‘This is my journey’ – Afghan immigrant will lead LCSNW’s Greater Puget Sound district
Najib Nazhat likes to use the word “journey” to describe his LCS Northwest career. It started in 2015 when Najib, an immigrant from Afghanistan, accepted a part-time case manager job with the North Puget Sound refugee health program; the next year he was elevated to...
LCSNW honors Tribal partners for their heritage and generosity
In honoring the first people of this region and acknowledging Native American Heritage Month, we turn our attention to some of the ways that our Tribal partners support Lutheran Community Services Northwest in providing health, justice and hope. Every one of our...
LCSNW’s new Portland-Vancouver Director crosses oceans to be here
From Egypt to New York to Turkey, Peter Vogelaar has spent the past 25 years leading client-focused, community-based refugee programs. Whether he’s in the United States or overseas, in work or in play, he says he loves to use “the gifts we’ve all been given to welcome...
Lutheran Services Florida leader soaks up LCS Northwest vibe
When you have friends and mentors in sister agencies, you’re always learning, always growing. This week, our CEO and President, David Duea, hosted a visit from his counterpart at Lutheran Services Florida, Sam Sipes. As the crow flies, a pair of American nonprofit...
Employers like Mahmoud go extra mile for LCSNW refugee job seekers
For many refugees in the Pacific Northwest, landing that first job can be a key to long-term success. The employment skills, English language and workplace cultural training they gain are nearly as important as the paychecks they bring home. That’s why LCSNW has such...
Bullies lose power with Youth Partners like Storm on the job
We’ve all heard stories or known incidents of kids bullying kids. Whether physically in the school yard or by cyber bullying on the Internet, the shame and embarrassment a youth feels can be especially crippling for those who already struggle with self-esteem and the...
Serving marginalized clients inspires new Chief Technology Officer
Sergio Razo is passionate about infusing technology to continually find ways to support business operations that translate into efficiency and enhance customer experiences. He brings over 20 years of information technology and business management experience to his new...
Daughter of refugees becomes leader of human resources at LCS Northwest
What separates a top-notch organization from the rest of the pack? There’s no doubt for Aija Stapars: The key is attracting and retaining quality employees. She learned it working 25 years in Pacific Northwest senior living communities and other nonprofit healthcare...
Welcoming 125,000 refugees is important goal and moral imperative
LCSNW statement on new Presidential Determination on Refugee Admissions President Biden has once again set the annual target for refugees entering the United States at 125,000 – a number that has strong support from Lutheran Community Services Northwest. Our support,...
Art through sewing helps trauma victims heal
She thought she was just taking another training that could help her clients. What Niloufar didn’t know is that she would learn so much about herself and the grief she carried from her previous life in Iran. When LCS Northwest was invited by the Common Threads Project...
New Klamath Falls relief nursery is ‘beacon of hope’ for at-risk families
With the snip of a ribbon in the late-summer sunshine, LCS Northwest staff shared a triumphant moment with the Klamath Falls community. They dedicated a new relief nursery designed to keep vulnerable families together and help their children blossom. The name gives...
Linfield College in Oregon enrolls Afghan students resettled by LCSNW
Reprinted courtesy of Yamhill County News-Register; Originally published 8/25/22 Linfield welcomes Afghan students By Starla Pointer Staff writer New freshmen are joining returning students on the Linfield University campus this week in preparation for the start of...
New LCS Northwest finance leader has eye for transparency, cool coffee mugs
Nicholas Lee carried a piece of LCS Northwest with him into the North Puget Sound backcountry, even before he was hired to be the agency’s new Chief Financial Officer. However you want to describe it – job interview souvenir, good luck charm, creative photo prop, or...