Join Part Two of our refugee webinar on Thursday, April 30 at 10:30 a.m., featuring Valentina Restrepo-Montoya, CEO of Arizona Legal Women and Youth Services. This follow-up session will offer practical insights into immigration and legal challenges impacting refugees and immigrant communities.
Read MoreLutheran Social Services of the Southwest has shared a recording of its recent refugee services webinar, highlighting how federal policy changes are affecting families in Arizona and outlining ongoing work to support those already here. While new arrivals have paused, efforts continue in housing stability, employment support, ESL programs, and youth services.
Watch the webinar and take action by advocating, volunteering, or giving. In a time of uncertainty, this is an opportunity for our synod’s congregations and leaders to live out our call to accompany our neighbors with compassion and hope.
Read MoreLutheran Social Services of the Southwest invites congregations to deepen their impact through simple, actionable opportunities: becoming a Connector, supporting essential needs through an Amazon Wishlist, or organizing a Thrivent Action Team with up to $250 in funding. These efforts directly support refugees, families, and older adults across Arizona.
Grounded in the call to serve our neighbors, these opportunities offer meaningful ways for congregations to live out their faith—strengthening communities and extending care where it is needed most.
Read MoreLutheran Social Services of the Southwest invites you to a live webinar, Supporting Refugees in a Time of Uncertainty, on Wednesday, April 1 from 11:30am–1:00pm (AZ Time) via Zoom. Learn about current resettlement realities, challenges refugees face, and practical ways to respond faithfully in your community.
Featuring guest speaker Valentina Restrepo-Montoya of ALWAYS, this conversation will equip individuals and congregations with timely insight and actionable next steps. Submit questions in advance when you register and join this important conversation.
Read MoreThe LSS-SW FY2025 Annual Report tells the story of what you made possible as a Partner in Action. Inside, you’ll find stories of resilience and the collective impact of neighbors like you who are helping stabilize lives, build strong foundations, and preserve dignity across our community. View the report here.
Read MoreThe 57th session of the Arizona Legislature is underway, with more than 1,000 bills already introduced and major decisions ahead on housing, tax conformity, education funding, and the state budget. In this advocacy update, Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest highlights key legislation to watch, including the reintroduction of the “Yes in God’s Backyard” bill, renewed debate around Proposition 123, and emerging budget negotiations for FY2027.
The update also looks ahead to Lutheran Day at the Legislature on Monday, February 23 at 9:30 a.m. at Wesley Bolin Plaza, where people of faith are invited to advocate on food insecurity, housing and homelessness, healthcare, and civic engagement.
Read MoreLutheran Social Services of the Southwest is preparing for a challenging 2026, as state leaders warn of a tight Arizona budget and federal officials propose changes to the “public charge” test that could harm immigrant communities and caregivers. Strong advocacy will be essential to protect basic needs, human dignity, and access to vital supports.
As people of faith, we remain committed to standing with our neighbors, amplifying unheard voices, and raising our voices together in hope as we move into the new year.
Read MoreLSS-SW is seeking volunteers for Christmas gift-wrapping, delivery, Shopping Guide roles, and card-making in both Tucson and the Phoenix area. All gifts and Christmas cards are due December 15, with deliveries taking place December 18–21. More than 1,500 gifts will be distributed this year, and volunteers can also support ongoing needs such as Refugee Youth Mentors, English tutoring, and homework helpers.
Read MoreLSS-SW is seeking volunteers for Christmas gift-wrapping, delivery, Shopping Guide roles, and card-making in both Tucson and the Phoenix area. All gifts and Christmas cards are due December 15, with deliveries taking place December 18–21. More than 1,500 gifts will be distributed this year, and volunteers can also support ongoing needs such as Refugee Youth Mentors, English tutoring, and homework helpers.
Read MoreJoin Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest for a Refugee Services Update Webinar on Friday, November 14, at 11 a.m. Hear directly from Connie Phillips, President & CEO, and key staff about the state of refugee resettlement in Arizona and what’s ahead in 2026. Learn how congregations and individuals across our synod continue to walk alongside refugee families with compassion and hope. Register here.
