Commerce Bank Employee Match for Afghan Allies

Commerce Bank is partnering with Della Lamb, an official Refugee Resettlement Agency, to support our Afghan allies arriving in Kansas City. They supported our military’s fight against terrorism and now we can support them.  Let’s help our new neighbors!

The Commerce Bancshares Foundation will match employee contributions up to $5,000. 

The U.S. Pentagon recently evacuated thousands of Afghanistan individuals and families.  Many of these Afghans risked their lives helping the U.S. military by working as translators and interpreters.  When American troops left the country and the Taliban regained control, their lives were in danger.

 Once vetted, these Afghan families will come to America to rebuild their lives. Those arriving in Kansas City bring little – except an American dream.

Kansas City’s refugee resettlement system is not built for such volume or urgency, so Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas and refugee resettlement agencies are calling for help.

The Federal government mandates Della Lamb help the refugees become self-sufficient within 90 days. Upon arrival, each refugee family is greeted at the airport, transported to a furnished apartment home and served a hot meal of their native culture. For the next three months, Della Lamb staff supports the family with job hunting, vocational training, learning English, enrolling kids in school, and teaching them how to navigate a new city and new culture. Federal funds do not cover all the costs required to settle each family, so Della Lamb depends on charitable donations and volunteer support.

Thank you!

Questions: Robin Trafton and Kelsey Coady.