In a world marked by conflict and displacement, the plight of unaccompanied children and youth demands our attention and action. They are the most vulnerable of those who are forcibly displaced from their homelands and deserve a safe home when arriving in the United States.

Unaccompanied youth, escaping persecution and conflict, arrive in the United States without parents or legal guardians. Lutheran Social Services of the National Capital Area (LSSNCA) attempts to identify family members to care for them. When there is no safe reunification option, LSSNCA provides loving, stable foster homes.

“We are grateful to those who open their hearts and homes as resource (foster) parents,” says LSSNCA CEO Kristyn Peck. “Research has shown that children who experience adversity can still have positive outcomes in life if they have a relationship with at least one stable and safe caregiver,” she says. “You could be that person and have an incredible and significant impact on a young person’s life.”

Elizabeth opened her home to two unaccompanied youth from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Afghanistan who joined her family of seven. She was compelled to help after seeing images of children arriving on their own. Elizabeth sees the positive impact of creating a formidable sense of familiarity and belonging. Allison, who could not bear watching children suffering during the Syrian refugee crisis, fostered Dieu, from the DRC, and is now in transition to adopting him. Inspired by a translator who aided Mandy’s husband during his deployment in Afghanistan, Mandy and Mat chose fostering to make meaningful impact. They welcomed Noor, a 15-year-old boy separated from his parents while evacuating Afghanistan. The impact of these welcoming families is felt immediately.

Noor reflected, “I found a new family when I didn’t have my family. When someone asked me where my family is I say, ‘In Afghanistan and in Virginia.’”

Dieu echoed this: “It’s good to know that someone cares, and someone sees you and takes you as you are and welcomes you to their family.”

LSSNCA supports families as they go through the training and certification process and after the young person is placed in their homes. The community is also there to pitch in – like those who offer after-school jobs, rides to rec sports, and translation and mentoring support. LSSNCA invites individuals and families living in Maryland, Northern Virginia, and Washington, D.C. who are over the age of 21, regardless of marital status, homeownership, parenting experience, sexual or gender identity to consider becoming a foster, or resource, parent.

LSSNCA’s foster care program and its foster and resource parents offer a lifeline to unaccompanied children and youth, providing a chance at a brighter future. LSSNCA is currently growing its foster parent community to better meet the needs of youth arriving each day. Anyone interested in opening their heart and home should visit www.lssnca.org or email fostercare@lssnca.org.