Refugees to share success stories at Lutheran Social Services of Michigan event

The Grand Rapids Press
Wednesday, September 11, 2013

GRAND RAPIDS TOWNSHIP, MI - Lutheran Social Services of Michigan on Thursday will dedicate an evening to the success stories of refugees who, after being forced from their homes, adapted to a new life in West Michigan with the help of the organization's services.

Aweys Mohamed, a Somali Bantu refugee, becomes an American Citizen in a naturalization Ceremony at the Gerald R. Ford Museum in 2009.

The public is invited to attend a dinner with LSSM's Board of Trustees at 6 p.m. on Sept. 12 at St. Luke's Lutheran Church, 3215 4 Mile Road NE. The presentation is called "Do Unto Others."

LSSM, a private refugee resettlement organization, relies on local families to help refugees acclimate to new culture in Michigan. Residents may get involved by teaching someone how to grocery shop or get to a doctor's appointment, for example.

On Thursday, LSSM will highlight its resettlement services -- which include sponsorship, immigration assistance and legal service -- as well as the stories of people who've made the journey to the United States.

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Michigan is among the top 10 states to welcome refugees, with 3,600 refugees who arrived in the state in 2012, according to LSSM. West Michigan welcomes about 600 refugees each year from places such as Burma, Bhutan, Congo, Somalia and Sudan.

Lutheran Social Services of Michigan also serves children, adults, senior citizens and people with disabilities.

To attend the complimentary dinner, RSVP to Anita Jones at 313-308-8862 or [email protected].

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