Lutheran Social Services of Michigan

LSSM Shares Local Refugee Stories at Sept. Board Dinner

Tue, Sep 03, 2013 22:27 CET

Resettlement services help refugees integrate and learn American culture with the guidance of local familiesGRAND RAPIDS – After surviving two wars, fleeing his home country and surviving for years on green peas and cornmeal, Odia Lufulwabo has led his family to safety. Born in 1970 in Congo, Mr. Lufulwabo experienced two wars in his 20s, observing the unspeakable. At a tipping point of fear, he led his family to Tanzania and later Mozambique, where they subsisted in refugee camps and he served as an interpreter to earn a meager income. Today, Mr. Lufulwabo works in refugee resettlement

Lutheran Social Services of Michigan’s Neighborhood House Keeps Kids Off the Streets

Thu, Feb 28, 2013 16:00 CET

Long-loved community center offers guidance, love and education for children, young adults toward a better future.SAGINAW, Mich. – Daniel lost his daddy at 14, turning to the streets, gangs and drugs. MC finally earned his GED in prison and has spent the last two years trying to rebuild his life. Apollo grew up in an abusive home and only learned about healthy relationships from Neighborhood House. For these twentysomething young men, and many of their peers, Neighborhood House is their best chance out of a generations-long downward spiral. Few have GEDs. All are reformed gangbangers;