LSS Refugee Program Director featured in Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
MILWAUKEE, Wis. – January 31, 2025 – LSS Refugee Resettlement Program Director Omar Mohamed was interviewed in an article in the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel. While the article highlights different groups working with Refugees throughout the area, Omar spoke to LSS’ proactive stand amid a federal order to stop funds for refugee resettlement services.
Omar highlighted the unprecedented nature of the current directives but spoke about LSS’ strong “moral obligation” to continue refugee services.
Anyone interested in supporting refugee efforts can visit www.lsswis.org to donate, or volunteer.
You can read the entire article by Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Reporter Sophie Carson here.
LSS Refugee Resettlement Program In the News
MILWAUKEE, Wis. – Jan. 28, 2025 – Ever since President Donald Trump signed an Executive Order halting the United States Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP) the landscape around refugee resettlement services has been rapidly evolving. Two news reports in Madison and Milwaukee highlighted Lutheran Social Services of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan’s (LSS) steadfast commitment to supporting refugees.
WMTV 15 in Madison highlighted LSS’ extensive history in refugee resettlement, having helped resettle 11,000 refugees over the past 50 years. The report notes that LSS reaffirms its core belief in the infinite worth of every person and remains dedicated to assisting individuals and families fleeing war and persecution.
TMJ4 in Milwaukee spoke about how amid a halt in federal assistance, LSS stands out as a reliable partner. LSS released a statement emphasizing that, despite uncertainty, they are reviewing information from their partners and remain committed to providing necessary assistance to their active refugee caseload.
Both reports underscore LSS’ longstanding and unwavering commitment to refugee support, and how LSS’ experience, collaborative efforts, and dedication hope to provide stability and reassurance to refugees.
In The Ring Season 3 Episode 10: “Beyond Rhetoric: The Truth about Immigration and Refugees”
WATCH NOW: Héctor and Krish get “In the Ring”
Héctor talks with Global Refuge President & CEO Krish O’Mara Vignarajah. In a hot political climate, the two CEOs dispel rumors surrounding immigration and refugees.
Krish O’Mara Vignarajah, President and CEO of Global Refuge, has dedicated her life to championing the rights of vulnerable communities. As leader of the largest faith-based national nonprofit dedicated to serving children, refugees and other immigrants, Krish works every day to help newcomers find safety, support, and a share in the American dream – the same dream her family pursued decades ago when they fled Sri Lanka with her as a baby.
Krish’s immigrant experience sparked a lifelong commitment to public service.
From her role as Policy Director for First Lady Michelle Obama to her strategic work as Senior Advisor at the State Department on foreign policy to her tireless work in refugee resettlement at Global Refuge, Krish leads with the heart of an ally, the fight of an advocate, and the insight of someone who knows firsthand the difference a warm welcome can make.

Krish speaking at the I95 Women of Influence Conference
She has been recognized as one of The Daily Record’s “Top 100 Women” and “Most Admired CEOs,” and The Hill’s Changemakers.
LSS on WTMJ: Watching, Preparing for Ukraine Refugees
West Allis, WI – As Lutheran Social Services of Wisconsin & Upper Michigan (LSS) resettled around 200 Afghan evacuees in the past six months, many now wonder about Ukraine refugees coming to the United States. With Russia invading its neighboring country, Ukrainians have fled and could seek assistance in America. The LSS Refugee Resettlement team is always collecting supplies, speaking with volunteers and preparing for the next wave of refugees – whenever that may happen.
“I think it’s important for people to understand that refugee resettlement isn’t an immediate response to crisis,” Mary Flynn told AM620 WTMJ radio in this recent interview. “Obviously for the Ukrainians, the first choice would be for people to return home.”
You can hear the whole interview below with Flynn, Program Manager for the LSS Refugee Resettlement program:
Local Agency LSS Assists Afghan Refugees (CBS News Story)
West Allis, WI – Lutheran Social Services of Wisconsin & Upper Michigan (LSS) is preparing to serve as many Afghan refugees as possible as they make their way from Fort McCoy into various cities across Wisconsin. CBS 58 News in Milwaukee has been covering the story and spoke with Mary Flynn, Program Director for LSS Refugee Resettlement, about what can be expected.
With many refugees escaping from war and violence, they will need time and assistance when it comes to adjusting to their new lives in the United States. While the individuals and families will certainly need basic essentials for everyday health and safety, it goes beyond that when LSS steps in to help.
“They’re going to be a very traumatized group of people…and they’re going to require some extra TLC,” Flynn said. “We know that the community is going to step up and help us with that.”
Watch the original TV news story below:
LSS Helping Afghan Refugees (Fox 6 News Story)
West Allis, WI – As tens of thousands of refugees from Afghanistan begin their journey to the United States, Lutheran Social Services of Wisconsin & Upper Michigan (LSS) has been preparing to serve those who may settle in Wisconsin. Fox 6 News in Milwaukee, Wisconsin covered the story and spoke with Héctor Colón, President and CEO of LSS.
Though the individuals and families fleeing war will first stop at Fort McCoy, many will end up in different parts of the state where LSS can support them. LSS helps to get the refugees on their feet and moving forward toward true independence.
“We connect them to all of the resources that will help them be as independent and self-sufficient as possible,” Colón said. “We help these individuals come to Wisconsin, to our country, because they’re fleeing from war and persecution.”
You can watch the full news story below: