Our First Sunday recipient in September is Lutheran Services in Iowa (LSI).  LSI’s Migrant Services supports two critical programs.  One program serves unaccompanied minors as they establish new lives in Iowa.  The other supports foreign trafficking victims, both minors and adults affected by labor and sex trafficking.  Many children, families, and trafficking victims arrive in this country with little more than the clothes on their backs. LSI Migrant Services assist them in rebuilding their lives by providing essential household, hygiene, and personal care items, along with culturally appropriate food.   A major financial burden for migrants is securing legal representation. For one unaccompanied minor, legal services for a visa cost $4,500, and a visa for a victim of trafficking is $5,000-$6,000.  DMIEC donations will go towards the areas of greatest need for migrants served by LSI.

For more information on LSI’s Immigrant and Refugee Community Services, visit https://lsiowa.org/ircs/.

Write checks either to “DMIEC” with “First Sunday” in the memo line or to “”LSI.” Checks should be placed in the September 14th Collection Basket or mailed to DMIEC, P.O. Box 30065, Des Moines, IA 50310

First Sunday checks must be received by DMIEC by September 20th; if you elect to contribute to the First Sunday recipient after that date, please mail your check (made payable to LSI with “DMIEC” in the memo line) directly to Lutheran Services in Iowa, 3125 Cottage Grove, Des Moines, IA 50311.