Bringing People Together
The Women’s Programs: A Special Feature
World Relief Sacramento wishes to feature our Women’s Programs – a set of services offered to new female refugees from Afghanistan. The Women’s Programs are dedicated to empowering their clients through education, as well as integration with the Sacramento community.
In 2019, a group of Afghan women started meeting in a Sacramento apartment. Converted by World Relief into a community center, the apartment was a place for the women – all of them refugees – to make friends with others who’d experienced persecution in war-torn Afghanistan. To relax, the women cooked meals, made art and shared their stories. However, as they got to know one another, they realized: As new arrivals in the U.S., they faced similar barriers. Whether it was learning English, adapting to technology or integrating with American culture, there were few to no programs that catered to their unique needs.
The women discussed their concerns with World Relief staffer Krislyn Adkinson. In response, Krislyn and other members of our Education Department brainstormed ways we could help. The solution: our Women’s Programs. The women in the apartment became our first clients.
The Women’s Programs are designed specifically with our clients in mind. As Krislyn explains: “[Back in Afghanistan], many of these women never got any education, or only went to school for three or four years. Whether due to cultural reasons, their gender or because of poverty…The community colleges around here, or other adult education classes, assume the student has already had years of basic schooling. Many of [the women] aren’t ready for that, so we meet them [where they are].”
The popularity of the Women’s Programs is a testament to the need for it. Krislyn and her department are now in their fifth year running the programs. Since 2019, they’ve trained over 200 Afghan women, ranging from young mothers to elderly matriarchs. Their current cohort alone has another 100 clients enrolled. Many more sit on the waitlist.
“Our mission is to empower the women,” Krislyn says. “To combat their isolation, to transition them into self-sufficiency and to give them a confidence boost.” To achieve this, the Women’s Programs host virtual classes to teach the most important topics: English as a Second Language (ESL), U.S. laws and women’s rights, basic math and financial management, food and water safety, vehicle safety, technology use, and how to handle common situations like calling 9-1-1, requesting a translator or enrolling their child in school. There’s also a Driver’s Education program, where clients prepare for their driver’s permit and receive free behind-the-wheels training. Throughout all this, the women are taught directly by multilingual Afghan caseworkers, who then translate for English-speaking staff like Krislyn.
“Our mission is to empower the women…To combat their isolation, to transition them into self-sufficiency and to give them a confidence boost.”
Krislyn Adkinson, Women’s Programs coordinator
Zohra Obaidy is one such caseworker. As a former refugee, she understands what kinds of barriers her students face. At the same time, she’s in the perfect position to help: Zohra is fluent in both Pashto and Dari – the two official languages of Afghanistan – as well as English. She’s seen firsthand how the Women’s Programs empower a person.
“[My clients start as] high-need, rural women,” Zohra explains. “Some are married and have eight or nine children to take care of…I remember, one client covered her face not just in front of men, but also other women. Another client had never touched a phone or computer before [the class]. She said, ‘This is my first phone in my life.’”
Even the most basic knowledge the women gain can transform their life. Zohra gives one example with a client (kept anonymous for privacy): “[At first], she didn’t have the courage to make a doctor’s appointment by herself. Then, later, she told me, not only did she make an appointment, but then the translator [they brought in] wasn’t translating properly. She remembered what she learned in class, and told him, ‘No, this is not what I said.’ She corrected him and advocated for herself.”
Hannah Pierce, an administrative coordinator, reports the same. Though she doesn’t speak Pashto or Dari, she’s also noticed how the women transform. “We had one woman start off not knowing how to count money,” Hannah says. “When she went to the grocery store, she’d put the money on the counter and wait for the cashier to count for her…But after, she knew how to ask for help, and how to count on her own.”
Hannah and Krislyn also note the women’s dedication to their own growth. They’ve both seen clients go to extraordinary lengths to attend class. In one instance, a woman’s daughter fell sick. She chose to log into class from the hospital parking lot. Other women have shown up just a few days after giving birth – even though Afghan culture encourages them to take 40 days of rest.
“We’re like, ‘No, stay home!’” Hannah says. “But they want to learn. It’s amazing…they don’t want to miss class for anything.”
