b'Executive Director MessageThe world around us continues to change rapidly. Political shifts, economicuncertainty, financial crises, and evolving government priorities all have adirect and indirect impact on organizations like LUSO. The rising cost of livingis affecting everyone, but it is particularly challenging for those already livingin poverty and facing financial hardship. Over the past year,we have witness-ed a growing number of individuals and families experiencing crisis, many see-king support for the very first time.At the same time, global political and social climates have influenced how ne-comers and immigrants are perceived. Unfortunately, we have seen negative narratives that fail torecognize the immense value newcomers contribute to our country and our city. At LUSO, we remainsteadfast in our commitment to diversity and inclusion. We not only recognize the importance ofdiversity within our community- we embrace and celebrate it. Every individual and family, regardlessof where they were born, contributes to the beauty, strength, and richness of London.Collaboration remains central to our success. By working alongside social service agencies, schools,businesses, faith organizations, and community partners, we can better support children, youth, adults,and seniors across Northeast London, Argyle, and beyond. Our strong partnerships have allowed us tomaximize our impact and achieve more than we could ever accomplish alone.This past fiscal year, we navigated funding cuts to our Children and Youth Programs. In the currentyear, we are facing additional reductions to our Newcomer and Immigrant Services. While thesechallenges are significant, our commitment to supporting the community has not wavered. Guided byour mission, vision, and values, we continue to provide the best possible services to the communityand remain a strong, reliable resource for those who need us most.On November 4, 2025, LUSO will celebrate its 45th anniversary. From our beginnings as PortugueseCommunity Services with only seven staff members, we have grown into a diverse, community-drivenorganization. This milestone is a testament to the dedication of our staff, board members, communitypartners, funders, and donors. To each of you, we extend our heartfelt thanks. Together, we will continue to build a stronger, more inclusive, and supportive community for all.Elisabete RodriguesExecutive DirectorLUSO Community Services 42024-25 Impact Report'