Interfaith Refugee Resettlement Program (IRRP)
Welcoming New Neighbors

American News

Picking up the Mantel: Amy Roach Becomes Senior
Manager of International Services

by Ann Dancy

I am pleased to announce that Amy Roach has been promoted to the position of Senior Manager in charge of International Services at Lutheran Social Services. I know most of you already know Amy and her unwavering commitment to helping refugees navigate the resettlement process in New Hampshire. Amy has worked in the field of refugee resettlement for eleven years — including time in New Jersey, Texas, and New York — prior to coming to LSS in New Hampshire. During this time she worked as a Caseworker, Case Manager, Match Grant Coordinator and Site Director. Amy brings a great attitude and a wonderful skill set to the position and we are fortunate to have her.

As I hand over responsibility of the Interfaith Refugee Resettlement Program I find myself filled with memories and experiences that have changed my life. Despite all the complexities and the occasional problems, so much of the day-to-day work involved in refugee resettlement is enormously satisfying, both personally and for the entire community. Assisting those escaping violence and fear to begin a new life in New Hampshire is front-line, grassroots work that has continually transformed my feelings about life and community, and the relative safety I have known in my life — and will never again take for granted.

Since advocating and educating on behalf of the program and the people it represents is what LSS is all about, I will remain involved, but more behind the scenes.

I am excited to have the opportunity to concentrate more of my time on Lutheran Social Services’ Home and Community Based Services, including LSS SmartCare. SmartCare is a consumer directed service for people who are older or living with chronic illness and need assistance to remain in their own home. I will also remain active with LanguageBank, LSS’s statewide interpretation service.

And, I will always remain humbled and inspired by the personal experiences of each refugee, and their struggle to make a new beginning. I am particularly grateful to each of you for the contributions that you and your organizations have made to the resettlement experience, and the extraordinary work we have accomplished together. For me, this transition is made easier by knowing I am leaving the responsibilities of resettlement and integration into the community, to a group of caring and competent professionals, volunteers, and friends.

-Ann Dancy, Director of Adult Services

IRRP HOME

Interfaith Refugee Resettlement
261 Sheep Davis Rd., A-1
Concord, NH 03301
(603) 224-8111 fx. 224-5473
Info@LSSNorth.org