Building a Community of Safety and Belonging
A reflection from World Relief Chicagoland Executive Director Susan Sperry.
June is World Refugee Awareness Month. And on June 20th, we celebrate World Refugee Day. This year, the theme of World Refugee Day is focused on the human right to seek safety.
Whoever they are, people forced to flee should be treated with dignity. Anyone can seek protection, regardless of who they are or what they believe. It is non-negotiable: seeking safety is a human right.
Wherever they come from, people forced to flee should be welcomed. Refugees come from all over the globe. To get out of harm’s way, they might take a plane, a boat, or travel on foot. What remains universal is the right to seek safety.
Whenever people are forced to flee, they have a right to be protected. Whatever the threat – war, violence, persecution – everyone deserves protection. Everyone has a right to be safe.
UNHCR
Who are the people seeking safety?
This is a time of visible conflicts. You might think of Ukraine. There are millions of others who have fled their homes due to less-publicized conflict in places like Ethiopia, Myanmar, or South Sudan. Many of these people become refugees. And during Refugee Awareness Month, it is important that we tell their stories of leaving home to seek refuge.
And yet there are others too – people who arrive in the United States seeking protection from violence because of their identity, religion, or views.
June is National Immigrant Heritage Month, so we also have the time to consider our immigrant neighbors who left beloved homelands, friends, and family…to seek safety and a place to live freely.
This month, I am reflecting on the key reason why both refugees and immigrants must have the right to seek safety: each one is a human being. Those of us who follow Jesus believe in the concept of the “Imago Dei”: that each person is made in the “Image of God.” Let’s explore a few reasons why that makes such an impact on how we treat our immigrant and refugee neighbors.
1. Remembering the Imago Dei Transforms Our Relationships from 2D to 3D
I recently had a conversation with a pastor about what it means to cultivate deep relationships. This pastor framed the conversation as taking a relationship from two dimensions (2D) to three dimensions (3D). By necessity, all of us have “2D” relationships. There are people we know of and we know about, but we don’t know in-depth. We know their outer image, but it’s more of a caricature. We may not think of them as a complex individual with the same level of joy, pain, and experience that we have.
A person becomes “3D” when we spend time together. By talking, laughing, eating, and being human together, we gain insight into their joys, pains, dreams, and fears. When we share life together, we become better able to see the image of God in the person before us and also recognize it within ourselves.
That’s also how we begin to understand each other’s potential. We recognize their capacity to love, create, and build relationships — and that those are qualities we share by virtue of being humans, created in the image of God.
Relationships that move from 2D to 3D begin the process of building community. And in community, where we recognize each other’s humanity, potential, and limitations, we can create safety and space for each other to thrive.
2. Developing Relationships and Belonging Requires Time
In more than 20 years with World Relief, I have seen thousands of people resettled and thousands more immigrants become a part of the World Relief community in Chicagoland. And I have experienced the many ways that being together in community is rewarding and transformative for all involved. In my friendships with immigrants and refugees like Deborah, Jerome, Mohammad, Durmomo, and many others, I have gained an appreciation for the way that the image of God manifests in the creativity, wisdom, and compassion of those around me. Keep an eye out for an upcoming blog series from my friend Durmomo about this!
In each of these friendships, investing time with each other has transformed a 2D image in my head into a 3D understanding in my heart. I am deeply grateful for how these relationships and how we continue to shape each other.
3. Our Value as Humans Gives us the Right to Seek Safety
Christianity, and many other faiths, emphasize the fact that human life is precious. This common thread across cultures is backed up in the theological belief of Christians, that humans created by God and loved by Him, are valuable and important. When someone’s life is threatened, they should have the right to seek safety so that they can experience peace, a relationship with God and others, and the opportunity to use their God-given talents and passions. As Christians, we can protect that opportunity by creating a welcoming space.
I believe that together, we can form a movement to serve the vulnerable people among us. That includes extending safety to refugees and immigrants who have fled war, violence, and persecution and allows us to see the value in every human life. We welcome them. Whoever they are, wherever they come from, and whenever they arrive.
