Syrian Family in San Diego
Update, 8/17/17:
Hi, friends of the Shker Family:
I'm writing to ask you for some help. The family's arrangement with their English tutor, Alaa, is working out great. Alaa is an Iraqi immigrant who has lived in the US for several years. He helps the two teens with their homework and conversational English, but just as importantly, he is a support for the whole family, a linguistic and cultural link between their old world and their new. He also recently found the eldest son a new job at a Middle Eastern market. So, we need him around.
The problem is: he needs to be paid. And after buying the car and paying for various odd household expenses and the occasional bill, the miraculous funds we've already raised from you, people I love, are running low.
If you're able to give, even small amounts are very useful. Think of the paranoid white nationalist in your life, and give (or share this page) in his or her honor. Let's continue to help this new American family thrive.
All our love,
Joanna, Adam, AJ, and Girl-Fetus Mangdeich
Original Intro:
Meet our "adopted" Syrian family, the [redacted for privacy and safety]. Damn do they need some help right now. They are from a suburb of Damascus, and escaped to Jordan in 2012. It sounds like living in Jordan was tough and they were eager to move on. They said Syrians were not welcome in the area, and they could not get settled in and start new lives.
They arrived here 6 months ago, and are living in an apartment in El Cajon. The father is missing part of his hand due to a factory accident, and the mother has diabetes and is on dialysis. Neither is able to work. The oldest daughter (29) is her mother's full-time caretaker, though she has sewing skills- she used to sew beads onto wedding gowns- and I'm hoping to find her some part-time work. The two teenagers are in high school. The 21-year-old son is supporting the whole family by working at a grocery store.
They are six people living in a two-bed, one-bath apartment. As you can imagine, space is tight and organization and cleanliness are going to be priorities. I think with some strategic planning and shopping, we can make their space livable.
Items needed:
-Twin and full bed frames
-Bunk bed ( they have the mattresses- we just need the frame)
-Laundry detergent
-Quarters for doing laundry
-Cleaning supplies (Resolve, Ajax, Windex, 409, sponges, gloves)
-Tools (hammer, screwdrivers, etc.)
-A comfortable chair w/footrest for [mother], like a glider or recliner
Further goals:
-Used car
-I'd also like to have a reserve fund for helping them with rent and the mother's medication that isn't covered by their insurance.
-Refugees have to pay back the cost of their plane tickets within 3 years of their resettlement. We will need to help them with this expense.
-I recently found out they have three- THREE!- sons still in the Middle East. I don't know what will happen with them. Our pie-in-the-sky, stupid-impossible dream goal will be to reunite their family.
[The mother] said she thanks God for everything they have, despite their situation. They smile a lot and talk loudly, all at the same time. They like Americans. They repeatedly bless my family. They stuff us full of homemade falafel, pea soup, and very strong, sweet tea. The oldest son tells me I am his sister.
So uh, let's do this. Don't feel like you have to give a lot. Even $5 donations will add up. The goal of this effort is to get them on their feet: earning money, living with dignity, and moving forward.
Who am I: I'm Joanna Mang. My husband, Adam Deich, and I are managing this effort. I'm an adjunct English professor at Mesa College and Adam is an IT professional. We have a 4-year-old son.
Who's coordinating this: I found this family through Heart4refugees, a nonprofit that supports Syrian refugees placed in San Diego. Heart4refugees matches refugee families with Americans who commit to supporting them in whatever way they can. They assigned a case worker and translator who facilitated our first meeting, and is available to further assist us. Adam and I are also able to contact and meet with the family on our own. If you want to check that I'm legit, contact Heart4refugees.
Where your money will go: Adam and I will manage and allocate all donated money. The family will receive donated *items* only. Any assistance with their rent will be in the form of checks made out by me to their property management company. We believe this will make things easier for everyone.
