst of losing every worldly possession. We witness children who are placed in our foster care, tenaciously clinging to life with little hope for a healthy future, awaken in the loving embrace of a foster family.

We witness adults who have intellectual or developmental disabilities move from a limited existence to a vibrant life in the care of host home support companions. We witness daily the return of life to the eyes of refugees and asylum seekers who, fleeing death upon their arrival in our presence, could offer nothing but blank stares and weary eyes. We witness ever present smiles and words of gratitude in food bank lines despite the fact that they have to come to make ends meet week after long week. Everyday individuals and families that the world has written off are painstakingly stitched back together, relationships are healed and life is reborn.

Our work is holy. Our work is resurrection work. You and I ultimately believe that life triumphs over death. Let us never forget this truth.

God bless you during this season and always!

Rev. John R. Moeller, Jr

President & CEO of Inspiritus

Thank You for Participating in Hunger Walk Run 2021!

Hello Friends,

What an amazing Hunger Walk Run we had this past Sunday! So many supporters showed up for Inspiritus, the Atlanta Community Food Bank, and local food ministries/pantries. We want to thank each and every one of you for your hard work and participation.

Even though we couldn't walk together this year at the Home Depot Backyard, many congregations reported a record number of members coming out for virtual walks around their neighborhoods!

PICTURED: Kimberlie Marsh, Refugee & Immigrant Services Client Services Manager and Aimee Zangandou, Inspiritus Refugee & Immigrant Services Director

PICTURED: Walkers from Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, John's Creek

Congratulations to Lutheran Church of the Resurrection, Marietta for having the largest number of registered walkers and runners with 43.

Congratulations to our Newest Champions:

• Rev. Mary Armstong-Reiner, St. John Lutheran Church, Griffin

• Barbara Arne & Heather Wallace, St. John's Lutheran Church, Atlanta

• Stacy Fisher, Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd/Daily Bread, Douglasville

• Chuck Storla, Lutheran Church of the Resurrection, Marietta

• Becky White, Trinity Lutheran Church, Lilburn

PICTURED: (Champion) Heather Wallace, St. John's Lutheran Church, Atlanta

Most of all, we had some very impressive totals that we just have to share:

• $41,456 in confirmed online donations

• 480 donations

• 27 teams

• 286 registered walkers/runners

Hunger Walk was a great success because of you. And you rose to the challenge of doing something totally new with the event going virtual! We won't know the final totals for at least a month since donations will continue to come in through the end of March, but we do know that there may be some surprises in the top ten.

It was such a great chance to get outside, get active AND support a great cause. We're already looking forward to next year!

With Gratitude,
– Lorraine Dorough
Inspiritus

PICTURED L- R: VIP Champion Don Larsen, Joan Larsen, Superior Court Judge Beau McClain & his wife Heather, Susan Duke, Butch & Leila Myers, founder of Daily Bread Ministry. Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, Douglasville

PICTURED: Team Matthew 25:35 (which includes members from First United Lutheran Church and Mt. Zion AME Church in Kennesaw).

10 Days Away from 2021 Virtual Hunger WalkRun!

Hello Friends,

We're ten days away from the Hunger Walk/Run on March 7.

Here are 10 ways you can participate:

1. Set up your own team

2. Join a team-click here to find one!

3. Donate to a Team

4. Fundraise for a team

5. Become a Champion, get a yard sign, and display it

6. Join the Inspiritus Team

7. Donate to the Inspiritus team!

8. Promote on your social media*

9. Send emails to friends & family, encouraging them to donate or walk/run

10. Join a Hunger Walk virtual event. View on Youtube or Facebook

*Get Social! Make sure to include a link to your personal or team fundraising page in every Facebook, Instagram and Twitter post about the Hunger Walk Run. Be sure to tag the Food Bank @ACFB (on Instagram and Twitter) and use the hashtag #HWR2021. Also, send thank you notes to supporters...it's important to thank everyone that is supporting you!

Join the Hunger Walk's Champions Club

Remember that anyone who raises $500 or more earns a spot in Hunger Walk's Champions Club and is eligible for special benefits and privileges.

Click here to learn more about the Champions Club.