Continue reading:
Ali’s Story: A Refugee Pharmacist Using His Career to Give Back to Others
Finally, I’m Home: Raphael’s Story of 8 Years Waiting for Resettlement
Ali’s Story: A Refugee Pharmacist Using His Career to Give Back to Others
In 2010, a man named Ali AlQaisi arrived to the U.S. as a refugee from Iraq. At home in Baghdad, he had worked as a pharmacist. But when he and his family arrived to the United States, he faced the challenge of starting over entirely. He had to rebuild his life. He had to restart his career.
But the journey to gaining his credentials and returning to the health sector would not be an easy one.
The challenges could be easy to overlook In 2022, Ali is a clinical specialist with CVS Health and is board certified in geriatric pharmacy. By any standard, his is a story of massive success. He even won a 2021 Paragon Award, a recognition from Omicron of CVS Health that is “granted to an exceptional employee who best embodies the company’s values, is a model of excellence, and lives its purpose every day.”
But Ali is not just excelling in his career. Part of his mission is to help others in his community…so that all can succeed! One way he does that is by tutoring immigrant medical professionals preparing for pharmacy exams. Each person must pass the exam to practice in the United States, but this can be challenging to manage in a new language while working to support a family and navigating a new cultural environment. Ali walks with other immigrants as they study, and he helps connect them with internship and job opportunities so that they can grow in their careers.
“I know what an overwhelming experience it is to start over in a new country. If I can help ease the transition of one refugee, it is worth it.”
Ali AlQaisi, a refugee from Iraq
Hear Ali share more of his story below.
Fleeing Violence in Search of Hope
My family and I left our hometown in 2006 due to sectarian violence. This violence hits very close because I lost my dad to it. We left the country and went to Lebanon where we registered as a refugee with the United Nations. We waited there for four years and in 2010, we came to the United States.
I arrived here with my wife, my seven-month-old son, my mom, and my younger brother.
I can recall that day as the happiest day in our lives. It was also a day full of uncertainty and fear. As like with many other refugees, our main struggle was the language barrier, cultural gap, and adapting to the new system in the United States. When I say the new system, I mean every single detail in our daily life is a struggle for the immigrant and the new arrival.
When I came here, I was 30 years old, and I did not know how to get groceries or baby formula for my son.
I felt incapable of taking care of myself and my family. I look back and have no idea how we could have made it without the help and support we received from World Relief. World Relief was there from the first day as they waited for us at the airport. They provided us with everything we needed to settle down and they guided us step by step.
They provided ESL classes, helped us find jobs, they connected us with a community of well-established families and volunteers, and helped us adapt to the system.
A Career Pathway Back to Pharmacy
Our first year here, I worked in a factory. I was so happy and grateful to provide for my family while I was navigating a very complicated healthcare system in order to transfer my license as a pharmacist. Back then I did not know any foreign pharmacists who had gone through the same process, and this made it very challenging. I did not know how to start. I did not know when to start.
In June 2011, we had our second baby. At that time, I was preparing to take my first exam and I was so terrified and scared to fail that exam because the exam cost $800. I could not afford to lose $800 if I failed the exam, but my wife encouraged and supported me to take it. I took the exam and passed it. We were so determined to succeed. We did all that we could.
The first couple of years in the United States, we did not have a social life. We would work, study, and prepare to take exams. I worked seven days a week and studied for the exam. My wife took care of the kids and worked a part-time job while she was preparing to take exams.
In the beginning of 2014, I became a registered pharmacist in the state of Illinois. Today, I am a licensed pharmacist in 11 states and a board-certified specialist in geriatric pharmacy. My wife is a hospital pharmacy manager. We are blessed with three kids.
Giving Back as a Pharmacist
Since the first day our struggle ended, we made a commitment to support new arrivals and refugees on their journey.
My story is a great example of when you are helping an individual, you are not just helping one person, but you are helping the community. It has an exponential impact.
Leading From Where You Are
Ali demonstrates what it means to lead from where you are. He is actively engaged in the Chicagoland community using his professional expertise to help newly arriving refugees navigate the American health system, ensure they attend medical appointments, and reduce language and cultural barriers to support adherence to their treatment plan. And by supporting others in their careers, he is helping build a stronger community.
