Support Afghan Family in Chasing American Dream

Hello, I’m Joe Banavige and asking for your support in raising money for an Afghan family so they can get a good start on chasing the American dream. They were evacuated out of Afghanistan as SIV applicants during the withdrawal. I exchanged messages with the father in Kabul as they desperately tried to board a plane and escape. It was heart-wrenching.

I’ve known the father for more than a decade and worked with him in Afghanistan when I was with the Department of Defense Civilian Expeditionary Workforce. Once the family made it to America, I met with all of them at one of the US Army's relocation camps. He showed me great hospitality when I was in his country, and I feel obligated to do the same with him and his family now that they are here. It’s one of the strongest commonalities between Afghans and Americans – the desire to help one another when needed.

I’m intentionally not providing their names or photos for safety considerations, but know they will become great additions to the immigration fabric of America. I've known the father to be very hard-working, entrepreneurial, kind, caring and a man focused on helping his family. To get a good start in America, they have to fund all the normal household expenses (getting a car, insurance, school supplies for children, new clothing, etc.) They will use any funds raised in whatever way they deem most helpful. I’ve set an initial goal of $15,000 and know they will appreciate donations of any size.

The flag in the photo is one I had with me on top of Angels Landing and at the Grand Canyon as I was immersed in thought about my own family this past October. With any donations received, I plan on giving the family this flag, which will be an enduring symbol of America’s compassion for them. I will enclose a simple message of “Welcome to America.” It’s a powerful thing to feel welcomed and loved. Please help them feel it in abundance. Thank you so much for your consideration of this request.