About LORI
Louisiana Organization for Refugees and Immigrants (LORI) is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping refugees and immigrants achieve self-sufficiency by providing them access to critical services and support. At LORI, we promote diversity and inclusion, fight for humane immigration policies, and expand capacities around immigration legal services, policy advocacy, educational access, and community engagement.
Mission & Vision
Mission
To assist refugees and immigrants throughout their various stages of integration in Louisiana and beyond, enabling them to become self-reliant.
Vision
Seeking to promote the socio-economic well-being of all Refugees and Immigrants living in Louisiana, the United States, and the world at large.
Our Story
Since 2002, the Baton Rouge location resettled 1,500 refugees in the local area with the common origin countries including Burma, Iraq, and Somalia. LORI (Louisiana Organization for Refugees and Immigrants) acknowledges the gap of services and establishes an organization by refugees and immigrants alike to serve the needs of refugees and immigrants in Baton Rouge and Louisiana at large.
Understanding Refugees & Asylum Seekers
Who is a Refugee?
A refugee is a person who is forced to leave his or her home country and cross national boundaries due to war or conflict. Particular reasons may include religious persecution, political preference, or natural disaster.
More than 60% of refugees are said to come from Syria, Afghanistan, South Sudan, Myanmar, and Somalia.
Who is an Asylum Seeker?
An asylum seeker is a refugee who is looking for protection in the host country or states. Based on legal provisions, authorities will assess the situation to prove if the refugee has well-founded evidence of fleeing his or her country.
More About Us
Meet Our Executive Director
Learn more about the leadership guiding LORI’s mission and vision.
Community Testimonies
“LORI made all the difference. Their support guided me from permanent residency to citizenship, and I’m deeply grateful for their leadership and assistance.”
– Ruth A., Citizenship Student & Client
“LORI’s ESL program changed my life. In just three months, I gained the confidence to speak, passed an interview, and secured a job. More than language, I found belonging and a foundation for my future.”
– Abdullah, ESL Class Student
“The summer enrichment camp was successful because in the end the children showed growth and expressed how it impacted their lives. This shows how the success of the summer camp is the foundation for future camps”
– Summer Enrichment Camp Volunteer