He is creating lasting change.
Continue reading:
5 Ways You Can Lead in Your Community
Partner Spotlight: Greg & Olivia Evans on “Who is my neighbor?”
A Reflection During Volunteer Appreciation Month
By Rachel Wassink, Volunteer Mobilization Manager at World Relief Chicagoland.
Along with the coming of spring and the celebration of Easter, April is when World Relief celebrates National Volunteer Appreciation week. A week when we recognize the profound impact of volunteers and the lasting change they bring to our communities.
Volunteers have walked alongside refugees and other immigrants through changes and challenges, but they have not lost hope. They know that creating change that lasts isn’t easy, but it’s possible when we move together.
What I’ve Seen
Over the past four years, I have had the joy of working with volunteers serving across Chicagoland in a variety of opportunities like Friendship Partners, Youth Tutors, Transportation Assistants, and more. I have seen volunteers give their time, resources, creativity, and expertise. All while maintaining a posture of humility and curiosity as they learn from our neighbors.
Amidst changes like COVID-19 and the surge of Afghan arrivals this past fall, volunteers have shown unwavering support. Their steadfast presence has been a constant encouragement to me as we move forward together.
One Volunteer’s Impact
There are unending stories I could share of how volunteers have made a lasting change. But there’s one that’s been at the front of my mind lately as I see buds on the trees bursting and daffodils sprouting up through the ground.
A family arrived in the spring of 2020 at the beginning of the pandemic. Soon they were matched virtually with a Friendship Partner volunteer. The family mentioned that one of their goals was to start a garden so they could have fresh food and be reminded of their garden back home. Over video calls and through a language difference, their Friendship Partner helped them make a list of supplies and create a plan for where to set up the garden. Their Friendship Partner collected some garden supplies from their church community and was able to drop off the supplies. Within a few days, they watched the family plant their garden virtually.
Fast forward to spring of 2021, and this Friendship Partner got to join the family outside to plant their garden once again! That simple act of service in supporting the family with their first garden bloomed into a joyful tradition.
You can make a difference
Volunteers walk alongside refugee and immigrant neighbors in dozens of small and big ways. Creating change that lasts, and we are so thankful for each and every volunteer. From gardening to navigating new systems to sharing a cup of tea, volunteers show up and make a difference.
To our volunteers that have been along for the journey – thank you for your generous service. And to those not yet on the team – you too can be part of this community of volunteers moving forward together in welcoming our neighbors and making change that lasts.
Read more about the impact of volunteers and how ordinary moments create a movement of change in our Year In Review: 2021 Year in Review | World Relief Chicagoland Annual Report
Partner Spotlight: Greg & Olivia Evans on “Who is my neighbor?”
When their children were school-age and began attending the neighborhood school right around the corner, Greg and Olivia Evans quickly realized something. The students their children were sitting next to in class did not look like them. From a distance, they watched school counselors and teachers meeting the needs of recently resettled refugees. They saw these students learning a new language and navigating a huge life change.
Connecting with World Relief Chicagoland
As they saw this, Olivia (and Greg) began wondering: “How can we be a part of this? Is there a way for us to give kids equal footing in the same way we want to provide for our own kids? Is there a way for us to help make a difference? And that’s where we met World Relief.”
From this point forward, the Evans’ partnership with World Relief has only expanded. They’ve brought multiple neighbors onto the journey with them. They had friends saying – “I can drive a car.” or “I can be of service.” In fact, their neighbor around the corner is still involved. He will say, “I’m doing an airport run tonight.”
For the Evans, it all comes back to the concept of loving your neighbor. Loving your neighbor can be grand or simple, and there is room for all of that in World Relief’s work. It’s just a matter of asking yourself, what will I do?
Answering “Who is my neighbor?”
One of the ways Greg and Olivia are responding is through financial partnership. Each year, they take time to talk with their kids. They talk about where they can have a tangible financial impact and what feels important to them. For the last several years, World Relief has been at the forefront of what is important.
