Tampa, FL, June 21, 2018 – President Trump recently signed an Executive Order to stop the separation of families at the border. As an organization with a long history of helping immigrants and refugees, we believe families and children in dire situations need protection and opportunity.

While we wait for further guidelines around the Executive Order, LSF is currently evaluating how to provide support to the families impacted by the “zero tolerance” policy.

Right now, LSF serves children in Tampa, Fort Myers and Miami who have fled their home country to escape violent situations, persecution, extreme poverty and human trafficking. Through Lutheran Immigration Resettlement Services’ Home Study and Post Release Services, LSF advocates on behalf of these children and helps reunify them with parents or other relatives, while also connecting them to community social services available. Our case managers help children enroll in school and ensure they have access to English as a Second Language classes and tutoring as well as finding affordable and bilingual health care providers.

We are proud of the work we do with immigrants and refugees. Recently in Miami, we helped a teenage refugee from Guatemala reunite with his father who had been in the United States for 10 years working to build a better life for his family.

LSF’s vision is to create safe children, strong families and vibrant communities. Since 1982, we have seen the life-changing impact a simple opportunity can bring to a person who was forced out of their home country. We witness, on a daily basis, immigrants and refugees who are eager to become citizens of the new country they call home.

* Terri Durdaller, Spokesperson for Lutheran Services Florida

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About Lutheran Services Florida: (LSF) is a non-profit organization transforming lives by ensuring safe children, strong families and vibrant communities. Founded in 1982, LSF currently touches the lives of 1 in 50 Floridians every year through various programs, including early education, youth shelters, foster care, refugee and resettlement services, substance abuse mental health services, and adult guardianship.

Headquartered in Tampa, Florida, LSF has more than 60 programs throughout Florida and approximately 1,200 dedicated employees.