May 2025 Church Update

LSI proudly serves Iowans in all 99 counties through our services of Mental Health, Early Childhood, Foster Care & Adoption, Global Greens, People with Disabilities, and Immigrant & Refugee Community Services. We serve individuals of all ages, from families with newborns navigating the early stages of parenthood, to Refugee and Immigrant elders, as well as children at every stage of development. Our heart beats for the people we serve. We empower families and communities by recognizing and honoring the strengths and gifts of every individual.

A Story of Resilience: Aime’s Journey from Refugee to Entrepreneur

In 2010, Aime fled the war in Congo, seeking safety for herself and her future. She first found refuge in Tanzania before making her way to the United States, later that year settling in South Dakota. There, she worked with Palance Autism, dedicating herself to helping others. During this time, Aime met her husband, and together they built a family, eventually welcoming five children.

In 2012, Aime and her family moved to Des Moines, Iowa, where she began working with TPI, a wind energy company. For ten years, she juggled the demands of her job while raising her children. However, when TPI closed in 2022, Aime saw the chance to create a new path – one that would allow her to spend more time with her family and pursue a career more aligned with her values.

Determined, Aime enrolled in Lutheran Services in Iowa’s childcare program in October 2022. With their support, she launched her own daycare business in 2023. Today, Aime cares for six children in her daycare, providing a safe and nurturing space for them to grow while also staying closely connected to her own family.

Aime’s story is one of resilience, growth, and the courage to start over. From fleeing her home to building a business in a new country, she has transformed her challenges into opportunities for herself, her family and her community.

Your gift changes the lives of thousands of people across Iowa.

Give By Mail
Lutheran Services in Iowa
P.O. Box 848
106 16th St. SW
Waverly, IA 50677   

For more information, please contact Deb Whitford, LSI’s Director of Philanthropy and Church Relations, at Deborah.Whitford@LSIowa.org or 563-676-2065. 

LSI is an affiliated social ministry partner of the Iowa congregations of the ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America) and a member of LSA (Lutheran Services in America). We proudly serve people of all ages, abilities, religions, sexes, gender identities, national origins, ethnicities, races, and sexual orientations. Learn more at LSIowa.org and facebook.com/LSI.iowa.