Refugees are people of courage, hope and strength. They do not choose to leave their home and country, but are forced to flee for fear of persecution due to race, religion, nationality, ethnicity, political opinion or social group.

The journey of a refugee is dangerous and long. Some join family members in the United States after years of separation. Others know no one. Many have lost friends and family to war and violence.

In 2009, LSI’s Refugee program has helped resettle approximately 450 refugees in Des Moines, many who are coming from Iraq, Burma and Nepal. Our ultimate goal is to help them transition into new lives of self-sufficiency.

With help from our volunteers and supporters, we provide these services for refugees:

• Locating an apartment, furnishing it and providing household goods
• Enrolling children in school
• Finding employment for adults
• Assisting with emergency situations
• Obtaining Social Security cards, food stamps and physicals
• Literacy and cultural immersion classes
• Referrals for community resources
• A gathering place at LSI’s Refugee Community Center

Volunteer
You can join a refugee’s courageous journey by assisting LSI with household donations, teaching English classes, helping with apartment set-ups or volunteering in many other ways. With a small staff, our volunteers play a critical role in helping refugees become self-sufficient.
Link to volunteer page

Give comfort
Refugees often arrive in Des Moines with very few possessions. We rely on donations of household goods, furniture and many other items to help set up apartments for refugees and provide them with a warm welcome upon their arrival.

Contact: 515-271-7412
A Guide to Household Donations

Support a refugee’s journey of hope
For a family of three, LSI receives $4,800 to provide resettlement services for six months. Costs include rent, job assistance, classes, staff time, transportation and money for food. However, it costs at least $7,260 to provide the services. We fill that gap with generosity from donors who are passionate about welcoming refugees and helping them succeed.

You can be a part of a refugee’s journey of hope by making a gift today. Give hope here.


Muscatine Community Refugee Services
In 2008, LSI started Muscatine Community Refugee Services in response to a community need. Nearly 80 former refugees are enrolled with the program from countries such as Liberia, Sudan and Mauritania. Most are secondary migrants to Muscatine, moving there after initially being resettled elsewhere in the United States.

With your help as volunteers and mentors, Muscatine Refugee Community Services provides assistance with computer skills, financial planning, literacy, navigating school or legal systems, cultural interpretation and other areas of need.

Mentors are matched with a client to assist with individual needs and provide support. This friendship is vital in helping refugees feel welcome and integrated into the community.

Contact Refugee Resettlement

Statewide contact:
Jill Stuecker at 515-271-7418
jill.stuecker@lsiowa.org

Muscatine contact:
Jill Schnoebelen at 563-263-5170
jill.schnoebelen@lsiowa.org