My name is Amy Baker,and I'm raising money for Raghad Elaklouk and her family. Raghad became part of our family in December of 2022 when she came to live with us as a foreign exchange student from Gaza. She was awarded a scholarship through the U.S. Department of State’s Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) program. Through this program, high school students from countries with significant Muslim populations live and study for an academic year in the United States. YES students serve as “youth ambassadors” of their home country, promoting mutual understanding by forming lasting relationships with their host families and communities. Applicants compete for YES scholarships through a rigorous, merit-based selection process. Through this process, Raghad proved herself to be a kind, hard-working, determined, and peaceful person.

Raghad thrived in the US. She loved attending Blue Springs South High School and achieved a 4.0 GPA. She was active in many student organizations and ran track. She considered our home and community hers. Raghad returned to Gaza in June of 2023, planning to return to the US for college after completing her senior year. The tragic events of October 7, 2023 changed Raghad's life, as well as her family member's lives, forever.

Raghad and her family were forced to flee their home with few belongings. They have been living with hundreds of other people for months, she and her mom sleeping on bed rolls on a balcony. Necessities are scarce and they live in constant fear of attack. Her family is hoping to obtain passage to Egypt. Once they reach Egypt Raghad's family will need to build a new life for themselves, while Ragahd wishes (with the support of her family) to return to the US. We have worked for months to find safe passage through diplomatic means, and we've exhausted all other possibilities. Asking for help through this platform is our last hope to get them out.

The money we raise will fund accomplish many things:

1. Obtaining passage to Egypt for Raghad, her parents, and her younger brother.

2. Help them purchase necessities such a food and clothing.

3. Pay for Raghad's airfare to the United States.

We thank you for supporting Raghad and her family. We anxiously await the day she is back home with us and safe.

In the event we are not able to accomplish our goal of relocating Raghad and her family, all funds donated will be donated to a humanitarian organization.