Help launch Frishta in her new life in the US

Frishta is a refugee who I was connected with through the International Institute of Los Angeles, a charitable organization that is placing Afghan refugees in temporary housing. As part of their program, my family has taken Frishta in. She recently emigrated from Afghanistan, literally with just the clothes on her back. Frishta was forced to leave her 3 children with an abusive husband, who she had already divorced,, as well as her current husband.(She was not allowed to bring her children under Afghani law). Due to her US connection (she worked as a cleaner in the US Embassy), Frishta was able to bring her sister and her sister’s immediate family to safety. They are staying in Tarzana, where an older sister has lived for 6 years, but there is not enough room to take in Frishta as well.

Frishta needs money for food and other expenses, but her most immediate need is treatment for an abscessed tooth that is giving her tremendous pain. Ultimately, she will receive Medi-Cal insurance, but it could be months before she is covered. The U.S. government has done very little to help these refugees, who sacrificed their safety for the United States. Each refugee is given $1225 per person, that is supposed to somehow last until they can find employment. Frishta is desperate to work but she is waiting to get a social security number, which could take weeks.

I am asking my friends to donate to Frishta and her family. I am setting the goal at $5,000. I will make sure that the money is used for medical care, food, and a rent deposit for her and her family.

Any amount you give is very much appreciated by me and my husband, David, as well as Frishta and her family.

Donna Morong

p.s. She is a great cook of Afghani food and will cook in your home