FAMIL

My name is Geeta Bakshi and I’m the founder of FAMIL (www.familusa.org), a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting newly-arrived Afghan families in the United States as they begin their American journey.

 

They say heroes are ordinary people who do extraordinary things. That’s the story of my friend Ibrahim, whose heroism touched the lives of many Americans and Afghans alike.

 

Ibrahim grew up in a small village in Kunar Province, Afghanistan, an area known for significant threats of violence from the Taliban. As a young man, Ibrahim lived a simple life and supported his family with a modest income as a laborer. Ibrahim got married at age 18 and some years later he and his wife were raising their four young daughters in the same village where he grew up.

 

As a result of Ibrahim bravely assisting U.S. forces in the recovery of a fallen soldier in 2008, he was recommended for a security position with an Afghan partner unit. Ibrahim excelled, serving his country for over 10 years and becoming part of a special security team. Ibrahim and his family faced threats of violence from the Taliban due to his allegiance to his country and his partnership with the U.S. Government. Ibrahim’s father was targeted and killed by the Taliban, although Ibrahim and his family were fortunate to relocate to the United States in August 2021.

 

Since his arrival in the United States, Ibrahim and his family have been living at a U.S. military base and are eagerly awaiting their turn to be placed in a new home.

 

As resettlement agencies are inundated with large caseloads, FAMIL is stepping in for families like Ibrahim’s who remain on long waiting lists.

 

FAMIL invites you to join us in helping this Afghan hero and his family by contributing funds that will be put towards their housing, furnishings, and other necessary expenses that will help them establish a solid foundation from which to grow. Immigrants like Ibrahim and his family will be a key part of the vibrant future of the United States, and we are excited to be able to help them get a great start to their American journey!