FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
More Help is on the Way for Refugees in Utah and Abroad
Local Nonprofit Is on the Frontlines of Helping Thousands of Refugees, in Response to Global Crisis
American Fork, May 24 - Lifting Hands International (LHI) a prominent Utah-based nonprofit organization with a humanitarian hub in American Fork, continues to provide critical support to refugees in Utah and abroad. A recent shipment of hygiene kits, shirts, and underwear was dispatched to ‘Team Brownsville’ in Texas at the border, with others scheduled for Ukraine and Jordan this week. LHI swiftly adapts to changing world circumstances, customizing their aid and shipments to meet refugee needs.
Riya after being rescued from her 9th floor apartment in Ukraine receives help at the Warsaw Central Station on her journey to Utah.
A Story of Hope From Inside the LHI Warehouse
The ongoing Russian aggression in Ukraine, deadly global natural disasters, and a burgeoning flow of migrants seeking shelter in the U.S., has LHI on the front lines of helping countless individuals and families who are seeking refuge from the horrors of war, persecution, and natural disaster. Riya an elderly woman from Ukraine, disabled and traumatized by the war, recently found solace in LHI's care. Trapped on the 9th floor of an apartment building during the conflict, she endured sleepless nights filled with fear and thoughts of impending death. Eventually, her niece Maryna rescued her and brought her to Utah, where LHI's Director of Humanitarian Aid, Traci Parson, greeted her with a compassionate hug. Overwhelmed with relief and gratitude, Riya burst into tears, thankful for the welcome and desperately needed items LHI provided to help rebuild her life.
Ryia (middle) reunited with niece Marya (right) in Utah at her grand-nieces dance recital.
The Impact
As global crises intensify, the number of displaced individuals and families has reached unprecedented levels, escalating the need for humanitarian aid, particularly for refugees from war-torn countries like Ukraine, Syria, and Afghanistan, earthquake victims in Turkey and Syria, and legal asylum seekers in U.S. border shelters. Many refugees escape with only the clothes on their backs and families are often separated, making LHI a lifeline for alleviating their suffering and meeting their basic needs.
A Syrian refugee boy in Jordan receives some aid supplies, along with one of LHI’s signature 'You Are Loved' cards, which are included in every aid bundle.
Welcome to Your New Home
LHI's Welcome Program for refugees resettling in Utah helps to equip incoming families and individuals with home goods, including bedding, kitchen supplies, bathroom essentials, cleaning items, and food. Moreover, in response to growing demand, LHI has successfully set up hundreds of apartments for refugee families in partnership with the local resettlement agencies, International Rescue Committee (IRC) and Catholic Community Services (CCS).
Hayley Smith (LHI Founder / Director) and Jaron Malyon (LHI Director of Monitoring and Evaluations) distributing aid to earthquake victims in Turkey.
By extending a helping hand, Utahns can immensely impact the lives of refugees facing unimaginable challenges. LHI encourages individuals, groups, businesses, and organizations to join their cause by donating essential items, making kits or blankets, assisting with apartment setups, or making financial contributions. A comprehensive list of urgently needed items and instructions on how to donate can be found on LHI's website at https://lhi.org/needs-list.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Tiffany Bloomquist, Community Outreach Coordinator
801-557-5597 • tiffany@liftinghandsinternational.org
About Lifting Hands International:
Lifting Hands International (LHI) is a leading nonprofit organization based in American Fork that offers critical support to refugees in Utah and abroad with no politics, simply humanitarian. Through collaborative partnerships and swift action, LHI provides humanitarian aid, resettlement assistance, and essential supplies to those fleeing war, persecution, disaster, or legally seeking asylum. With a strong presence in Utah and internationally, LHI aims to restore hope and dignity to vulnerable populations, empowering them to rebuild their lives.