New name.
Same mission.
LIRS is now Global Refuge.
Welcoming newcomers since 1939.
See Our Evolution
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.
Experience the StoryFollow 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.
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.
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.
Helal’s Story: My Crime is Being a Woman
Helal Massomi was forced to flee her country and seek safety in the United States.
Juan’s Story: The Journey Home
Through compassionate individualized support, the Global Refuge Camino A Casa program helps Central American youth achieve their goals and build a brighter future at home.
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.
Ana’s Story: Empowering Children to Thrive
Having worked in child welfare for 5 years, I am committed to helping vulnerable children in the Global Refuge Family Reunification network thrive.
Ginny’s Story: A Shining Light
For over eight years, I’ve worked to serve unaccompanied kids and families at LIRS. And in that time, the road that our families have had to walk has never been easy.
Elizabeth’s Story: Transforming Fear into Welcome
The family reunification program was such an eye opener on the devastation that the zero-tolerance immigration policy brought to so many families.
Carlos’ Story: Learning How to Be a Dad
Carlos migrated from Cuba to the United States with his family when he was not much older than the boy in the photo and has always been fiercely proud of his immigrant identity.
James and Korey’s Story: A Home for the Holidays
James and Korey had been waiting for months to receive their first foster care placement when they got the call—just after midnight on Christmas Day.