Partner Spotlight: Church of Latter Day Saints

Today we want to highlight one of our most generous partners, the Church of Latter Day Saints. Each year, HIAS offers funding for furniture, hygiene supplies, and kitchen items that are provided by LDS to various nonprofits. After receiving the grant, our case managers distribute the items to our refugee and immigrant clients. Damaru Adhikari, one of our case managers, shares his experience dropping off these items to his 78 year old client. 

“The only furniture Laurencia had was an old bed, and she didn’t even know what a dresser looked like.” Laurencia arrived in the United States on December 13th, 2017 after living in a refugee camp in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. She arrived in Ohio without any family ties and is now enrolled in our intensive case management program, where she receives community support and individualized services. When Damaru arrived at her apartment one morning with a new bed, dining table, and chairs from LDS, she asked if these items were sent by God. Tears rolled down Laurencia’s face as Damaru explained how these items were donated.  She thanked HIAS, US Together, and all of the people coordinating this effort. Now she has a comfortable bed to sleep on, a dining table and chairs to share meals with community members, and a nice dresser to store her clothes in. Thanks to HIAS and LDS, her living standards have radically improved!