New name, same mission! LIRS is now Global Refuge. Learn more.

New name.
Same mission.

LIRS is now Global Refuge.

Welcoming newcomers since 1939.

See Our Evolution

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Kira a six year old refugee from the Ukraine.

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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Crises Response & Mobilization · Ukraine

September 6, 2023

Roman and Sofia’s Story: Refuge from Ukraine

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

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.

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.

Crises Response & Mobilization · Ukraine

September 1, 2023

Viktoria’s Story: From Ukraine to the U.S.

After Viktoriia fled Ukraine, she spent several months in Europe waiting for a chance to reunite with family in the U.S. While there, she found a surprising way to support herself.

Refugee Resettlement · Immigration Crisis

September 1, 2023

Ukraine Generations: Three Mothers Resettled

When the war broke out in Ukraine, Liubov Hromova was forced to pack four generations of her family into a car and flee, leaving a lifetime of memories behind.

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