Ultimately, for Greg (and Olivia) it comes back to the question: “Who is my neighbor? Everyone is my neighbor. How do I show love? In any way I can.”
Welcoming New Neighbors
World Relief Chicagoland relies on the generosity of partners, like Greg and Olivia, to welcome and walk alongside immigrants and refugees as they rebuild their lives. For over 40 years because of the generosity of others, World Relief has welcomed thousands of new neighbors helping them reach stability and responding in love.
Will you give to build welcoming and just communities for immigrants and refugees to thrive?
A Model for Corporate Partnership: GForce Life Sciences
At World Relief Chicagoland, we love working with partners in a holistic way especially when we share the core value of serving people in vulnerable situations. A holistic partnership is about more than writing a check (though it is one way to make an impact). It involves mobilizing people in your company to engage in a meaningful way that leaves a positive impact on everyone. We would like to highlight one of our corporate partners – GForce Life Sciences.
Moving Towards Impact
Their mission statement is to make an impact one person at a time. GForce Life Sciences was introduced to World Relief by President John Webber’s wife, Tricia. Tricia served as a volunteer and former staff with World Relief. The Webber family had a front-row seat to how challenging it is for refugees and immigrants to be dropped into the U.S. and forced to acclimate to life here immediately. They came to believe that partnering with World Relief was the right next step for them.
In addition to English classes, World Relief assisted with finding jobs, a home, classes and more. There are so many things that we take for granted like registering for school or navigating medical appointments. These were the things that Tricia got to help the families with. She also taught in World Relief’s “pre-school” while parents were taking ESL classes.
-John Webber, President and CEO of GForce Life Sciences
A Mutual Impact
In addition to the financial partnership from GForce Life Sciences, their team shows up to be part of Conversation Cafés. These cafés bring volunteers and English language learners together to practice English in a casual, yet guided setting. Every time John and his team join a Conversation Café they make an impact, bond as a team, and are blessed by their new friends. There are smiles for days.
GForce wanted to support WR financially, but to really “make an impact” we also wanted to invest some of our time. It’s made an impact, not just on our new neighbors from abroad, but on our team as well. They love it!
-John Webber, President and CEO of GForce Life Sciences
Exploring Your Impact
Another way that many companies partner with World Relief is through hiring refugees and other immigrants who are eager to work. World Relief has more than 30 years of experience connecting qualified, authorized, and reliable employees with leading companies in the United States. Through working with Employment Services, your company can find great employees and make a difference. We would love to work with you and your team.
When you partner with World Relief in a holistic way, you get to have a deeper impact.
Ready to Become a Corporate Partner?
Contact Carrie Woodward to begin the conversation and learn how.
Continue Reading:
Finally, I’m Home: Raphael’s Story of 8 Years Waiting for Resettlement
I Was No Longer Safe in My Country: Yomardy’s Story of Seeking Asylum
Celebrating International Mother Language Day
Perhaps like me, you were surprised and intrigued to learn that International Mother Language Day (IMLD) is a global celebration. First proclaimed in 1999 by UNESCO, the goal of the day is “to promote linguistic and cultural diversity and multilingualism.” This year, the theme of IMLD is about the use of technology in language education.
From hot spots and mobile devices to software and virtual classrooms, World Relief has used the power of technology to serve people from over 50 different languages and 100 different countries.
Here are a couple of the benefits of technology that we have seen.
Fewer Barriers to Learning
Hosting classes on zoom has removed barriers like transportation and childcare. Now parents with young kids, immunocompromised individuals, and families that are still in need of a car can learn English. Breakout rooms give students opportunities to connect with one another. Sometimes students join from their apartment, a public park, or in their car. It is so special to see them finding joy and comfort in their classroom communities.
Volunteering is More Accessible
From all over Illinois, the community of volunteers supporting and contributing to vibrant online classes is inspiring. People, like you, log on regularly and find a place to make a difference. In addition to virtual classes, there are virtual tutoring opportunities to help students become better at navigating everyday life in the United States.
