Lutheran Services in Iowa

08/26/2025

On August 24th, we welcomed over 200 attendees! Ukrainians from across Iowa and local Ames residents will honor Ukrainian Independence Day in a warm, festive, and family-friendly atmosphere.

It was a privilege to represent Lutheran Services in Iowa (LSI), which has stood alongside the Ukrainian community over the past three years. We were able to share about the ongoing support and services LSI provides, from immigration assistance to community resources.

The event was filled with heartfelt conversations, traditional food, cultural sharing, and new connections. It was clear from the many smiles that this gathering meant a lot, and we’re already looking forward to the next one!

08/25/2025

🌟 Last Friday, LSI hosted a Small Business Gathering: Conversations & Products Showcase at the Wesley Life Conference Room in Des Moines!
This special event brought together small business owners, community leaders, and partners to celebrate vibrant local entrepreneurs and explore their products and services firsthand.

💬 Guests enjoyed:
✨ Engaging conversations with business owners
✨ Locally made foods and products
✨ Networking with small business partners & community leaders

A huge thank you to our partners and supporters—including Wells Fargo, Iowa Economic Development Authority, Iowa Community Capital, The Iowa Center, the Greater Des Moines Partnership and Evelyn K. Davis Center For Working Families and City of Des Moines—for helping make this gathering a success! 💙

We were proud to feature incredible small businesses such as:
🛍️ Taj Bibi, Afghan artist & jeweler
🥘 Ahmad Sahel, Afghan Halal Supermarket
🍪 Asmaa Zoonah, Asma’s Kitchen
🌱 Esta Minani, Lenga Lenga Farm
🧹 Valentina Petatan, Gavia’s Cleaning Service
🥙 Zainab Farah, Najah Grocery & Deli
🌍 Eddy Ognadon, Djaagou-a Imports/Exports
🍣 Rumi Ceradsky, Yo-Jo-Kun Japanese Cuisine

Together, we’re building a stronger, more vibrant Iowa economy powered by entrepreneurs from around the world. 🌎💼

🔗 Learn more about LSI’s Small Business Programs: https://lsiowa.org/ircs/small-business/ or reach out to immigrantresources@lsiowa.org for more details on the program or how to reach out to the featured businesses.

08/22/2025

What an impactful morning! 🇺🇸✨

We were honored to be a part of the experience, welcoming and supporting our newest U.S. citizens during today’s Naturalization Ceremony at the World Food & Music Festival.

A huge thank you to the amazing organizations who joined us to share valuable resources with our new citizens — your support makes a lasting difference!

It was also a special treat to reconnect with one of our dedicated volunteers and former English teacher. 💙

Congratulations to all who took the oath today — we’re so proud of you! 🎉

08/21/2025

Nothing brings a team together like good food and great company! 🍔🍦
Big thanks to our CEO, Renee Hardman for treating the LSI crew to Culver’s.

Smiles, Stories, and laughs. We call that a success! 💙

08/21/2025

We were grateful to celebrate LSI’s 160th anniversary with Dr. Rachelle Keck, President of Grand View University, alongside more than 50 inspiring community leaders.

Dr. Keck’s dedication to servant leadership and her support of our mission continue to make a meaningful impact.

Thank you, Dr. Keck, for joining us on this special day and for your ongoing support!

08/20/2025

Join our Global Greens program for garden education!

Join Global Greens for some garden education this fall! From conserving water to saving seeds to succession planting, we have several opportunities for gardeners to connect and learn. Also, come visit our Global Greens Farm to learn about scaling up from gardening to small-scale farming! These classes are free and open to gardeners and farmers alike.

- August 23, 10:00 am – Faith and Grace Gardens - Saving water in the garden

- August 30, 9:00 am – Global Greens Farm - Scaling up the garden to a farm business

- September 6, 11:00 am – Trinity Las Americas - Succession planting and what is in season

- September 20, 9:00 am – 12:00 pm – Global Greens Market - Lenga Lenga Celebration! Learn how to save seeds

- September 27, 9:00 am – Global Greens Farm - Scaling up the garden to a farm business

08/20/2025

LSI staff joined the Black Women 4 Healthy Living event, a powerful gathering dedicated to wellness, empowerment, and community.

We’re inspired by the incredible women leading these conversations and grateful for the chance to support healthier, thriving futures together. 🖤

08/18/2025

On August 14, 2025, Lutheran Services in Iowa gathered in Waterloo to honor an incredible community achievement. When federal funding for refugee resettlement stopped, neighbors, partners, and supporters rallied to ensure families still had the support they needed. Thanks to this collective effort, 191 refugee families, including those with Special Immigrant Visas, are now thriving in self-sufficiency.

We’re grateful to KCRG-TV9 for helping share this story of resilience and the power of community. 💙

08/17/2025

Thank you to The Des Moines Register for putting our Des Moines celebration on the front page of community spirit! 💙

This milestone honors the resilience and generosity of neighbors, partners, and supporters who stepped up when federal funding was cut, helping 191 refugee families, including those with Special Immigrant Visas, build new lives of self-sufficiency. 🌟

Lutheran Services in Iowa held a community appreciation event to honor those who helped the organization while they experienced federal funding cuts.

08/16/2025

A huge thank you to The Des Moines Register for capturing the energy and heart of our Des Moines Community Appreciation Event! 💙

This event honored the power of community appreciation and resilience and the incredible supporters who stepped up to help 191 refugee families, including those with Special Immigrant Visas, achieve self-sufficiency. 🌟

Lutheran Services in Iowa says it successfully resettled the refugees who arrived to Des Moines after President Donald Trump cut off funding.

08/15/2025

A huge thank you to Iowa Public Radio for shining a spotlight on our Des Moines celebration of community appreciation and resilience! 💙

Together, we’re honoring the incredible impact of neighbors, partners, and supporters who stepped up to help 191 refugee families including those with Special Immigrant Visas achieve self-sufficiency. 🌟

Breaking news, top stories and all the latest from across Iowa. IPR reporters and our partners deliver quick hits of headline news throughout the day to keep you informed.

08/14/2025

On August 12, 2025, Lutheran Services in Iowa gathered in Des Moines to honor an incredible community achievement. When federal funding for refugee resettlement stopped, neighbors, partners, and supporters rallied to ensure families still had the support they needed. Thanks to this collective effort, 191 refugee families, including those with Special Immigrant Visas, are now thriving in self-sufficiency.

We’re grateful to We Are Iowa Local 5 News for helping share this story of resilience and the power of community. 💙

LSI announced every family impacted by the funding hault has officially secured employment and is self sufficient. ▶️ Subscribe to Local 5 on YouTube: https...