Our Staff
Founders
Pam and Gary Laughlin have lived in Dayton, OH since 1995. Both have been educators before Pam began serving as the director of No Longer Strangers. Gary currently works as a surveyor for the city of Dayton and also serves as a volunteer for the ministry.
Since 2009, when Pam and Gary first became aware of refugees living in their neighborhood, they have been meeting and building friendships with those from numerous different tribes and nations of Africa and the Middle East. Each person has enriched their lives beyond measure regardless of their language, cultural tradition, or religion.
Pam and Gary believe that Dayton’s neighborhoods and communities are stronger and safer when we are willing to invest time and energy into building relationships with our neighbors even if it takes us out of our comfort zones. Pam and Gary’s desire to love others and to grow as followers of Christ pushes them to continue reaching out to their foreign-born neighbors with encouragement and support.
Program, Mobilization & Operations
Ann Kim was born and raised in NY but has been living in Dayton, Ohio, since the fall of 2019. What started with short-term mission trips has become a lifelong desire to serve the Lord wherever He calls.
Currently that calling has her serving with No Longer Strangers alongside Pam and Gary. Ann has a compassionate heart and is willing to listen to and care for others in both the good and the difficult times. She helps with everyday needs such as visiting families and assisting with applications regarding immigration and receiving benefits, all of which help her build trusting and lasting relationships with the families. Soccer is a big part of the ministry, so Ann also does the required registration paperwork and helps to provide transportation for practices and games giving her more opportunities to build relationships with the kids. Through successful networking, Ann further hopes to do God’s work in this ministry with others who are willing to serve.