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Olesia and Kira’s Story: Our Whole Life Packed Up

Olesia came to the United States with nothing but a small bag and her six-year-old daughter, Kira, in tow.

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Olesia and Kira's Story
Stories

Follow their journeys

Sharing the stories of immigrants and former refugees in their own words.

Every person has a story. We invite you to learn from the resilient people who have shared theirs with us.

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Asylum Services

September 6, 2023

Pedro’s Story: An Artist’s Journey to America

Pedro* fled to the United States to escape persecution for speaking out against his home country's government. The former physics and economics professor now makes a living selling his art on the street.

Immigrant Inclusion · New American Cities

September 6, 2023

Norma’s Story: Hope for Her Son

Through the New American Cities program, Norma found a career that aligned with her passions and interests—and allowed her the flexibility she needed to care for her son.

Asylum Services

September 6, 2023

Ana Rosa and Her Family: Seeking Hope

After being forced to flee Venezuela, Ana Rosa and her children, all born deaf, embarked on a long, dangerous journey through Central America to seek refuge in the United States.

Refugee Resettlement

September 6, 2023

Bhuwan’s Story: Hope Was There

Bhuwan Pyakurel lived in a refugee camp with his family for 18 years before being resettled by LIRS. He was elected to the city council of Reynoldsburg, Ohio in 2020.

Crises Response & Mobilization · Ukraine

September 6, 2023

Roman and Sofia’s Story: Refuge from Ukraine

One year after the war in Ukraine began, LIRS staff traveled to Philadelphia to meet some of the Ukrainians who have been served by our partner office, Bethany Christian Services.

Children and Family Services · Foster Care

September 6, 2023

Juanita’s Story: Fostering Love

Juanita was only 11 when she arrived in the United States from Guatemala. She spent several years transitioning between temporary homes before being placed with her foster family in Worcester, Massachusetts.

Immigrant Inclusion · New American Cities

September 6, 2023

Julienne’s Story: A Future for her Family

As a former refugee from Rwanda with four children and a fifth on the way, Julienne wanted a better way to support her growing family.

Refugee Resettlement

September 6, 2023

Emillie’s Story: Crossing the River

Emillie was only 8 years old when she and her family were forced to flee the Democratic Republic of Congo. They spent 15 years living in Uganda as refugees—but they knew it was not their home.

Crises Response & Mobilization · Ukraine

September 6, 2023

Yemelianova Family’s Story: Everything Will be Peaceful

When the Yemelianova family's journey to the United States was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, they had no idea they would find themselves fleeing a country at war only two years later.

Crises Response & Mobilization · Afghanistan

September 6, 2023

Nassir’s Story: Bringing Afghanistan Home

Nassir Ahmad, Philanthropic Advisor, came to the United States in 2014 through the Special Immigrant Visa program after serving as a combat interpreter for the U.S. military in Afghanistan.

Asylum Services · Ukraine

September 6, 2023

Oleh’s Story: Son of Our Hearts

The Forgione family first met Oleh in 2016 as part of an international exchange program before welcoming him into their home after the war in Ukraine broke out.

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