Congratulations to our new VIP Champions: Mike Frey and Rachel Thornton from Lutheran Church of Resurrection in Marietta and Maggie DeLano from Prince of Peace in John's Creek.

And our new Champions: Hermon Rao from Cross of Life Lutheran Church in Roswell, and Theresa Rogers from Prince of Peace Lutheran Church.

Congratulations also to our top five teams to date:

1. Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, John's Creek

2. Lutheran Church of the Resurrection, Marietta

3. Cross of Life Lutheran Church, Roswell

4. Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd/Daily Bread, Douglasville

5. St. Luke Lutheran Church, Atlanta

*To see a full list of teams and join an existing team, click here

Don't forget to pick up your t-shirts:

All online registrants are eligible to receive a walker or runner t-shirt. You will have the opportunity to either have the t-shirt shipped for a nominal fee or elect to pick it up the following t-shirt distribution days:

• March 6 - The Atlanta Community Food Bank 12-4pm (2021 shirts)

Find a trail near you and get walking or running!

Find a great outdoor trail near you to get your steps in and help feed a hungry neighbor. View the list of trails here.

• Join your team, family or friends and get active in your community, walking or running at any time or join us virtually on March 7.

• If your congregation isn't going to have a team this year, you can still walk! Join or donate directly to our Inspiritus team! The need is great, and your support will make all the difference.

Did Someone Say Sandwich?

On March 7, wear your 2021 Hunger Walk Run T-shirt to any local Arby's, purchase a small order of french fries and receive a free Classic Roast Beef Sandwich! Share the news with your friends and family and encourage them to register.

We have over 182 registered walkers and runners, 23 teams and $20,909 in confirmed gifts! Donations are still coming in as we write this.

Also, there will be no donation envelopes this year. Instead you can access the donation form here and include it with checks made out to Hunger Walk (not Inspiritus!) and put it in a regular mailing envelope.

Let's keep the momentum going and add more teams for our strongest turnout yet. Also, we have posters and cards you can share. If you'd like some, contact Sarah Burke or Lorraine Dorough today. Hunger Walk is a great chance to get outside, get active AND support a great cause!

With Gratitude,

– Lorraine Dorough

Inspiritus

Last year, 24 teams from congregations across metro Atlanta, plus our staff team at Inspiritus, raised $73,440.57 in support of the Atlanta Community Food Bank, Inspiritus, and food ministries in their communities!

Inspiritus MLK Day of Reflection 2021

A day of service, learning and advocacy to commemoratethe life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

This will be an enlightening afternoon of reflection. We are very excited to announce that we will have a children's pastor and two youth pastors facilitating an age-appropriate learning experience for the first half of the afternoon's event.

Our children will be lead by: Deacon Mary Houck. She serves as Director of Children's Ministry and Special Needs Ministry at Lutheran Church of the Redeemer in Atlanta and has been involved in leadership of the Inspiritus MLK Day of Service for several years.

Our youth will be lead by Reverend Michael Jannett and Hillary Nelson. Reverend Michael is the Assistant to the Bishop for Communication and Formation for the Southeastern Synod of the ELCA. Hillary Nelson is the Director for Middle and High School Youth Ministry at Lutheran Church of the Redeemer in Atlanta.

The adult sessions will have a multi-sensory approach with musical performances and artist, GW Harper, painting through out the event. We will reflect on Dr. King's messages of peace, hope, and service through poems, lectures, and break-out group discussions.

Families, please register each of your children separately, and indicate whether you'd like a children's ticket (5th grade and under) and/or a youth ticket (6th grade through 12th grade) on our registration page.

Please note that families will begin the event together, on the parent's Zoom link, then we will ask the children to log on to a separate Zoom on their own devices after the introductory portion of the program.

We look forward to learning, serving, and advocating with you on January 18th!

A Special Zoom Event

Monday, January 18, 2020

1:00 PM to 3:00 PM EST

Giving Tuesday was a success because of you!

Hi Friends,

By now you are thinking, PLEASE not another Giving Tuesday email from Inspiritus!

Well, we have to send just one more to let you know that because of you're overwhelming generosity and support, we exceeded our goal of $5,000. We reached over $12,000 in donations, including a generous $5,000 match grant from Jill & Eli Flournoy and The Bash Party Rentals.

