We are asking for your support in helping an Afghan refugee family resettle and begin their lives in our community. This young family (mom, dad and two young daughters) has been through a very traumatic journey; leaving behind relatives, witnessing brutality and violence at the Kabul airport, and then escaping to Qatar, Germany and finally transferring to several US camps over the last two months.

Because the father worked as a translator for the US government, The Taliban are inquiring about his whereabouts and his family and siblings have all gone into hiding for fear of retaliation based on their relationship. Therefore, I am keeping their family name private. He is worried for his family in Afghanistan but also for the future of his family here as his bank funds have been frozen.

The International Institute of Los Angeles sponsored them and has provided them an apartment in Glendale for 5 months. Then they will be on their own.

The dad is looking for work. He was a professional soccer player for about a decade in Afghanistan until he decided to work for the US government to better provide for his family. He speaks English fluently and is very personable, with a sense of humor, and strong dedication to work and family. He is studying to pass the California driver’s license test and one of his first goals is to get a car so he is not limited to jobs that he can bike/bus to.

I am confident that he will find the best path forward for his family and eventually thrive here, but we all know the cost of living/housing in LA can be overwhelming. This family just needs a jumpstart to get them on their feet. Our goal is to help them raise money to buy a used car.

Our families were able to get together a day after they moved into their apartment. Their two daughters, Sana (4yo) and Hosna(3) remind me so much of my girls at that age; fearless and full of energy, laughter, and wonder. Throughout my childhood, my parents, (who also came as immigrants with nothing) told me many stories of the generosity and kindness of strangers who helped them along the way. They never forgot the woman who gifted them socks during a harsh Tennessee winter and the family that paid for the church they got married in.

Rhet took some pictures to document the start of their lives here. I hope our friendship and support will be part of their success story in the US. If you have any leads for work, a used car, or any other ideas to fundraise please let me know. I am happy to put you in contact with the family online or in person. If you would like to mail them a welcome note or send the wife and kids some English learning materials I can give you their mailing address also. I would be so grateful if you would share this story!