Blog
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October 20, 2023
Know Our Story: Meet Pat Hatch, Our Founder
Pat Hatch never planned to found a nonprofit, but she well knows that life rarely conforms with our plans. In the 1960s, Pat was working as a teacher in Buffalo, New York and her idea of international travel was hopping in the car and driving up to Canada. That all…
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October 13, 2023
42 for 42 Campaign: A Message from Employment Specialist Hafiz Ghashtalai
A Message from Employment Specialist Hafiz Ghashtalai “Your kindness and support have touched not only our hearts but our lives as well,” expressed a grateful Egyptian family that found their way to Maryland in the middle of 2023. Their sentiment resonates deeply with numerous families, spread across the Maryland region, including…
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October 13, 2023
42 for 42 Campaign: A Message From CEO Gabriel Moreno
A Message from CEO Gabriel Moreno I hope this message finds you well. I am thrilled to share some exciting news with you. Luminus is about to celebrate its 42nd year of empowering refugees and immigrants, and we couldn’t have done it without your incredible support over the years. We believe…
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October 1, 2023
Hispanic Heritage Month Staff Spotlights
Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated every year from September 15 to October 15. During this month, we honor the incredible contributions of Hispanic Americans to the history, culture, and achievements of the United States. For Hispanic Heritage Month, we are celebrating some of our amazing Hispanic staff members here at…
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September 28, 2023
Book of the Month: Paula
When I think about a book that has truly touched my heart, “Paula” by Isabel Allende stands out. It transports me back to the time I was living in Brazil, after my first stint in the United States. Having just finished college, I was not much younger than Paula, Allende’s…
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August 23, 2023
Volunteer Spotlight: Aftab Ali
Luminus launched a pilot mentorship program in February 2023 with just three mentors based on the belief that mentorship is a powerful way to support and empower new Americans. Today, the program has grown to eight active volunteer mentors and 16 clients. Aftab Ali is one of those mentors.
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August 22, 2023
Choosing Flight for Freedom: The story of Madiha Rahimi
On August 15, 2021, the course of history shifted dramatically in Afghanistan. As U.S. troops prepared to withdraw from the country, the Taliban seized power in Kabul. With minimal resistance, they entered the capital city, leading to the collapse of the Afghan government and the fleeing of President Ashraf…
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August 16, 2023
Emergency Rental Assistance Client Testimonial
Bonilla’s Story During the COVID-19 pandemic, Luminus received emergency state and federal funds to help families struggling to pay their rent. Over the 35 months the program was funded, Luminus distributed more than $2.6 million to help 398 families stay in their homes. Approximately 40% were immigrant families. …
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July 27, 2023
Book of the Month: Separated
During the last administration, the forced separation of families at the southern border of the U.S. resulted in one of the darkest chapters in our history. As an attorney deployed in the Summer of 2018 to the Southern Texas region, CEO Gabriel Moreno encountered detained parents who were ripped away…
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July 26, 2023
Volunteer Spotlight: Emmanuella Osei
Emmanuella Osei is a volunteer with the Luminus Network for New Americans. Emmanuella Osei is a rising sophomore at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) studying Public Health. She is a resident of Columbia, Howard County, and a graduate of Wilde Lake High School, class of…