Learning English is a vital step to help someone navigate life in the United States. The ability to speak English empowers immigrants to read signs at grocery stores, contribute to parent-teacher conferences, comprehend medical appointments, and so much more. While learning English is necessary here in the United States, I believe that different languages are a beautiful gift from God that should be celebrated. A quote that Teacher Ashley Heredia shared with me captures some of this sentiment.
“Language is the road map of a culture. It tells you where its people come from and where they are going.”
-Rita Mae Brown
Many of the people in our English classes have powerful and beautiful stories. It is a joy to find yourself in a community with people who are different from you. When you experience being welcomed by someone in their mother language, it is an honoring and beautiful moment, one I hope to never take for granted.
Celebrating Languages
Check out this quick video of one of our classes sharing how to say “welcome” in their mother languages. And then consider how you could get involved in virtual English education.
Other Volunteer Stories:
My Life Motto: Becoming a Wounded Healer
The Volunteer and Refugee Friendship Helping Both Friends Succeed
Afghan Resettlement Q&A with Executive Director Susan Sperry
As you likely saw in the news, US troops have withdrawn from Afghanistan, leaving many questions as to what happens next. We want to share with you how World Relief Chicagoland is responding and how you can help. To help answer some of these questions, we sat down with Susan Sperry, Executive Director of World Relief Chicagoland in a Q&A to explain what’s happening.
Q&A About Afghan Evacuation
What happens now that U.S. troops have withdrawn from Afghanistan?
Even though the US military is no longer present in Afghanistan, World Relief Chicagoland will continue to advocate for the evacuation of Afghan allies and their families. Just as any of us would flee an unsafe environment, we anticipate that those at risk will seek every available opportunity to leave Afghanistan.
We know that thousands of Afghans were evacuated so far. And they are arriving in one of two ways. For those who have yet to complete a full security screening, they are initially going to an external location like Qatar, before arriving in the United States in order to complete the security requirements of the United States. For those that already have been screened and approved as a refugee or received a Special Immigrant Visa (see footnotes), they are coming directly to the United States. As they arrive, many families receive initial orientation at US military bases prior to being connected to resettlement organizations like World Relief Chicagoland.
How many Afghans do you expect to arrive in Chicagoland?
Currently, we are preparing to welcome 150 Afghans in the weeks and months ahead. Some Afghans will have refugee status, others with Special Immigrant Visas, and others under humanitarian parole (see footnotes). These new neighbors would be in addition to the 700+ refugees from all over the world we are preparing to welcome this coming fiscal year (October 1, 2021, to September 31, 2022.)
Can you share more about refugees, Special Immigrant Visa holders (SIVs), and humanitarian parolees? How does each status impact an Afghan’s access to resettlement support?
It is important to remember that all the Afghan people coming are fleeing for the same reasons; they fear retaliation for their support of the US Military, their religious affiliation, gender, or human rights activity. They also need the same support when they arrive in the United States; housing, food, connections with a job, English language support, school connections, healthcare, and other vital services. At World Relief, we plan to assist all Afghans we resettle with these vital services. We expect this group in particular to need additional support.
How can I make the biggest impact?
The biggest impact you can have is through engaging for the long term. We are at the beginning of a large-scale emergency response with long-term realities. We know it takes many years for refugees to rebuild their lives. And we expect that this will be no different for those arriving from Afghanistan. They have experienced such recent trauma and loss! Because of that, they will need our community’s support, both now and in the years to come.
What are the volunteer opportunities?
We expect the need for volunteers will grow in the months and years ahead. That is because we expect to resettle refugees from Afghanistan as well as other countries. Volunteers can support as English tutors, friendship partners, helping with transportation, and more. We believe that everyone has a part to play in building a welcoming community. Our website is the best place to start the volunteer journey.
Because we are working to connect everyone with a way to serve, we ask for your patience if it takes a little longer than usual due to the abundant responses we’re receiving. And we are so grateful for that! As arrivals of Afghans and other refugees increase over the weeks and months ahead, we expect these opportunities to serve will also increase.
What can be done now?
Building Welcome Kits, financial partnership, and advocacy are significant ways that you can help now. Gather a group from you church, family, or community to host a donation drive. Encourage friends and family to give. And join advocacy efforts. You can learn more about this here.
