Lutheran Social Services of New York Immigration Legal Services Program, in partnership with the Ansob Center for Refugees, is holding two free clinics for people to apply for citizenship.  Details are below.  Please spread the word among clients who are eligible to become citizens.

Eighteen-month old Isis came into the care of Lutheran Social Services of New York after showing heroin and methadone in her system.  Her mom was a drug user, and her father had done jail time for violence.  Isis’ father was passionate and determined to get custody of his daughter.  LSSNY was willing to consider the possibility of fighting for Isis’ parents to have custody, but it was going to take a holistic, strategic support plan. It was not easy.  Isis’ father was not used to being held accountable to other people, and Isis’ mother had long gone without any support to kicking her drug addiction.  They showed amazing love and commitment to their family, however, in their diligence in achieving their mandated services from Manhattan Family Court.  Isis’ parents took parental education courses and domestic violence classes as well as going to counseling and drug treatment.  LSSNY eventually were able to allow Isis to live with her parents with the full support of the organization.  Today, Isis’ mother is eleven months sober, and Isis is home with her birth parents.  Isis is being raised in the loving care of her parents with the support they need from LSSNY.  Lutheran Social Services of New York is committed to supporting individuals in order to keep families together.

]]> http://www.lssny.org/site/2012/02/isis/feed/ 0 http://www.lssny.org/site/2012/01/a-young-mothers-quest/ http://www.lssny.org/site/2012/01/a-young-mothers-quest/#comments Tue, 31 Jan 2012 21:23:23 +0000 spickett http://www.lssny.org/site/?p=1149

I first met Angela and her young daughter, Tamesha, while working at a day shelter for women.  We hit it off right away.  She was really bright, spunky, and she loved her little girl.  I got to play with little Tamesha while Angela worked to find housing.  They came in each morning tired from sleeping on a mat in a crowded shelter, traveling on buses to get free breakfast and then traveling to get to the day shelter, but I could see the determination in her eyes to build a better life for her family than the one she had had.  “I never knew my dad, and my mom kicked me out when I got pregnant with Tamesha.  My mother told me I was worthless.”

I was born into a family with shelter, security and an abundance of love. My lot in life set me up to succeed, and I had done nothing to deserve it.  Angela, equally, did nothing to deserve her uphill battle.  Angela loved to draw with her daughter, vigorously creating female characters in extravagant outfits.  She wanted to be a fashion designer. However, she needed to focus on getting housing first before she started dreaming of her future.  She had the skill, but she was still in deep survival mode.

A few weeks later, Angela entered the children’s area of the day shelter; left Tamesha bundled in her stroller, walked to the middle of the room with a sassy strut, and slowly raised a key high in the air triumphantly.  “This is my key.  My key to my door of my apartment,” she beamed. “This is the first key I have ever had to call my own.” I joined Angela in the middle of the room and did a little dance of joy with her.  Tears welled up in both of our eyes as I could feel the importance of that key for her success in life.

With that key came stability, a place to call home.  With that key came safety and security.  In that space, Angela was able to stop worrying about where she and her little girl were going to sleep every night.  It was not a luxurious place, but it offered Angela the human dignity that every person deserves.  With that key came the opportunity to dream and build a life for her family.

Ellie Roscher, Lutheran Social Services of New York Coordinator for Communications, met Angela and Tamesha while working at The Gathering Place in Denver, Colorado.

Lutheran Social Services of New York makes a difference in the communities it serves. Our combined LIFE services touch the lives of more than 25,000 people annually. Approximately 1,500 people volunteer on behalf of Lutheran Social Services of New York, providing more than 14,000 hours of service.

On May 3, 2012, Lutheran Social Services of New York and the Ammerman Center for Creative Aging, will again show our gratitude to the LIFE-Savers who helps us serve the community by recognizing them for their great work at our second annual Volunteer Recognition High Tea.

Volunteer Recognition High Tea
Terrace on the Park
52-11 111th Street
Flushing Meadows, NY  11368

Contact us to experience the fulfilling role as a volunteer  
for one of our LIFE Service programs.
Marc Herstein – Volunteer Coordinator
212-870-1160

Photos from last year’s Volunteer Recognition day!

November is National Adoption Month! There are so many ways to support children who need love, attention and care. Consider supporting Lutheran Social Services of New York’s foster care and adoption programs! Spread the word– there are children in New York who are waiting! Every child deserves to feel safe, be provided for, and be showered with love so that they may grow into healthy, active adults. Lutheran Social Services of New York is working hard to provide services to vulnerable children, and we would love your support.

Contact Christine Connell, Executive Director for Agency Advancement at 212-870-1124 or cconell@lssny.org

Welcome to WordPress. This is your first post. Edit or delete it, then start blogging!