You made such an impact this Giving Tuesday. We are beyond grateful. Thank you again for all your support!

With Gratitude,

Virginia Spencer

Vice President of Development

Inspiritus

Giving Tuesday is a week away

Giving Tuesday is one short week away.

Join us next Tuesday, December 1st for a day of giving and celebration. The goal is simple and powerful: to connect more Georgians to Inspiritus for the largest day of giving in our state. Here are a few ways you can participate:

POST. Share all our Facebook posts about Giving Tuesday on your social media channels (Facebook, Instagram and Twitter) and help us spread the word! Use the hashtags #GAGives #GivingTuesday

EMAIL. Forward this email with our "GIVE VIDEO" below to your personal network of friends & family, and ask them to forward on to their network. After all, sharing is caring!

DONATE. Please show your support and make a donation to Inspiritus by donating here.

Early donations are now accepted and will go towards our overall goal. Give today to receive a 100% match up to $5,000, courtesy of Jill & Eli Flournoy and The BASH Party Rentals

WATCH & SHARE. Watch and share our "GIVE HOPE" video below. Please share this video with your faith congregation, friends & family today to support our #GivingTuesday efforts.

Your gift will help more individuals and families get back on the path from surviving to thriving. Thank you from all of us here at Inspiritus. We hope you have a safe & healthy Thanksgiving and holiday season!

With Gratitude,

Virginia Spencer

Vice President of Development

Inspiritus

Give Hope This Holiday Season

This year, give the gift of hope...

The Inspiritus Hope Tree program gives the gift of hope to children in foster care, refugee and immigrant families seeking a new life, and adults with developmental disabilities who may not otherwise receive a gift.

We are living in unprecedented times. Everyone has been impacted in some way by this year's worldwide pandemic. Christmas will look different this year. Whether it is different because family gatherings are scaled back or cancelled, or because of the recession’s financial impact, there will likely be fewer presents under the tree.

We understand that even if you have traditionally participated in our Hope Tree Christmas giving, you may not be able to this year, and that is ok. This year we are offering a virtual option for those who are able to give to those in need. All of the individuals and families we support have been impacted in some way by the pandemic. Some have experienced job loss or reductions in pay, students have had interrupted educations because they haven't been able to sustain virtual learning, and our adults with developmental disabilities and some of our children in foster care are STILL under shelter-in-place orders because of their compromised health conditions.

If you are able, please support this year's Hope Tree program by signing up to purchase a $25 gift card(s) and mailing them to Inspiritus P.O. Box 7829 Atlanta, GA 30357 by DECEMBER 16th.

You may also choose to purchase a coat. You can sign-up for both gift card and coat donations here. There you will also see instructions for coat drop-offs. Gift card donations will be used by Inspiritus staff to purchase coats for one of the children or adults that Inspiritus accompanies. Where coats are not needed, gift cards will be given to host home providers to purchase Christmas gifts for individuals with disabilities who live in their homes.

If you have questions, please reach out to Sarah Burke, our Community Engagement Coordinator at Sarah.Burke@weinspirit.org or 706-992-2421

Thank you for the meaningful ways you and your congregations live out your lives as people of faith. Inspiritus is blessed to partner with you as we accompany the most vulnerable among us on their journey from surviving to thriving.

Also, be sure to join us for #GivingTuesday - the Global Day of Giving on Tuesday, Dec 1, 2020.

We're proud to be a part of this global celebration of giving through GAGives. In this time of uncertainty, there's a fundamental truth that gives us hope - that together we can do extraordinary things.

Save the date and be sure to bookmark this link: https://www.gagives.org/organization/Inspiritus

Gratefully,

Virginia Spencer
Vice President of Development
Inspiritus

Our Hurricane Zeta Response is made possible through the above partnerships.

We Welcome Refugees to Georgia

I welcome refugee sign

On January 18, more than 200 volunteers from the Atlanta area gathered in the recreation hall of Rock of Ages Lutheran Church in Stone Mountain to pack more than 4,000 pounds of rice for refugees recently resettled by LSG.  As they mingled and waited for the rice packing to begin, many volunteers made signs, sharing their reasons for supporting refugees in Georgia and explaining why they choose to spend their day off from work or school as a day of service.

we welcome refugees because we can

refugees welcome sign

In a little over an hour, the hard-working volunteers – who ranged from groups of middle schoolers to individuals and families to groups of adults from local congregations - re-packaged the 25 and 50 pound bags of rice into smaller family-sized bags to be distributed to refugee families.

close up of rice for refugees

So, Why Rice? 

