As part of our mission to transform lives, our network is committed to honoring all with dignity and respect, recognizing the diversity of people and communities. We uphold this principle for everyone in this country, no matter their background. It should then come as no surprise that Lutheran Services in America members have been actively engaged in the humanitarian effort to resettle refugees from Afghanistan here in the United States following our nation’s withdrawal.
Ascentria Care Alliance in Worcester, Massachusetts, is focused on assisting Afghan families by expanding access to housing and affordable legal assistance and providing living essentials. With the help of the local community, Ascentria aims at resettling families across Massachusetts and New Hampshire.
As part of its effort to help evacuees, Ascentria is calling on Gov. Charlie Baker and state lawmakers to make funds from the American Rescue Plan and the state’s budget surplus available for allocation toward services for Afghans seeking relocation. Current funds from the federal government are not enough to completely cover the cost of resettlement in Massachusetts where affordable housing is harder to come by, said Aimee Mitchell, chief of community service for Ascentria, in an interview with NBC Boston.
Ascentria has successfully resettled 330 refugees from Afghanistan over the past seven years. We applaud the team at Ascentria for their conviction—their commitment is needed now more than ever.
Ascentria Care Alliance is a member of Lutheran Services in America, a network of 300 health and human service organizations located in more than 1,400 communities across the United States. Together, the network makes a difference in the lives of one in 50 Americans every year.
Learn more about Ascentria Care Alliance and help support their efforts.
