Our Stories
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,...