A bag of rice may seem like a strange welcome gift, but to those entering a brand new country with few resources and no immediate means to secure their family’s next meal, rice can be more than just food.  Rice, often a central part of the diets of many refugees, can bring a feeling of comfort and security in a tumultuous period of their life.  When refugees step off a plane at Hartsfield-Jackson Airport to begin their new life in the United States, they’re often exhausted and overwhelmed from their journey and the long waiting period spent in a refugee camp.  They are unsure of what the next hours and days will bring.  Lutheran Services of Georgia provides them with food, shelter, clothing, cultural information, and other support in the first weeks in America, setting them up for to be self-sufficient and contributing members of their communities.

volunteers pack rice for refugees

How We Help.

Lutheran Services of Georgia currently resettles over 600 refugee clients each year in the Atlanta and Savannah areas. In 2015, LSG resettled refugees from 14 countries: Afghanistan, Bhutan, Burma, Central African Republic, Cuba, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Iraq, Burundi, Sri Lanka, Somalia, Sudan, Indonesia, Iran, and the Ukraine.

packing rice for refugees

LSG is there to secure housing for refugees, help refugees find their first job, and assist refugees in getting acclimated to life in Georgia. LSG supports refugees as they apply for important documents, including social security and Georgia ID cards, enrolls refugee children in school, and helps refugees select a primary care physician. LSG provides cultural orientation covering essential aspects of U.S. culture, including U.S. law, medical and educational systems, transportation, banking, and more. With help from organizations like LSG, more than 80 percent of newly arrived refugees in Georgia became completely self-sufficient within 180 days (source: CRSA).

group packs rice for refugees

In addition, LSG’s Savannah office provides additional support for refugee children through the Refugee School Impact Program, launched in spring of 2015. This program aims to improve the academic performance and social adjustment of refugee children. LSG’s School Liaison and a team of volunteers support families through tutoring, individualized case management, regular assessments, and meetings with parents, teachers, and school administration.

We need your help.

refugees sign live with love, not fear

LSG relies on volunteers and donors to help the many families in need in Georgia.

Pastor Stephen Friedrich of Lutheran Church of the Resurrection in Marietta, Ga. shared his reason for volunteering:

"Participating in the MLK Day of Service with LSG was a tangible way for me to put my Christian faith into action. We believe that God's kingdom is a place where all are fed and welcomed. Yesterday I was part of a group working with God for his kingdom right in our midst. For me, there is no greater joy!"

Refugee resettlement is only a portion of what we do and who we serve.We help find homes for children through Foster Care and Adoption.  We keep families together who at risk of separation through our Family Intervention Services.  LSG provides disaster relief when needed.  If you are interested in volunteering with Lutheran Service of Georgia, please contact us at 404-875-0201 or click here to get involved.

Little Helpers + Hope Tree Make A Merry Christmas for Refugees

Hope Tree lsg

Thank you to our friends from Little Helpers, who bought and delivered gifts for all members of 2 refugee families as part of our Hope Tree program, in which volunteers purchase gifts for refugee children in need. This was an especially significant experience for the group, as some members were refugees themselves.

Here’s what Tran Smith, who organizes the Atlanta Little Helpers group, said about the experience:

Hope Tree atlanta

“Our family volunteer group Little Helpers wanted to reach out to people in need this holiday, but participating in the LSG's Hope Tree for Refugees was more fulfilling and important than just that. Some of the volunteers were also refugees who came to this country seeking freedom and finding much support and love. Tears flowed as some of us experienced that "full circle moment" when we were face to face with the families who simply asked for winter clothes and a large pot to cook meals this holiday.  Although there was a language barrier, we had no trouble communicating because it was out of respect and love that we were brought together. A big thanks to LSG for allowing us to have this opportunity and for doing such great work to help others achieve their independence."

