Adopting the Aldrobe Family
*Please check the updates for the latest needs and family news!*
Please, meet the Aldrobe family: Adel, Faten and their SIX daughters!
Adel Aldrobe fled Syria in 2013 when his homeland sadly didn't feel safe enough for himself, his wife or their five daughters (now six). They spent three years in Jordan and were granted refuge in El Cajon, San Diego about five months ago. Now Adel and Faten, and their six girls all live in a tiny apartment with two bedrooms. They lack several necessities and are now indebted to the government for their flights to the US. Their meager government and non-profit funding will expire soon, so we'd like to help them get on their feet to start their new life here in America.
The family is very friendly and gracious. Adel and Faten welcomed all of my kids into their home and offered us fruit, tea and dinner. They hugged my kids, played with them and tried to chat the best they could. They said they would welcome anyone who would like to meet them, as what they really need are new friends in this foreign place. They also wish for people with whom they can practice their English!
Adel worked in a medical laboratory in Syria, so he's entering the medical field in the US. He's almost finished with a training program as a medical assisstant, which he says is very easy except for the English! He and his daughter are studying and hopefully graduating together in a few months. They'd love to get jobs in Orange County when they've had more training and practice with their language skills.
The Aldrobe family has been through a trial I cannot imagine putting my family through. They offered us warm smiles, but I saw Adel fight back tears when he described Syria and the beauty that has been lost there. He is proud of where he's from and misses it greatly. It's my goal to make Adel and his family feel like they have hope and a place here. I'd love for them to know how many people are rooting for them and want to help them in this crisis.
Lastly, I want to emphasize that I don't want to "adopt" this family on my own. There is no way I could afford to do that or have enough time to invest fully in this family. I'd love for any friends to come with us to visit, create relationships with the Aldrobes, offer employment networking or drop a note with a picture for them. If you donate or want to say hi, can you please message me a picture and a note for them? I know they would appreciate it.
Thank you so much for your help whether it is with a note, a donation or goods. I'm looking forward to working with friends, family and strangers to demonstrate the kindness that I truly believe lives in all of us!
Additional information:
1. Who Am I? My name is Lindsay Donaldson, and I am a volunteer with Heart4Refugees, a nonprofit organization based in San Diego that seeks to ensure the 1000 Syrian refugees who have been resettled here are supported during their transition to new lives in America. ( https://www.facebook.com/Heart4Refugees/?fref=nf)
2. Where am I from? Orange County, CA
3. How do I know the Aldrobe Family? They are my "adopted" family! I met them in December 2016 when Heart4Refugees offered the chance to "adopt" a Syrian refugee family and help purchase and deliver items on their holiday "wish list." I was very happy to volunteer. It is my hope that our relationship will continue, and I will be able to offer not only financial help but also the comfort of a supportive friendship as they navigate life in America.
4. How will the funds will be used? In addition to providing the needed items specified by the Aldrobes this holiday season, I will be using the funds to help meet their needs (clothing, food, medicine, other household goods; car repairs; bills and rent, etc) until they are gainfully employed and more financially independent. Depending on the amount of money raised, I may be able to support another refugee family--or families--who are also in need, as coordinated by Heart4Refugees.
5. Will funds be given directly to the family? No. Heart4Refugees strongly recommends the funds be used on the family's behalf rather than being delivered directly to the family (for example, it is better to pay rent to the family's landlord than it is to just give cash to the family). This way, volunteers can coordinate to ensure the maximum number of families get what they need.