Read MoreJoin Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest for a Refugee Services Update Webinar on Friday, November 14, at 11 a.m. Hear directly from Connie Phillips, President & CEO, and key staff about the state of refugee resettlement in Arizona and what’s ahead in 2026. Learn how congregations and individuals across our synod continue to walk alongside refugee families with compassion and hope. Register here.
Read MoreFederal shutdown delays have stalled this year’s refugee admissions, and SNAP food assistance has been halted for both refugees and all current recipients statewide. Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest continues serving resettled families and invites you to advocate with legislators for restored SNAP funding and refugee protection. The ELCA has provided an easy tool to contact Congress—learn more and take action.
Read MoreThe annual Back-to-School Drive from Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest is underway! Help students across Arizona and southern Nevada—especially refugee youth, foster youth, children with disabilities, and families in need—start the school year with the supplies they need. Donate items, host a drive, or make a financial gift by July 21. Supplies can be dropped off in Phoenix or Tucson, or ordered via the Amazon Wishlist.
Click here to learn more and view the full list of urgently needed supplies: lss-sw.org/backtoschool
Read MoreThe annual Back-to-School Drive from Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest is underway! Help students across Arizona and southern Nevada—especially refugee youth, foster youth, children with disabilities, and families in need—start the school year with the supplies they need. Donate items, host a drive, or make a financial gift by July 21. Supplies can be dropped off in Phoenix or Tucson, or ordered via the Amazon Wishlist.
Click here to learn more and view the full list of urgently needed supplies: lss-sw.org/backtoschool
Read MoreFeeling overwhelmed by the many needs in our communities? Our partners at Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest (LSS-SW) share practical ways to stay engaged without exhaustion. Whether you have five minutes to make a call, ten minutes to write a letter, or a few hours to host an event, there are simple, effective ways to take action. By setting boundaries, leaning on trusted sources, and building community, we can respond with focus and faith. Click here to read more.
Read MoreLutheran Social Services of the Southwest (LSS-SW) is facing a severe funding crisis following President Trump’s executive order halting refugee resettlement aid. The abrupt loss of federal funds has forced LSS-SW to lay off staff and scale back critical services for newly arrived refugees in Arizona. Despite the challenges, LSS-SW remains committed to supporting displaced families through private donations and community support. Read more about the impact and how you can help at lamaz.org.
Read MoreThe recent halt on refugee resettlement and a stop-work order have left hundreds of refugee families in Arizona without critical support. Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest is responding to this crisis, but we need your help. Contact your representatives, educate your community, volunteer, or give to ensure that newly arrived refugees receive the support they need. Now is the time to stand together in faith and action. Read more to learn how you can make a difference, and visit LSS-SW’s Refugee Crisis page to act today.
Read MoreRecent cuts to humanitarian parole and the suspension of refugee resettlement threaten the safety and future of countless families. As people of faith, we are called to welcome the stranger and stand firm in our commitment to hope and hospitality. Refugees who have already arrived need our continued support—through volunteering, donations, and advocacy.
Learn how you can make a difference today and help keep the flame of hope alive in Arizona in this article from Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest, reprinted on the LAMAZ.org site.
Read MoreLutheran Social Services of the Southwest is offering free caregiver training for those caring for children under five in Northwest Maricopa County. Starting October 1, the seven-week program includes CPR certification, self-paced online courses, and weekly in-person sessions at Community of Grace Lutheran Church, 10561 W Pinnacle Peak Rd, Peoria, AZ 85383. Register now to gain essential skills in injury prevention, healthy eating, and emotional literacy. Visit LSS-SW Children and Family Services and view this PDF for more details.
Read MoreLutheran Social Services of the Southwest provides services to a variety of needed community members, from children navigating the foster care system, families at risk of homelessness, to newly arrived refugees. We are able to take our support to our community a step further through the help of churches and other community members.
Our organization is in need of generous donors who wish to donate needed school supplies to our clients who receive services through us. Help your community receive school supplies so they can be successful in their upcoming school year! Visit lss-sw.org/backtoschool or view this PDF flyer for more info. Supplies are needed by 7/24/2024.
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