Hope Tree

Little Helpers is a program that works with young people to help them understand the value of volunteering, recognize the blessings in their lives, broaden their community perspective and feel the sense of accomplishment received from lending a helping hand. Ultimately, the goal of the program is to raise confident children who incorporate community service into their lives on a regular basis.

Little Helpers was created in Memphis, but today has chapters across the country including the Rochester, NY; Mooresville/Charlotte, NC; Denver, CO; Atlanta, GA and Tampa/St. Pete, FL.

Hope Tree refugee

Hope Tree

Thank You for Supporting LSG for GA Gives Day!

Special thanks to all of you who donated to Lutheran Services of Georgia on November 12th in celebration of Georgia Gives Day. Thanks to YOU, we raised over $6,350 and we were also approved to receive additional matching funding from the SunTrust Financial Wellness Challenge.

We appreciate our many donors who joined us in working to help find, strengthen and create homes for those we serve. Thank you!

Celebrate National Adoption Month with LSG Rome!

November is National Adoption Month! National Adoption Month is recognized each year to raise awareness of adoption throughout the country, to challenge myths about adoption, and to celebrate the love and support that is shared between adoptive families and their children.

This year, through our Specialized Foster Care program in Rome, we have matched many exceptional children with their forever families, who have opened their homes and welcomed them as their own. We think this incredible gift is something to celebrate!

We will be hosting an adoption appreciation pizza party to celebrate all of the life-changing connections that have been made between adoptive families and their children. We are so grateful for each family that has chosen to partner with us to start or expand their families, and we invite them to join us in celebration this Saturday:

LSG Adoption Appreciation Party Date: Saturday, November 7th Time: 11:30am-2:30pm Place: Mellow Mushroom              238 Broad St, Rome, GA 30161

The party is sure to be lots of fun, and a great way for children to socialize and make new friends, so please don’t miss it! We will have lots of fun activities for the kids and plenty of pizza and snacks for everyone. We encourage parents to bring their entire families so that they can get to know other families like theirs, and share stories and support with one another.

We know that the adoption process can be long, and that it is not always easy; however, to parents who have completed the process and gotten to welcome their child or children home, we say this: you did it! You not only changed the life of a child who longed for love and support, but you navigated a complicated process and came out on the other end as a stronger family with a wonderful addition.

We are so grateful for your partnership and the incredible gift that you have given, so please join us in celebrating your family!

One Week Until GA Gives Day!

November 12 is Georgia Gives Day, and Lutheran Services of Georgia needs your help! LSG is committed to raising $10,000 in one 24-hour period to support individuals and families in need throughout Georgia. On November 12, visit our Georgia Gives profile to donate and help us win additional funding only available on that day. You can also increase your Georgia Gives impact by the following:

POWER HOURS

By making your GA Gives donation at specific times throughout the day, you increase LSG's chances of winning "Power Hour" prizes. Please consider giving during the following hours: 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.

BECOME A FUNDRAISER

There's still time to become a GA Gives fundraiser for us! Go to our Georgia Gives profile and click "Become a Fundraiser" to create your own profile. Use your profile to ask friends and family to support LSG. It's a great way to show how much you love LSG and inspire others to give. If you need help setting up your profile, click here.

GIVE TODAY

It's not too early to donate to LSG's Georgia Gives page! Click here to give now.

Thank you for supporting LSG! For more information about Georgia Gives Day, contact Allison Hood at ahood@lsga.org or 404-591-7067. You can also contact Allison if you'd like to make an offline donation that day.

LSG Celebrates Heroes of Hope at 8th Annual Gala

On Thursday, September 17, Lutheran Services of Georgia celebrated community heroes at the 8th Annual Heroes of Hope Gala. LSG staff, supporters, volunteers, donors, and clients gathered at the Historic Dekalb Courthouse for this evening of celebration.

Attendees enjoyed a buffet dinner, drinks, live music, and silent auction featuring items and experiences given by 43 generous donors. Rick Probst, host of radio show FaithTalk LiVE, served as emcee for the evening's program. LSG unveiled its brand-new agency video, created by vLink Solutions, to applause from the room.

Two LSG clients graciously shared their stories with the crowd. Mohamad Nazir Hussain, a refugee,  talked about his perilous journey from Burma to Thailand to Malaysia and finally to resettlement in the United States. He thanked LSG and his case managers for all their support in helping him, his wife, and his four children adjust to life in Georgia.

