SPARKLE: The Refugee Resettlement System

A timely opportunity to hear about the work being done by Lutheran Social Services of the National Capital Area (LSSNCA) to resettle refugees, assist asylum seekers, and support unaccompanied refugee youth in the DMV. Learn how you can become involved in welcoming these new arrivals; volunteer to help them rebuild their lives; and advocate on their behalf. The resettlement system process will also be explained.

LSSNCA, a human services and immigration relief and refugee welcome agency, has served families and individuals forced to flee their homes due to persecution, war, or violence since its formation in 1917. In 2023, they provided refugee and immigrant services to more than 3,000 individuals from more than 46 countries including Cuba, El Salvador, Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Eritrea, Haiti, Honduras, and Syria. The largest refugee welcome agency on the East Coast, LSSNCA has also welcomed more than 6,500 Afghan Allies since the fall of Kabul, and more than 215 Ukrainians since conflict struck their country.

Pastor Christine Dunn (she/her) is ordained and rostered in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, having served as a parish pastor for 13 years before joining LSSNCA. In her current role as the organization’s Director for Community Engagement, she works to bring together community members who want to make real, tangible differences in people’s lives, teaching and encouraging others to be better advocates for justice.