Help GR's Family Re-Settle in St. Louis

(Initials used to protect relatives still in Afghanistan.)

GR, his wife, and two daughters were suddenly forced to evacuate from Afghanistan when the Afghan government collapsed. They have left everything behind and are starting a new life in St. Louis, Missouri.

Jean and I know GR through his brother, GF, who came with his family to the United States in 2017. They came in part because GF assisted the United States as an interpreter, which created a threat to their family’s safely. They have thrived since arriving in the US, and it was a privilege for our family to connect with theirs so early on.

GF's brother, GR, also worked for the US government in Afghanistan. His work began in 2012 and continued until a few days ago, when he and his family were suddenly forced to evacuate due to the collapse of the Afghan government.

Please, generously support this GoFundMe project to help GR's family establish a new home.

The refugee re-settlement process often takes 1-2 years to allow the individuals to adjust to the different norms, find a job sufficient to support their family, establish permanent housing, etc. While GF and local organizations will provide support, there is so much more they will need to re-settle successfully (e.g., a vehicle, housing, furnishings, clothing, and the many costs associated with daily living).

GR's story is below, in his own words. Please consider contributing - any amount helps.

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This is GR’s story: “I began working for the US government back in 2012 in Baghlan province, the northern part of Afghanistan, with the SUAID funded project SIKA-North (Stability In Key Area-North). The project's primary aim was to bridge the gap between the government and local communities, supporting minorities, and ensure the voices of women are being heard. My role in this project was community mobilization.

Due to an increase in insurgent actions in 2014, life for my family became very difficult there. Insurgents attacked my father and my older brother, but they were lucky enough to escape the ambush and were re-settled.

My office relocated me to Kabul, where I began my service for another project, WIE (Women in Economy). Our main goal was to support women-led businesses and entrepreneurs, provide capacity building to the girls and women, and bring them into main roles in the local and national level government.

I worked since then until the recent collapse of the government as an accountant for the USAID (United States Agency for International Development). I was sitting in my office and suddenly received the alert to leave the office immediately because of the collapse of the government. I had my SIV approved, I had already passed my interview, and I was waiting for my VISAs to be printed. Unfortunately, everything was ruined, and my office told me to get to the Airport and leave the country.

I have just evacuated with my wife and two daughters (S, who is 3 and Z, who is 1.5) with only a few clothes. I am thankful to save my family, and I still worry for my parents and two younger brothers left behind in Afghanistan with nothing in hand.

This is my story of providing services to my people and to The United States Government. I am looking forward, with your support, to starting a fresh life with my family.”