Mrs. Shamae Crosswhite spoke about her experience with LSG's Adoption program. She and her husband Perry are the proud parents of a brother and sister adopted through LSG. 9-year-old Nicolas and 6-year-old Kara joined their mother as she thanked LSG for helping make their family possible.

LSG then presented the 2015 Heroes of Hope awards to Kelly James and Kareem Ahmed of R. James Properties, John Timpe, and John Blend of Goshen Valley. The heroes spoke about their experiences with LSG and serving the community, and accepted their awards. Click here to read more about our 2015 Heroes.

rjamesaward

johnblendaward

The program wrapped up with a live auction as attendees pledged $10,00- to support LSG's various programs throughout Georgia. Attendees stayed afterwards to place final silent auction bids and to chat with new and old friends.

Lutheran Services of Georgia wants to thank everyone who made this event possible: our staff, supporters, silent auction donors, sponsors, clients, and, of course, our Heroes of Hope. LSG raised close to $40,000 to support individuals, children, and families throughout Georgia. More photos from the night are available on our Facebook page. Contact Allison Hood at ahood@lsga.org or 404-591-7067 for information regarding the 2016 Heroes and other events.

Announcing the 2015 Heroes of Hope

Lutheran Services of Georgia is pleased to announce our 2015 Heroes of Hope! Each year, LSG honors community heroes at the annual Heroes of Hope, Healing, and Strength Gala.

John W. Blend, III

John W. Blend, III serves as Chairman and Chief Executive of Goshen Valley Foundation, the parent of Goshen Valley Boys Ranch, Goshen New Beginnings, and Goshen Homes. Established in 1998, the Cherokee County-based organization provides residential care, independent living programs for young men and young women entering adulthood, and foster homes for reunited siblings. John serves as a Lifetime Council member at Lutheran Church of the Redeemer in Atlanta, Georgia. He and his wife Connie have 2 children and 4 granddaughters. John also serves as President and Chairman of Together Georgia, Georgia's Child Welfare Private Provider Associate.

John Timpe

John Timpe is a life-long Lutheran and a charter member of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, founded in 1981 in Alpharetta, Georgia. He served in the U.S. Navy before working as a salesman and executive in the food industry. Since moving to Georgia 38 years ago, John has been actively involved in the local community. He has been instrumental in raising awareness and funding for LSG over the past 14 years. John has one daughter.

R. James Properties, Inc:

R. James Properties, Inc. was formed in December 1993 by Richard James to provide management for apartment properties. The company presently manages approximately thirty properties totaling more than 4,000 units. In 2006, R. James Properties acquired Clarkston Townhomes, a 91-unit apartment community in Clarkston, Georgia. Since then, the management company has developed strong relationships with several refugee social service organizations and is committed to providing clean, affordable housing for refugees.

This year's Heroes of Hope, Healing, and Strength Gala will be held September 17 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the Historic DeKalb Courthouse. Click here for more information, sponsorship opportunities, and to register.

LSG Launches First-Ever LSG Kids Club

On July 13, 2015, Lutheran Services of Georgia launched its first-ever season of LSG Kids Club! LSG Kids Club is a summer program that aims to promote healing, adjustment, and confidence-building for recently resettled refugee kids who have experienced trauma. The program provides a fun and therapeutic introduction to life in Georgia, along with giving kids an opportunity to make new friends.

Eleven children and teens participated in the first week of the four-week LSG Kids Club. They came from four different countries--Somalia, Burma, Bhutan, and Nepal--and spoke three different languages--Somali, Nepalese, and Burmese. The kids enjoyed activities and field trips including yoga, pet therapy, skills-focused games and physical activities, and more.

LSG is partnering with an growing list of community members and organizations to make this program possible. Current partners include:

• Raksha, Inc, a Georgia-based nonprofit organization for the South Asian community. Special thanks goes to Niekachi Nwogo for conducting therapy sessions throughout the program.
• Funda Yilmaz, LPC and yoga instructor who specializes in trauma therapy and healing through Grounded Yoga
• Atlanta Pet Partners, an organization that provided pet therapy
• Living Grace Lutheran Church for hosting the program

LSG also thanks our volunteers and interpreters.