Where do I go to learn more, give, or get involved?
The best way for you to engage with World Relief is to visit worldrelief.org/chicagoland/afghan-allies.
This page shares opportunities for churches, volunteers, financial partnership, and more, and has links to helpful resources. It’s the best place for you to learn more about World Relief’s response! And to learn ways you can make the biggest impact.
Helpful Definitions
A refugee: someone forced to flee because of persecution, war, or violence. A refugee has a well-founded fear of persecution for reasons of race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group. Most likely, they cannot return home or are afraid to do so. War and ethnic, tribal, and religious violence are leading reasons why refugees flee. In the United States, UNHCR, the U.S. Government, and organizations like World Relief work together to ensure refugees receive access to benefits and other resources as they rebuild their lives.
Humanitarian Parole: a status granted to someone who is eligible to come to the United States on a temporary basis due to an emergency. This allows the individual time to pursue Permanent Legal Resident status in the United States.
What does SIV mean/what is an SIV? The Afghan Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) program was established under the Afghan Allies Protection Act of 2009. The intention of the program is to facilitate the expedited visa processing of Afghans whose lives were threatened as a result of their service alongside the US military. There are currently about 18,000 Afghan SIV applicants waiting to be processed and 53,000 family members in need of protection.
Thanks for reading this Q&A with Susan Sperry! Learn more about Afghan resettlement and how you can get involved here.
Double Your Impact for Those Fleeing Afghanistan
Because of your generosity, we were able to meet our matching gift in 48 hours! Thank you! You are helping to transform the lives of our Afghan neighbors.
Your donations are helping bringing hope, healing and restoration right here in Chicagoland. And right now, you can double your impact.
Double Your Impact
Dollar for dollar, your donation to World Relief Chicagoland will be matched up to
$7,500
Check out the “why” behind the opportunity you have to double your impact by donating today.
Q: What inspired you to give?
A: In the early 2000s, we worked in Afghanistan, alongside many Afghans, and were floored by their warm hearts and open hospitality. The Afghans we met wanted the same things we want: education for their children, opportunities for work, and good healthcare, and it’s clear that they were striving to build a country where this would be possible. What’s happening now in Afghanistan is heartbreaking, and it’s our turn to open our hearts to the Afghan people. May our home be theirs as well.
Our hearts ache for those in Afghanistan – those who are in danger, those who are afraid, and those who are hurting.
The situation in Afghanistan is complex, and you might have more questions. If you want to learn more, volunteer, or donate specific items, please visit Helping our Afghan Allies. This is an urgent need, but with your help, we can welcome these new neighbors and help them rebuild their lives.
*Donations made through our online donation form will be matched dollar for dollar.
Volunteer Impact Video: Abdul and Yao
As a trained nurse and child development worker from a country in West Africa, Yao came to the United States on a scholarship to gain further education in psychology and counseling. He brought those skills to his work as a volunteer tutor with World Relief, where he met a little boy named Abdul who changed everything.
Watch a Volunteer Impact Story
Yao and Abdul only had a few tutoring sessions before the COVID-19 pandemic hit. But then, in the midst of the crisis, World Relief’s community of volunteers and donors like you came together to respond.
In a coordinated effort, World Relief provided a way forward. For the community to provide tangible needs. For Yao and Abdul’s tutoring sessions to continue. To connect Abdul’s mother to an English tutor. And to help Abdul’s father secure a new job doing electrical assembly for air conditioners. You can read Abdul and Yao’s full story here.
Abdul’s family faces a long road ahead. But a volunteer tutor and the generosity of other donors and volunteers is helping them slowly rebuild. Eventually, they will regain their sense of home. Their sense of belonging.
When World Relief matches tutors and students, it is with a firm belief that not only will the student’s life and education will improve, but the tutor will be transformed too. The stories of volunteers like Yao are examples of that transformation.
When you volunteer with World Relief, you gain the chance to connect. You can extend a warm welcome to someone different from you. You might be surprised by what you learn from the hospitality you receive in return.
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