E.19 Navigating Refugee Resettlement with LSSNCA

The Nonprofit Spotlight

In this episode of Nonprofit Spotlight, we sit down with Kristyn Peck, CEO of Lutheran Social Services of the National Capital Area (LSSNCA), for a candid conversation about the shifting landscape of refugee resettlement in 2025. Following a change in federal administration and a sudden stop work order issued in January, LSSNCA was forced to pause critical services and reevaluate how to continue its mission under extraordinary pressure.

Kristyn shares how LSSNCA has responded—through creativity, partnership, and a commitment to the core value of welcome. She explains how the organization is diversifying its services to meet the evolving needs of immigrant and refugee families, especially those in dire circumstances. From legal aid to emergency support, LSSNCA is adapting in real time to ensure no one is left behind.

Kristyn also raises a serious concern: recent changes in immigration policy have left many people vulnerable to deportation or long-term detention. Instead of being welcomed, some are now facing life-altering consequences. It's a call to action for communities to come together, fill the gaps, and walk alongside individuals and families during these challenging times.

She offers practical ways community members can get involved—reviewing resumes, driving clients to medical appointments, mentoring youth, and even fostering unaccompanied immigrant children fleeing war and trafficking among other opportunities.

This episode is a moving testament to the power of compassion, the importance of advocacy, and the ongoing need to show up for our newest neighbors.

Lifting Up * Reaching Out.
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