• Padam Rai, Nepali Interpreter
• Abdulrahman, Somali Interpeter
• Kathryn Farmer, Dance Instructor
• Pam Amy-Cupp, Camp Counselor
• Annie Goodman, Camp Counselor
• Matthew Johnson, Camp Counselor
• Jessie Burnette, Camp Coordinator and LSG staff member
• Melanie Johnson, LSG staff member and volunteer

LSG Kids Club is supported, in part, through a grant from the Lutheran Services for Children Endowment at the ELCA Foundation. For more photos from the Club, visit our Facebook page. To learn more about LSG Kids Club, contact Coordinator Jessie Burnette at jburnette@lsga.org or (706) 889-3348.

Announcing the 2015 LSG Hunger Walk/Run Champion

Lutheran Services of Georgia is excited to announce the 2015 Champion of LSG's Hunger Walk/Run Church Competition: Trinity Lutheran Church! Trinity raised $11,902 to fight hunger.

Thanks to all who joined LSG in fighting hunger at the 2015 Hunger Walk/Run. LSG had 34 teams participate with 289 walkers and runners. Together, LSG supporters raised over $77,000 for hunger-fighting programs throughout Georgia. LSG appreciates all those who walked, ran, volunteer, or otherwise supported us.

LSG also congratulates the other top finishers in the 2015 LSG Hunger Walk/Run Church Competition. Here are the results:

1) Trinity Lutheran Church (Lilburn) - $11,902 2) Cross of Life Lutheran Church (Roswell) - $8,533 3) St. John's Lutheran Church (Atlanta) - $7,155 4) Price of Peace Lutheran Church (Alpharetta) - $6,260 5) Holy Trinity Lutheran Church (Marietta) - $4,009 6) Grace Lutheran Church (Carrolton) - $3,683.55 7) Epiphany Lutheran Church (Conyers) - $3,306 8) Rivercliff Lutheran Church - $2,735 9) St. Luke's Lutheran Church (Atlanta) - $2,324.90 10) Good Shepherd Lutheran Church (Woodstock) - $1,885

For more photos from the day, including team photos, please visit our Facebook page. Contact Abi Koning, LSG's Communications and Public Relations Manager, at akoning@lsga.org if you would like a photo emailed to you.

LSG is honored to be a beneficiary of the Hunger Walk/Run, a project of the Atlanta Community Food Bank. We appreciate the opportunity to work with them each year on this event. LSG has been a benefiting partner for almost 30 years and we look forward to another great Hunger Walk/Run on March 13, 2016!

LSG to Host Orientation for Short-Term Foster Care for Unaccompanied Children

Lutheran Services of Georgia (LSG) will host an orientation at the Mike Daniels Recreation Center (LaGrange) on Monday, May 11, 2015 at 6 p.m. for individuals interested in providing short-term foster homes for Unaccompanied Children. The Mike Daniels Recreation Center is located at 1220 Lafayette Parkway, LaGrange, Georgia 30241.

LSG is collaborating with LaGrange area organizations and ministries to create safe, welcoming foster homes for children under the age of 13 who have migrated unaccompanied to the United States. LSG is seeking families in the LaGrange area to foster unaccompanied children for short-term periods until they are united with a family member or approved sponsor in the United States.

Prospective foster families must undergo a three-stage approval process involving orientation, training, and a thorough family assessment. The approval process takes three to four months to complete. Families with one bilingual adult are preferred.

Lutheran Services of Georgia invites interested parties to attend this informational meeting for more information on foster care as a compassionate and necessary response to the crisis of unaccompanied children. To register for the upcoming orientation and for further details, contact Gayle Cruz at gcruz@lsga.org. Click here for more information about unaccompanied children.

Expressions for Hope Supports Children and Families in Savannah

On Saturday, April 18th, Lutheran Services of Georgia held Expressions for Hope, its 3rd Annual Spring Art Show Fundraiser to benefit children, adults, and families in need in the Savannah area. Attendees gathered at the historic Lutheran Church of the Ascension on Wright Square for an evening of art. Attendees listened to excellent live piano from Cornelia Ewaldsen and Michael Braz while enjoying a range of original works and prints for sale from local artists.

