Global Refuge

Global Refuge, formerly Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service (LIRS), is a nonprofit serving newcomers seeking safety, support, and a share in the American dream. For 85 years, we have welcomed those seeking refuge, upholding a legacy of compassion and grace for people in crisis. We walk alongside individuals, families, and children as they begin their new lives in the United States through our work in refugee resettlement, welcome and respite services for asylum seekers, economic empowerment and employment, and family unification for unaccompanied children. To date, we have served over 750,000 people from around the globe.

Many immigrants and refugees arrive in the United States with nothing more than the bags they could carry, and resettling is about far more than just finding a place to live. Global Refuge is committed to walking alongside newcomers as they become valued and empowered members of our community. We do this by helping them find a place to live, connect with services and resources, learn a new language, enroll in school, and meet a new community. From there, we work with individuals and families to build a strong economic foundation, from financial literacy to employment and job search assistance. We also connect with local employers to build positive hiring and workplace relationships.