As I pause to reflect on two decades with LSSNCA, and at some point, at the helm of its refugee program (children and adults), I’m filled with a profound sense of gratitude, humility, and awe. The journey has been marked by challenges, heartbreaks, triumphs, and joys, but above all, it has been defined by the resilience and courage of the human spirit.
Twenty years ago, when I first stepped into the U.S. resettlement program and joined LSSNCA, I was driven by a simple yet powerful conviction: every person deserves dignity, safety, and opportunity, regardless of their circumstances, and that my lived experience as a refugee, over two continents, can help me ensure that. Over the years, that conviction has only deepened as I’ve witnessed firsthand the profound impact of our work on the lives of countless individuals and families fleeing conflict, persecution, and hardship.
In the face of unimaginable adversity, I’ve seen refugees exhibit extraordinary strength, resourcefulness, and determination. They’ve taught me invaluable lessons about the true meaning of resilience, hope, and community. Their stories have left an indelible mark on my heart and have inspired me to redouble my commitment to our mission, even in the face of daunting obstacles.
Together with our dedicated team, partners, and volunteers, we’ve weathered storms, navigated uncharted territory, and forged deep bonds of solidarity and compassion. We’ve celebrated milestones, such as resettling 1,000 refugees for the first time in 2014, welcoming more refugees than any other resettlement affiliates following the fall of Kabul in 2021 and the Operation Allies Welcome that ensued, welcoming hundreds of Ukrainians after the Russian invasion of their country, reuniting families torn apart by conflict, helping thousands to gain or maintain legal presence, providing shelter and loving families to our refugee children, seeing our first Unaccompanied Refugee Minors (URM) program kids head to college and even graduate, helping hundreds of asylum-seekers meet their basic wellness needs as they navigate our immigration legal system, and empowering individuals to rebuild their lives with dignity and purpose.
But we’ve also grappled with profound challenges – bureaucratic hurdles, funding gaps, policy changes, and the ever-present specter of xenophobia and intolerance. Yet, through it all, we’ve remained steadfast in our belief that our shared humanity transcends borders, cultures, and ideologies. In the history of humanity, no walls have been high enough, no valleys have been deep enough, and no oceans have been large enough to stop people from seeking ways to protect themselves and their families.
As we mark this significant milestone, I am reminded that our work is far from finished. The worldwide refugee crisis continues to escalate, with millions of people displaced by violence, persecution, and environmental disasters. The need for sustained compassion, solidarity, and collective action has never been greater.
Looking ahead, I am filled with hope and determination. I am confident that, with unwavering commitment, creativity, and collaboration, we can overcome the challenges that lie ahead and continue to make a meaningful difference in the lives of refugees worldwide.
To everyone who has been a part of this journey – our staff, volunteers, partners, donors, my many mentors along the way, and, most importantly, the refugees themselves – I extend my deepest gratitude. Your compassion, dedication, and generosity have transformed lives, restored hope, and reaffirmed the inherent dignity and worth of every human being.
As we embark on the next chapter of our journey, let us draw strength from the resilience and courage of those we serve. None of the founders of LSSNCA is with us physically today, but they continue to live through the work we do. We should think of ourselves in that same manner. So, let us continue to stand in solidarity with refugees and the most vulnerable among us, amplifying their voices, advocating for their rights, and working tirelessly to build a more just, inclusive, and compassionate world for all. A world where who you are or where you came from does not define you nor limit your dreams or your potential.
Here’s to the next 20 years and beyond – may they be marked by even greater sustained compassion, solidarity, and hope; where Mamadou will, one day, be volunteering with LSSNCA.
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to serve!
Serve Boldly 