This year's artists included Jacqueline Carcagno, Gwen Frazier, Jonathan Keller, Ann Lutz, Tiffani Taylor, Diane Walling, and Michael Wozniak. One attendee who has participated in all three Art Shows commented that the quality of this year's art was especially high. All artists donated a portion of their sales and several donated their entire sales to LSG in Savannah.

Wright Square Cafe catered the event and Johnnie Ganem provided the beverages. Both companies were silver sponsors for the event, as was Pace Lighting. LSG thanks our sponsors, our community partner Art Rise Savannah, participating artists, and all those who volunteered their time and resources to make this event a success.

 

LSG Celebrates New Americans at the Capitol!

By Emily Laney, Atlanta Program Manager for Refugee and Immigration Services

On February 11, 2015, Lutheran Services of Georgia's Refugee and Immigration Services team participated in the New Americans Celebration at the Capitol, organized by the Coalition of Refugee Service Agencies (CRSA). Fifteen LSG staff, interns, and clients attended this exciting annual event, joining representatives from other resettlement agencies throughout Georgia.

Our group visited the offices of elected officials to distribute information about refugees in Georgia and the many ways refugees contribute to making Georgia a great state. We used the page system to invite our elected officials to speak with us. Several came out to meet with us, and we were able to introduce them to many of our clients and staff members who have incredible stories to share.

In the afternoon, our group participated in a moving Naturalization Ceremony at the Capitol. Students in Clarkston High School's culinary program served appetizers to celebration participants and legislators. Twelve former refugees, including two former LSG clients, took the oath to become American citizens. Both clients were resettled by LSG five years ago, and finally received their U.S. citizenship. The Naturalization Ceremony was a powerful moment for the staff, clients, and elected officials who attended the event. Our clients have been through so much, and it was wonderful to see them take this huge step towards discovering their own American Dream.

Volunteers Serve Refugees and Immigrants at the 2015 Lutheran MLK Day of Service!

On January 19, 2015, volunteers from all over metro Atlanta honored the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by serving immigrants and refugees! The Lutheran MLK Day of Service was a huge success. Here's the breakdown:

VOLUNTEERS

218 individual volunteers came out to serve from 14 volunteer groups and congregations, including:

• Generation On/Mark It Up Leadership Team
• St. Stephen Lutheran Church, Decatur
• Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, Atlanta
• St. John's Lutheran Church, Atlanta
• Blessed Assurance Church of God in Christ (COGIC)
• CD Owens District (COGIC) Youth Department
• Cross of Life Lutheran Church, Roswell
• Christ the King Lutheran Church, Peachtree Corners
• Atlanta University Center Lutheran Campus Ministry
• Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Atlanta
• Candler School of Theology/Emory University
• Girl Scout Troup 13491
• Rock of Ages Lutheran Church
• Helping Mamas

DONATIONS

The Lutheran MLK Day of Service received many generous donations, including:

• Over 3600 pounds of rice packaged as "welcome food" for refugee families
• 10 boxes of gently used children's books donated to children in the Clarkston refugee community
• Clothing, diapers, strollers, and Pack 'n Plays for 30 refugee families with babies and young children, donated by Helping Mamas.

SERVICE

Volunteers participated in several service projects:

• Volunteers packaged rice into family-sized bags of "welcome food" for newly arrived refugee families.
• Volunteers read books to children in daycare in Clarkston's refuge community.
• Volunteers sorted children's books to be distributed to children in Clarkston's daycare centers and schools.
• Volunteers wrote letters of compassionate support to 13 immigrants in detention centers across Georgia.

THANK YOU!

LSG would like to thank all 218 of our generous volunteers for coming out and serving with us. A special thanks goes out to:

• Gene Lewis--Lutheran MLK Day of Service event organizer
• Our Event Co-Sponsors: Southeastern Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America; Lutheran Theological Center in Atlanta; and the Women of the ELCA
• Rock of Ages Lutheran Church for donating their space and 1000 pounds of rice
• Helping Mamas, for collecting, sorting, and donating clothing, diapers, strollers, and Pack 'n Plays for refugee children
• LSG staff who helped organize and lead the event

For more photos from the Day of Service, visit our Facebook page. Volunteers also shared their motives for serving immigrants and refugees. Click here to see what they had to say.