LaneTech Syrian Refugee Family Fund
Donation protected
Hello, my name is Mohamed Danja, Honors Arabic and Honors French 3 Teacher at Lane Tech College Prep. Thank you for taking the time to read this notice. For the past two months I have helped as an Arabic interpreter and cultural intermediary for Turkieh Faraj, (Lane Tech Sophomore) by speaking regularly with her father, Mustapha Faraj to assist the Special Education team at Lane.
Mustapha, his wife, Samar and his family of 4 children: Turkieh (16), Shema (15), Shayma (9) and Ali (7) are Syrian Refugees. Mustapha recently shared very disappointing news with us regarding his settlement in Chicago. Before Red Cross and the United Nations helped he and his family come to Chicago, he stayed for 1 month in a refugee camp then lived in Jordan for 4 years living on food stamps in poverty. He was unable to work in Jordan. He seriously wants a job.
Mustapha arrived in Chicago in August 15, 2016. He is still designated as Refugee status, which lasts 3 years and his relocation organization in Chicago is Heartland Alliance. As some of you know, places like Heartland Alliance are increasingly underfunded and overwhelmed lately. Sadly also, Mustapha is struggling from PTSD from the war in Syria. He is getting help for this but a job would be perfect for him to get refocused.
In August, Mustapha was helped by Heartland Alliance by finding an apartment, getting settled and a job in a plastic factory in the suburbs. Most days, his commute plus his workday was up to 15 hours. Due to extensive chemical exposure to plastic chemicals in the factory, he has suffered a serious liver condition. Mustapha is on the mend but during his healing time, he has not been able to work. This set back has caused a HUGE financial deficit for him.
Mustapha does receive federal assistance to help with Turkieh who was born with serious cognitive and physical paralysis. His special assistance from the government due to being a Syrian Refugee ends in a few months. This money is the only money they have. He also has a Link card for food but he has been told that amount will be lowered soon too.
Mustapha’s wife is a stay at home wife and is unable to work. She has to be available at home to take care of Turkieh for her many doctor appointments.
The most urgent issues are:
1. Mustapha’s rent is $1,200.00. All 6 of them live in a small basement apartment in the West Ridge neighborhood of Chicago. He is behind in his utilities by about $1000.00 with ComEd and PeoplesGas and these utilities could get disconnected without assistance very soon. We are working with 311 to arrange assistance but their assistance is on singular event. Without employment for Mustapha, covering the utilities will continue to be an issue. He needs financial assistance with rent and utilities as soon as possible. They are facing the possibility of a very unsafe future for their family.
2. Mustapha is very eager to find a job in ANY field. He does not speak English yet. He has experience in construction. If anyone knows of a job for him, please let us know because that would be a sustainable way to help him. He has not been able to attend ESL courses because of his liver damage from the plastic factory.
Mustapha and his family are very proud and thankful for any help. Mustapha hopes to be working very soon. Thank you for your time and compassion and prayers.
Best,
Mohamed Danja
World Languages, Arabic/French
Lane Tech
Mustapha, his wife, Samar and his family of 4 children: Turkieh (16), Shema (15), Shayma (9) and Ali (7) are Syrian Refugees. Mustapha recently shared very disappointing news with us regarding his settlement in Chicago. Before Red Cross and the United Nations helped he and his family come to Chicago, he stayed for 1 month in a refugee camp then lived in Jordan for 4 years living on food stamps in poverty. He was unable to work in Jordan. He seriously wants a job.
Mustapha arrived in Chicago in August 15, 2016. He is still designated as Refugee status, which lasts 3 years and his relocation organization in Chicago is Heartland Alliance. As some of you know, places like Heartland Alliance are increasingly underfunded and overwhelmed lately. Sadly also, Mustapha is struggling from PTSD from the war in Syria. He is getting help for this but a job would be perfect for him to get refocused.
In August, Mustapha was helped by Heartland Alliance by finding an apartment, getting settled and a job in a plastic factory in the suburbs. Most days, his commute plus his workday was up to 15 hours. Due to extensive chemical exposure to plastic chemicals in the factory, he has suffered a serious liver condition. Mustapha is on the mend but during his healing time, he has not been able to work. This set back has caused a HUGE financial deficit for him.
Mustapha does receive federal assistance to help with Turkieh who was born with serious cognitive and physical paralysis. His special assistance from the government due to being a Syrian Refugee ends in a few months. This money is the only money they have. He also has a Link card for food but he has been told that amount will be lowered soon too.
Mustapha’s wife is a stay at home wife and is unable to work. She has to be available at home to take care of Turkieh for her many doctor appointments.
The most urgent issues are:
1. Mustapha’s rent is $1,200.00. All 6 of them live in a small basement apartment in the West Ridge neighborhood of Chicago. He is behind in his utilities by about $1000.00 with ComEd and PeoplesGas and these utilities could get disconnected without assistance very soon. We are working with 311 to arrange assistance but their assistance is on singular event. Without employment for Mustapha, covering the utilities will continue to be an issue. He needs financial assistance with rent and utilities as soon as possible. They are facing the possibility of a very unsafe future for their family.
2. Mustapha is very eager to find a job in ANY field. He does not speak English yet. He has experience in construction. If anyone knows of a job for him, please let us know because that would be a sustainable way to help him. He has not been able to attend ESL courses because of his liver damage from the plastic factory.
Mustapha and his family are very proud and thankful for any help. Mustapha hopes to be working very soon. Thank you for your time and compassion and prayers.
Best,
Mohamed Danja
World Languages, Arabic/French
Lane Tech
Organizer and beneficiary
Mohamed Danja
Organizer
Chicago, IL
MUSTAPHA FARAJ
Beneficiary